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
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Jenna Banks is a dynamic force in the world of motivational speaking and personal development. As a best-selling author, professionally trained keynote speaker, event moderator, and facilitator, Jenna has dedicated her life to inspiring and empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential. Her unique brand of inspiration, coupled with her engaging presentation style, […]
Lisa Ford is a speaker with over 20 years of experience presenting to businesses, associations and government. She speaks throughout the United States and internationally on topics of customer service, leadership, team issues and change. Lisa is best known for her work in the areas of customer service. She is the author of the videotape series […]
Clara Durodié is a technology strategist specializing in the business and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services. She is internationally recognized for her expertise, advising Boards of leading financial institutions, think-tanks, governments, and academia. She also mentors AI startups on governance, funding and growth strategy. She is consistently named on numerous global lists […]
Dale Wilsher is a seasoned professional development expert, executive leadership coach, Certified Professional Life Coach (CPLC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Clinical Substance Abuse Professional (CCSP), motivational speaker, and DISC personality trainer. With a profound belief in the transformative power of mastering one’s meaning, Dale advocates for the pivotal role of authentic self-discovery and purpose […]
At 19, Jeremy Poincenot was just like any other sophomore at San Diego State University—enjoying life with friends, sports, and fraternity activities, all underpinned by his perfect 20/20 vision. However, life took an unexpected turn when Jeremy started losing his sight without any prior warning. Diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic […]
With a pivotal role in launching IBM’s Watson in 2011, a groundbreaking application of Artificial Intelligence on a global scale, Sol Rashidi has consistently been a trailblazer in the ideation, conceptualization, design, and development of Data & AI applications. Boasting over three dozen large-scale implementations and a remarkable record, Sol holds eight granted patents, with […]
First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]
Marci Shimoff, a renowned speaker, and leading expert in personal development, happiness, and success. With a captivating presence and profound insights, Marci Shimoff has inspired countless individuals worldwide to transform their lives and achieve greater levels of fulfillment and joy. Marci Shimoff | Transformational Leadership Background and Expertise Marci Shimoff is a New York Times […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
