Susan Harness: Heritage Speaker

Susan Harness is the author of Bitterroot: A Salish Memoir of Transracial Adoption and High Plains Book Award winner in the categories of Indigenous Writer and Creative Nonfiction. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, her interest in transracial adoption in general, and American Indian transracial adoption specifically, extends well beyond the academic.  She has […]

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Fort Collins, Colorado
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

  • American Indian Transracial Adoption
  • Lifescapes and Landmines of American Indian transracial adoption: A Personal Narrative
  • Bourdieu and Child Placement: Why the Indian Adoption Project didn’t pan out.
  • Historical Trauma and Child Adoption: What happens when the fabric rips?

Susan Harness is the author of Bitterroot: A Salish Memoir of Transracial Adoption and High Plains Book Award winner in the categories of Indigenous Writer and Creative Nonfiction. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, her interest in transracial adoption in general, and American Indian transracial adoption specifically, extends well beyond the academic.  She has […]

Susan Harness is the author of Bitterroot: A Salish Memoir of Transracial Adoption and High Plains Book Award winner in the categories of Indigenous Writer and Creative Nonfiction.

A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, her interest in transracial adoption in general, and American Indian transracial adoption specifically, extends well beyond the academic.  She has recently appeared on the TEDxMileHigh stage (Adopting a Child of a Different Race?  Let’s Talk…), and  interviewed by Ryan Warner of Colorado Public Radio, Corine Lesnes of Le Monde, Isaac Himmelman of HuffPost, and Rose Aguilar of KALW- San Francisco, as well as many others.

The issue of American Indian transracial adoption is beginning to receive a lot of scholarly attention, specifically from the perspective of the adoptee.  Susan has been speaking on this topic since 1993.  Academically, she has been presenting this information since 2006, as a panelist, a presenter, a lecturer, a keynote speaker and as a writer.

Most recently, Susan Harness worked with the Denver Indian Child Welfare Field Office of the Casey Family Foundation informing the people whose jobs determine then determining American Indian child welfare practices of the importance of Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.

Using her research and her personal story, Susan Harness will discuss the historical policies that have most affected American Indian families, their purpose to undermine Native society and culture, specifically the removal of American Indian children for placement into non-Native families.

Ms. Harness’s experience as a keynote speaker, invited conference speaker and panelist for dozens of organizations has raised awareness in the need for transracial adoption reform.

Born in Montana to a family living on the Flathead Indian Reservation, she became a transracial adoptee at the age of two when she was removed from her home by a social worker because of “neglect.”  Bitterroot: A Memoir of Transracial Adoption (Released October 1, 2018 from University of Nebraska Press), is a sweeping examination of her life that explores the uneasy intersection of race, history and the brutal government American Indian policies that affect the lives of her and her families.

Bitterroot is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, as well as many other booksellers worldwide.  Signed copies are available.  To request, please fill out the contact form on this site.  Also, Bitterroot will be coming out in paperback on March 1, 2020!

Susan Harness received her B.A. in anthropology from the University of Montana,her M.A. in cultural anthropology from Colorado State University in 2006, and her M.A. in creative nonfiction in 2016, also from Colorado State University.

She is the also author of Mixing Cultural Identities Through Transracial Adoption: After the Indian Adoption Project (1958-1967).

Susan Harness is still very much involved in the issue of American Indian transracial adoption and continues to write and speak nationally and internationally about this topic as well as about American Indian assimilation policies and practices.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Susan Harness | Heritage Speaker

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (60)
Erin O'Flaherty - Erin O Flaherty

Erin O Flaherty stands as a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy in the realm of professional speaking. Crowned as Miss Missouri, she brings a profound and multifaceted narrative to the stage, intertwining her journey as a LGBTQ+ advocate with her passion for suicide prevention. With a compelling presence and an unwavering commitment to her […]

  • Travels from: Orlando, FL
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (39)
Srinivas Rao

Srinivas Rao is a visionary in the realm of creativity and AI. As the host of the acclaimed podcast, The Unmistakable Creative, he’s interviewed over a thousand thought leaders, gleaning profound insights on creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of AI. Srinivas Rao His bestselling book, The Art of Being Unmistakable, has inspired thousands of […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (64)
Dr. Patty Malone

Dr. Patty Malone stands as an expert and authority in the realm of workplace communication, dedicated to facilitating organizations in achieving profound results, heightened productivity, and enhanced profitability through the conduit of clear and effective communication. In a landscape where miscommunication and misunderstanding drain companies of an astounding $37 billion annually, Dr. Malone’s commitment to […]

  • Travels from: Fullerton, CA
  • Communication Speakers
  • (34)
  • (3)
Amy McWhirter

Amy McWhirter is a high-energy, charismatic event emcee known for her exceptional ability to connect with audiences and bring events to life. Whether hosting live, virtual, or hybrid events, Amy’s warmth, professionalism, and impeccable preparation make her a standout choice for corporate conferences, product launches, awards shows, and more. Amy McWhirter is not just an […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Event Emcee
  • (89)
The Braintrust Academy | Jeff Bloomfield | Driving Change

From humble beginnings on a midwest farm in central Ohio, Jeff Bloomfield has taken the life lessons from his storytelling “Papaw” (Grandfather) combined with his corporate career in Biotech and Neuroscience to create programs that allow you to discover how you’re truly wired for greatness and how to communicate in an authentic way to drive […]

  • Travels from: Mason, OH
  • Sales Speakers
  • (30)
Deborah Gilboa

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, affectionately known as “Dr. G,” stands as a beacon of resilience in today’s chaotic world. As a board-certified family physician, she brings a unique perspective to the table, merging medical expertise with a profound understanding of human psychology. Dr. G’s mission is clear: to empower families, educators, executives, and businesses with the […]

  • Travels from: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Resilience Speakers
  • (30)
India Arie

India Arie is a four-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She has sold over 10 million records worldwide. Her new short film “Welcome Home – Crazy/Sacred Space” was created to help calm the nation and bring focus to wellness, peace, tranquility and calmness during the pandemic. Being a fierce spiritual warrior navigating […]

  • Travels from: Nashville, TN
  • Empowerment Speakers
  • (28)
Captain Larry Brudnicki

Captain Larry Brudnicki experience as the real-life Captain of the Coast Guard ship that performed two dramatic rescues during the Perfect Storm amount to only 100 hours of a 30-year career of assessing risks, making decisions and inspiring teamwork. Captain Larry Brudnicki retired from the Coast Guard in March 2002 after 30 years of active […]

  • Travels from: Concord, NH
  • Leadership Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel