How Andre stays true to his heritage as a Native American independent worker

This is part of a series of stories we’re sharing about independent workers. Since November is Native American Heritage Month, we’re recognizing the unique stories of Native Americans who are self-employed. We spoke with Andre Hunt, a digital artist and Instacart shopper, to learn more about his experience as a Native American independent worker.

Hi, Andre! Tell us about yourself and what kind of self-employed work you do.

Hello! I currently live in New Hampshire, and I’m indigenous from my father’s side. Digital art has been a passion of mine since I was twelve, and I plan on making it a career in the future. I am currently self-employed delivering groceries to pay for college. This type of work resonates with me most, as it allows me to have a source of income without being bound to a strict schedule.

Are there any unique challenges you faced working for yourself as a Native American? If so, what were they and how did you handle them?

I remember walking up to a house with numerous heavy bags of groceries in my hands, patiently waiting for someone to answer the door. When I opened the door, wearing tribal earrings, the man standing in the door looked me up and down, and said aloud while grabbing the groceries from my hands, “You shouldn’t be wearing those out in public, bud.” 

With a lot of these encounters, my background is either dismissed on behalf of the misconception that I’m another white person with native ancestry that is only alleged, or the way I present myself is too effeminate from the eyes of traditionalists. 

I waited until he had all his groceries, and as he was shutting the door, I said aloud, “You’re entitled to your own opinions, but I’m entitled to my heritage. Have a good day.” I simply walked back to my car and left. 

In these experiences, I remind myself that for a person to act in this way toward someone they don’t even know—in the end, it has absolutely nothing to do with me. I wish him the best, but people must recognize experiences like this, as bringing awareness is progress in itself.

How about the other side of the coin: were there any advantages that being Native American provided when working for yourself?

If someone were to ever make me feel uncomfortable in any way, all that’s left to do is leave. That would be among one of the greatest luxuries of being self employed this day-and-age.

What advice would you give to fellow Native Americans who want to work for themselves?

Be safe out there! I could never categorize myself with those who are dark-skinned and have endured much worse circumstances than myself. Using your own car can offer you great opportunities for income, however, on behalf of going to various locations, I greatly encourage taking precautions.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Doing this type of work as a high school student has really helped me learn how to be more confident, as well as handling different types of people. It has been a great learning experience, and a lot can be learned from doing this type of work.

Thank you for sharing your story and advice with the rest of the Stride community, Andre! You can see more of Andre’s digital work on his Instagram.