Mission

This conference serves to recognize, educate, and empower the Indigenous members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Through internal and external organizing efforts, we will ensure that Indigenous Teamsters from coast to coast, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada are supported in our organization. We work to recognize the value of Indigenous People in the Teamsters organization and the value of the Teamsters to Indigenous labor.

Scott Wilkie, Founder

This conference was founded by Scott Wilkie (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) with the assistance of HRDC director, Anthony Rosa in 2024. Scott Wilkie is a business agent and communications director for Teamsters Local 638, which represents members in North Dakota and Minnesota. He has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and spends his free time working in Minnesota public education. Scott currently serves as a member on his local school board as well as his school district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee, which supports Native American students in the district while helping teachers write accurate and appropriate curriculum for Native American history. Every November he uses vacation time to travel throughout Minnesota as a keynote in schools, businesses, and organizations that are working to educate and empower our Indigenous communities. Money raised through these events goes directly to 501c3 non-profit efforts for Native youth in the Midwest.

“The efforts made through the Teamsters Indigenous Conference will create pathways for Indigenous youth into good-paying Teamster jobs where they will have respect and equality at work. Additionally, this conference will strengthen relationships within the Teamsters and with the Native communities where we work and live. I hope you will join us in this initiative.”

Chi-Miigwech,
Scott Wilkie
(952) 451-4682