On Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021, Minnetonka—the 76-year-old white-owned company known for its moccasins—publicly apologized for appropriating Native culture and promised to make reparations. Guiding that work was Adrienne Benjamin, an artist, community builder, and, suddenly, reconciliation advisor. A member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Benjamin was thrust into the spotlight as news of Minnetonka’s reconciliation work made national headlines. “I wanted it to be deeper than an apology,” says Benjamin, who continues to guide Minnetonka’s efforts with the Native community, including workforce training, product development, and philanthropy. She’s also fielding calls from other brands in similar situations. “These companies can do the right thing. It’s changing the landscape of what it looks like in business.”

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