Thanksgiving, Truth And Technology

Connecting the channel to indigenous innovation, sovereignty, and the future of data governance and digital equity.

The IT channel thrives on connection. We build ecosystems, manage partnerships, and shape the technologies that keep companies running. As we step into Thanksgiving week, it is worth pausing to widen the lens on the stories we hold, especially the ones tied to this season.

Thanksgiving is a time for rest and family. It is also a moment to acknowledge the fuller history of this holiday and the ongoing experiences of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Both realities can be true at the same time.

Why This Matters To The Channel

Indigenous communities are not only part of American history. They are part of our present and future in tech. Across the country, Indigenous nations are leading conversations that intersect directly with what we do in the channel. Those conversations include:

Digital access and equity. Broadband deployment, infrastructure investment, and rural connectivity continue to shape economic opportunities.

Sovereignty and data governance. Tribes are advocating for community controlled digital systems that protect cultural knowledge and privacy.

STEM education and representation. Native students remain underrepresented in tech pathways, yet many are building new models in coding, cybersecurity, and engineering.

Environmental resilience. Indigenous land stewardship connects with ongoing debates about energy, sustainability, and infrastructure across our industry.

For a community that talks constantly about transformation, this is part of the larger picture.

Reflection For Leaders And Teams

Thanksgiving offers a chance to connect with each other and ask deeper questions about the communities we impact and the histories we rarely name.

• How does your organization understand the Indigenous nations connected to the land where you operate?
• In what ways can channel partners support digital equity in rural and tribal communities?
• How can we expand the conversation about technology, so it includes Indigenous voices, expertise, and leadership?
• What might reciprocity, a core Indigenous value, look like in our partnerships, hiring approaches, and community investments?

These questions are not about rewriting the holiday. They are about broadening awareness as leaders who build the future of work and technology.

The channel is at its best when we stay curious, informed, and connected. Thanksgiving can remain a time for family, rest, and good food. It can also be a moment to reflect on the fuller story of this season and the communities whose leadership and resilience continue to shape the country.

As we enter the holiday, I hope we bring gratitude, intention, and context to the tables where we gather.

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