Susan Harness: Heritage Speaker
- Highlights:
- Travels from: Fort Collins, CO
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
Possible 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?
Read Full Bio
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
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (80)
- (4)
Michelle “Mace” Curran, a distinguished and inspirational keynote speaker based in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Michelle is not merely a pilot; she is a trailblazer who navigates audiences through captivating journeys woven with her rich experiences in the aviation industry. With an unwavering passion for flying and a gift for storytelling, Michelle leaves […]
- Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
- Motivational Speakers
- (58)
Josh Sundquist is a Paralympian, bestselling author, and Emmy-winning Apple TV+ storyteller whose videos have generated over one billion video views. He inspires audiences to live by his mantra 1MT1MT (One More Thing, One More Time). Your attendees will leave energized and equipped to: Foster forward-thinking amid market volatility Rebound from disappointment Do 1MT1MT to […]
- Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (13)
- (4)
Patricia Velásquez is an award-winning actress, humanitarian, entrepreneur, transformational keynote speaker, author, and mother. Best known for her iconic roles in “The Mummy”, “The Mummy Returns”, “Arrested Development”, and “The Curse of La Llorona”, Patricia also became the first Latina supermodel gracing the covers of major fashion magazines like ‘Vogue”, “Elle”, and “Harper’s Bazaar”. She […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Humanitarian Speakers
- (19)
- (2)
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, innovation and expertise are paramount. Dr. Daniel Kraft stands at the forefront of this dynamic field as a Stanford and Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, and innovator. With over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research, and healthcare innovation, Dr. Kraft has made significant contributions to the advancement […]
- Travels from: Stanford, CA
- Futurists Speakers
- (13)
Farnoosh Torabi can inspire your audience as a financial reporter, Farnoosh empathized with young professionals who felt financially drained and lost. Farnoosh will help educate and get you excited about taking control of your money. As more people are searching for answers, hope, and smart strategies around their money. She has become a frequent financial […]
- Travels from: Montclair, NJ
- Finance Speakers
- (58)
W Mitchell once guided passengers up the famous hills of San Francisco, as a strong and entertaining cable-car gripman. Amazingly, the same scenario holds true today! As an award-winning keynote speaker, he now guides audiences uphill and empowers them to take responsibility for life’s inevitable challenges and to embrace the power of taking charge. As […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Inspirational Speakers
- (21)
David Horsager, MA, CSP, CPAE, is an internationally recognized authority on trust, CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, and national bestselling author of The Trust Edge. He is the inventor of the Enterprise Trust Index™ and serves as the director of one of the nation’s foremost trust studies: The Trust Outlook™. Horsager has dedicated his […]
- Travels from: Saint Paul, MN
- Leadership Speakers
- (13)
DJ Pablo Bendr is an international music producer, DJ and pianist. His productions inhabit the terrain of melodic house, combining electronic dance elements with strong pop sensibility, featuring vocals from collaborating singers in the English and Spanish pop world. His songs currently rotate on several Top 40 radio stations across Chile, Argentina, Spain and California. […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Mobile DJ
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.