Public Speaking

An American Indian Keynote speaker, Darren is proud to have represented his heritage through presentations around the world, such as at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Conference, the National Indian Education Association's (NIEA) Annual Convention, the Association of American Indian Physician's (AAIP) Cross Cultural Medicine Workshop, the Wisconsin Statewide Equity & Multicultural Education Conference, and the Michigan Indian Education Council's Critical Issues Conference. His presentations have appealed to organizations and communities committed to community change, inspiring the next generation, and sharing American Indian cultural heritage. 

When speaking, Darren tailors his content to the interests and needs of the community he is serving. Coming from an underserved community, he shares personal experience of his travels and endeavors to engage his audience. He uses the American Indian success stories experience to inspire the next generation of Native leaders, a perspective very rarely shared, even among American Indian youth. Common speaking topics include: identity, entrepreneurship, cultural appropriation, contemporary Native social issues and - of course - music. 

Workshops

Darren has been working in the education field for over 10 years, starting with children from his own tribal community in the public school system. He then formed and lead a student organization as an undergraduate student at Marquette University, organizing community attended American Indian heritage celebrations that featured talents and dignitaries from throughout Indian Country. When creating workshops, Darren draws upon his professional experience as an organizer and facilitator to create content that is engaging and addresses community needs. His ultimate goal is to create a positive experience that will lead participants to more self-guided exploration of either their identity or American Indian identity. 

Darren has been a resource for the National Congress of American Indians, the Public Allies National Office, Native American Tourism of Wisconsin and has participated in cultural exchanges with people and organizations from all over the world. A host of an internationally attended workshop, Darren has already shared his music and dedication to the American Indian voice in Turkey, Australia, Canada, and throughout Indian Country. In 2010, Darren successfully created and delivered a cultural competence in healthcare training, meeting documented needs to address healthcare disparities in one of the most racially and economically segregated communities in the United States, Southeastern Wisconsin. This training was completed at the largest healthcare institution in the State of Wisconsin and was delivered to over 5,000 individuals over the course of 18 months.

Diversity for Teachers, Counselors and Administrators

With over 10 years of experience in education, Darren understands that serving a diverse population requires that individual understand and accept their own framework for viewing the world from their own cultural identity.

Darren uses his personal experience and personal story of finding his own identity to engage audiences to identify how their own cultural identity influences interactions with all people. Audiences are lead through discussions addressing stereotypes and generalizations through their own words and experience, creating unique, one-of-a-kind workshops each and every time. 

His goal when working with adult professionals is to provide a unique experience where each audience provides the content.

Arts Entrepreneurship Consulting and Coaching

Over the course of the last 10 years, Darren has grown from a beginning performing artist to a renowned American Indian voice in Native American music. He has accomplished his experiences and appearances without start up capital, industry connections or strong support. Through trial and error, he continues through genuine perseverance - something we all have. 

He has always been committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with emerging arts entrepreneurs and is available for trainings in the arts. He hosts an annual workshop in his home community, bringing avid learners from all over the world on his craft generating investment in Indian Country and support from organizations dedicated to sharing American Indian heritage. 

How to Inquire about Booking

If you're interested in booking Darren, start by reviewing his Schedule and the Speaking and Workshops FAQ pages before sending an email to darren@darrenthompson.net.  Please be sure to note your name/title, organizational affiliation, type of speaking engagement(s) and some general information about your target audience.

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