By Deana Butler, human resources manager
My father, Odean Hamilton, is a storyteller and his father, Bill Hamilton, was too.
I am Cherokee on my father’s side and have remained connected to my Cherokee roots through their shared stories. As a child, I remember learning about the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria, the three boats that Columbus sailed when he landed in the Americas.
That is how our cultural traditions are carried on – through storytelling.
I fondly remember one story about my uncle, Willard Hamilton, my father’s brother. From what I was told, he was quite the dancer! He attended powwows and was known for his energy, rhythm, and heart for dance.
I find myself being a storyteller, too. Previously, I worked with a large group of Cherokee women. They were very nice, but I felt intimidated because they were Cherokee-English bilingual. I know very little Cherokee, and I couldn’t keep up. Yet when I heard them speaking fluently, I felt a sense of pride at hearing a language I belonged to. Those women came to become some of my greatest friends.
They taught me how sacred family is and that our Native heritage unites us regardless of how much of the language we know today, color of our skin, or our blood quantum.
I am proud of the stories we pass on and of workplaces, organizations, schools, and communities’ more culturally responsible approach to supporting spaces that allow people to connect and share their heritage.
At Arvest, I have found our people-first culture to be one of the best qualities of our company. I am a member of Dreamcatchers, one of our eight Associate Impact Groups (AIGs). Any associates interested in advocating for and learning about Native American culture and topics may join.
As the incoming Group Chair for 2025, I am proud that a space like Dreamcatchers helps others feel connected and empowered to reach their professional goals while supporting their communities. Awareness of Native American culture, contributions, and richness are extremely important and contribute to our diversity of thought as an organization.
I have three sons, and my father now passes stories and teachings to them, like my grandfather did for me. It is beautiful to see Native heritage live on through them and celebrated through events like Indigenous Peoples’ Day; a day that celebrates our universal connection and the power of belonging.