Rebekah K Dunlap Log 3

Since stepping into the Bush Fellowship, my path as a leader has been deeply enriched and redirected in ways I hadn’t anticipated. This journey has rooted my understanding of leadership in the principles of community, connection, and personal resilience, which are central to our Indigenous ways of living and leading.

Before the Fellowship, my leadership was mainly nurtured within my own community and familiar circles. While this foundation was strong, the Fellowship has expanded my horizon, introducing me to a diverse group of thinkers and doers. Each fellow I’ve met has shared their unique stories and visions, which has broadened my own perspectives and pushed me to think beyond the conventional. This exchange of ideas has been like sitting in a circle where every voice adds to the richness of the discussion, teaching me the value of diverse viewpoints in creating holistic solutions.

This experience has also taken me into public spaces I never imagined I’d be, from interviews with newspapers to turning down opportunities with big radios to ensure the right voices were heard. Each of these moments has not only increased my visibility but also tested and strengthened my ability to communicate our truths and stories effectively.

One of the most significant shifts in my leadership has been learning to lead not just with the mind but also with the heart and spirit. The personal experiences I’ve had since becoming a fellow, have taught me the importance of vulnerability and self-care. It’s shown me that sometimes, leading means knowing when to step back and let others step in, which is a powerful act of trust and balance.

Moreover, the Fellowship has deepened my commitment to my community. The conversations, the mentoring, and the new networks I’ve built have all reinforced my dedication to opening a birth center on our reservation—a dream that is now becoming a shared vision with others who believe in this cause.

In this Fellowship journey, I’ve learned that leadership is like a dance between leading and following, speaking and listening, acting and reflecting. It’s a role that constantly evolves, guided by the needs of the people and the wisdom of our ancestors. I am grateful for how this experience has molded me and excited about how I will continue to grow and serve.