Indigenous LBGTQIA Leader, Lawyer, and Advocate: Meet Tasha Fridia, National Director of Tribal Programs, Friends of the Children
Tasha R. Fridia, Pejuta Cangleska Win (Sacred Medicine Circle Woman) is an enrolled member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and is Kiowa, Caddo, and Hunka Oglala Lakota. Ms. Fridia makes her home in Porcupine, SD on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation.
As the National Director of Tribal Programs, she collaborates with tribal communities across Indian Country to implement the Friends of the Children mentoring model utilizing a culturally grounded approach. As owner of Fridia consulting, Tasha assists in policy development, code drafting, and lobbying for numerous tribes and organizations. Ms. Fridia works with various entities whose focus range from education equity to tribal economic development in hopes to further affect positive change in her community and beyond. Ms. Fridia is an American Express NGEN Fellow, a recipient of the 40 under 40 in Indian Country award, member of Native Leadership Oklahoma Class of 2020, and the inaugural class of Advance Native Political Leadership Training Program. Tasha donates her time serving on numerous boards.
Tasha is the legacy of many generations of activist and advocates dedicated to political, policy, and systems change. She strives to make her ancestors proud in everything she undertakes. Her most important job and greatest legacy is passing on the teachings of her grandmother Frances Wise, to her daughters Isabella and Kennedy.
Tell us about your personal/professional journey.
My journey both professionally and personally is guided by traditional Indigenous values imparted to me by my Wichita grandmother who raised me. She grounded me in a strong foundation of justice and equality. As a fierce activist, she modeled commitment to the greater good, fearlessness, and community building. Every day I work to be a good relative and affect positive change in every community I am a part of. My heart work is all things youth. I truly believe that they have limitless potential and their inherent brilliance holds the answers to overcoming some of the greatest challenges in our society.
What makes you a remarkable and inclusive leader?
I am accountable to both my ancestors and the future generations. My ability to put myself in others' shoes helps me be the best leader I can be. I wouldn't call it remarkable but, I know that my compassion and commitment to understanding others make my leadership style effective in identifying and amplifying the unique strengths and gifts of those I have the privilege to lead.
What advice do you have for others who want to break through barriers?
Be brave. Take chances. Believe you can.
How can GlobalMindED advance your goals as an inclusive leader?
While I am still learning about GlobalMinedED, one thing I know they do well is connecting people. By broadening my network, I am able to learn about new perspectives, approaches, and have diverse partners.
How has identifying as LGBTQIA+ influenced your personal journey?
I came out much later in life so that makes my experience very unique. I had to live under hetero "norms" and perceptions for a very long time. It gives me great insight into comparing my experiences from both perspectives. Ultimately, identifying as LGBTQIA+ has enhanced my personal journey by allowing me to be and understand myself and others in a more authentic way. It has also broadened my community, which I love.
