Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day 2024: A Reflection on Heritage and Community at Clutch Solutions

At Clutch Solutions, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, especially as a Native American Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). This day serves as an important reminder of the rich cultural history, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples across North America. It’s not just a day for remembrance, but for education, reflection, and action. 

Honoring Indigenous History and Heritage 

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we take time as a team to acknowledge and learn about the Indigenous territories that form the foundation of North America. The lands we live and work on have a deep, meaningful history tied to the many Indigenous communities who have stewarded them for centuries. At Clutch Solutions, we use this day to deepen our understanding of this history, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the cultures and traditions that continue to thrive today. 

We encourage our employees to participate in a variety of activities aimed at furthering this understanding. From attending virtual workshops and educational webinars to engaging with online Indigenous-led discussions and podcasts, we believe that learning is an ongoing process that helps foster respect and unity. Through these opportunities, we ensure our team stays connected to the heritage of Indigenous peoples, honoring their legacy not just today, but every day. 

Commitment to Education and Empowerment 

As part of our ongoing dedication to diversity and inclusion, Clutch Solutions invites our team to attend online workshops throughout Indigenous Peoples’ Day. These sessions provide opportunities to learn directly from Indigenous voices about their cultures, histories, and current challenges. This continuous education fosters awareness, helping us stay connected with the communities we proudly support. 

Supporting Tribal Organizations and Supplier Diversity 

At Clutch Solutions, we proudly support over 100 tribal organizations by not only enhancing their IT environments but also helping them achieve their supplier diversity goals. As a Native American-owned company, we deeply understand the unique challenges and opportunities Indigenous communities face, and we are committed to empowering them through technology solutions that drive growth and innovation. Our partnerships go beyond IT services—we actively collaborate to strengthen their supplier diversity efforts, aligning with their goals and reinforcing our own commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry. “Our dedication to supporting Native American communities extends beyond technology. We work closely with them to enhance supplier diversity, creating lasting opportunities and building a more inclusive future,” states Minority Business Development Manager, Damien Norwood. 

Our CEO, Garrette Backie, a proud member of the Michigan Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa tribe, often emphasizes the significance of the Seventh-Generation philosophy—a principle focused on making decisions that positively impact future generations. As Backie often states, “Organizations should support Native Americans and other underrepresented groups, not for financial gain, but because it’s the right thing to do.” His leadership and dedication to Indigenous communities continue to inspire and guide the Clutch Solutions team, ensuring that we build sustainable partnerships and create lasting, meaningful impact. 

Giving Back to Our Communities 

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day goes beyond reflection—it’s about action. At Clutch, we are deeply committed to giving back to Indigenous communities through our partnerships with organizations such as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and the San Carlos Apache Community. We’re dedicated to supporting initiatives that drive educational and economic growth in Indigenous communities, furthering opportunities for the next generation of leaders, scientists, and innovators. 

Through our community outreach initiatives, Clutch Solutions is deeply committed to creating a positive, lasting impact by not only offering financial resources but also engaging in meaningful, hands-on projects that uplift Indigenous communities, particularly their youth. We believe that empowering the next generation begins with providing the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s world. One of the core ways that we contribute to this vision is through our partnerships with organizations such as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). By working closely with AISES, we help foster opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for Native American students and professionals, breaking down barriers and opening doors for future innovators.

Our efforts also extend beyond education. By actively engaging with communities like the San Carlos Apache Tribe, we not only provide financial donations but also dedicate our time through volunteer work and community-based support initiatives. This includes infrastructure projects, educational programs, and health and wellness activities. These efforts aim to bridge gaps in access to technology, education, and essential services, reinforcing our long-term commitment to supporting Indigenous advancement in all forms. At Clutch, we believe in creating pathways for sustained progress that honor the values of the Seventh-Generation philosophy—ensuring our efforts today continue to benefit Indigenous communities for generations to come. We are driven not by the prospect of financial gain but by the moral obligation to give back, uplift, and foster equitable opportunities for all underrepresented groups. 

Join Us in Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day 

As a Native American-owned business, Clutch Solutions proudly celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day by recognizing the invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples and encouraging our team to reflect, learn, and engage with this rich cultural heritage. We invite everyone to participate in local or virtual celebrations, experience Indigenous perspectives, and take steps to support Indigenous communities through meaningful action. 

By honoring this day and everything it represents, we continue to build on our mission of fostering inclusivity, promoting education, and supporting community-driven initiatives. Together, let’s celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day by standing in solidarity, learning, and giving back to the communities that have shaped the history and future of our world.