From new hires to those who have been with the Tribe for decades, one CPN department’s mission is to ensure that each of the Nation’s 2,100 employees feels engaged, heard and supported.
The Department of Employee Engagement and Advocacy was established in 2022 to support a positive, fulfilling and engaging experience for CPN employees through the implementation of activities that promote connectiveness between employees and the Tribe. Through the Employee Advocacy component, employees can enhance their personal and professional goals, expand their networking opportunities and foster positive relationships with colleagues.
“Few employers offer a safe space for employees to go simply to talk through workplace issues and receive honest and candid feedback and solutions,” said Employee Engagement and Advocacy Director Kelley Francen.
The department also helps employees navigate personal obstacles and towards finding success in all areas of life.
“One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had since joining this department was helping an employee through a really tough time,” said Employee Advocate April Carter. “We connected them with resources they didn’t even realize they qualified for, ensuring they got the support and benefits they needed. Not only did this make a huge difference in their life, but it also reinforced how much CPN values its employees. It was amazing to see how that support helped them stay with CPN and continue doing great work. Moments like that make me so proud to be part of this team.”
Programs
Beyond individual collaboration with employees, the department offers numerous programs to support and celebrate employees.
Quarterly Employee Longevity Luncheons celebrate employees at employment milestones anywhere from five years to 35 years with a catered lunch and presentation at the Grand Casino.
“There’s something really special about seeing employees who have dedicated years — even decades — to CPN get the recognition they deserve,” said Carter. “You can see how much it means to them to be celebrated, and hearing their stories about their time with the Tribe is always inspiring. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact CPN has on people’s lives, and I love being a part of that.”
The department also now oversees the NOEK Leadership Program, a curriculum of professional and personal development based on the teachings of the Noek Nmeshomesek (Seven Grandfathers). Each year, a cohort of 10-15 employees is selected by nomination to participate in the program, but the program is just as transformational for Francen and Carter as it is for the participants.
“I have so many meaningful moments watching participants grow, not only as leaders, but also as individuals,” said Francen. “I have never been more honored than to lead and facilitate the leadership development program and walk the journey with such amazing people.”
“While facilitating the program, I found myself learning alongside them — gaining new insights, growing in confidence and strengthening my own leadership skills,” said Carter. “Watching the participants step into their potential has been inspiring, but what I didn’t expect was how much I would personally take away from the experience.”
During Employee Appreciation Month in September, the Department of Employee Engagement individually selects over 1,400 gifts which are raffled off through a drawing of 65 employee names daily throughout the month.
Francen has seen a mother select a watch that perfectly matched one that her son had requested, a mother and daughter pair select an air fryer to help them with their goal of eating healthier and cooking together, and many other instances of employees selecting items for a parent or sibling rather than for themselves.
Another initiative that has unexpectedly taken off into an enormously meaningful one for both the department and employees is a birthday card initiative. Each month, Francen and Carter hand write and decorate 200 birthday cards to mail to employees. Every employee receives a card during their birthday month.
“This is our second year to do this, and we still get phone calls, emails and personal visits thanking us,” said Francen.
“It’s a reminder that sometimes, the little things make the biggest difference,” said Carter.
Positive impact
“It’s hard to pick just one (initiative)” that has had the biggest success, said Carter. “They all matter.”
The best part for her is hearing directly from employees about how much they appreciate being recognized and supported.
“We don’t need surveys to gauge success,” she said. “We hear it in meaningful conversations we have with employees who tell us how our programs and initiatives have impacted them in a real, tangible way. That’s what makes this work so rewarding.”
Carter and Francen also find inspiration and partnership from each other as they provide support to so many individuals.
“This is all something that April and I do together,” Francen emphasized. “To work with April and watch her grow in confidence and wisdom has been a beautiful honor.”
“There’s something about navigating challenges, brainstorming ideas, and celebrating wins together that creates an unshakable bond,” said Carter. “I couldn’t ask for a better person to be on this journey with. At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure people feel valued and supported,” said Carter. “I’m beyond grateful to be part of a team that’s doing exactly that.”