“In 2021, the Morris-Jumel Mansion began a project to incorporate Indigenous history into the stories we tell at the historic site, understanding that in order to fully represent these narratives, we needed to undertake some systemic changes at the organization and approach the work from the ground up. We worked with Heather, who provided a framework for us to not only acknowledge the history of settler colonialism, including the displacement, slavery, and genocide of Indigenous people, but helped us understand how that was and still is present at the museum and the surrounding region. Moreover, Heather has served in an advisory capacity, so we can thoughtfully develop interpretative and programmatic extensions of this work to infuse in the museum's activities. I would highly recommend working with Heather, who provides deep, personal knowledge and connections to this content, and whose warm spirit and passion for this work shines through.”

— Shiloh Holley, Former Executive Director, Morris-Jumel Mansion

“Heather is an impassioned speaker and educator who excels at enlightening broad audiences about historical and contemporary Indigenous topics. I had the pleasure of witnessing Heather's ability to inspire graduate students when I asked her to speak at an event within our Newberry Consortium in American Indian and Indigenous Studies but have also seen the impact she can have on those unfamiliar with Native histories through exhibitions she has curated and educational campaigns she coordinated on social media. She is a skilled collaborator who is as eager to teach as she is to listen and learn.” 

— Dr. Rose Miron, Director, D’Arcy McNickle Center for Native Studies at the Newberry Library

“If you’re looking for someone who can present on a sensitive topic in Indian Country with nuance and care, Heather Bruegl should be your go-to. Heather is that rare educator who can call people into the dialogue rather than push them to the outside of it without sacrificing the need for accountability, both personal and systemic. She has a talent for balancing the need for hard numbers and data with real humanity and story in order to give her audiences a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. As someone who has never missed the opportunity to bring her voice into a space when the need arose, I say again, for those in the back: if you’re looking for someone who can explain difficult things well, Heather Bruegl is the one you call.”

— Jasmine Neosh, law student- University of Michigan and Indigenous and climate activist

“Heather came to Brooklyn Law School on two separate occasions to discuss Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women/People and the Indian Child Welfare Act. In each session she used history and storytelling to correct false narratives and to bring light to these important issues. She encouraged the audience to engage with discomfort and to challenge the oppressive systems and structures that harm Indigenous communities to this day. Heather’s passion for her work is inspiring. She is brilliant, kind, and most importantly, a fierce advocate. I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to work with Heather, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from someone who is making such meaningful change through activism and education.”

— Sarah Corsico, Brooklyn Law School Student

“The University of Massachusetts Amherst is deeply grateful to Heather for her leadership as a key member of the Native Advisory Council. Her expertise is vital to providing recommendations to senior university leaders to enable the shaping of important campus policies, enacting strategies for increasing Native recruitment and retention, and improving campus climate for the Native community. As a consultant she works in a variety of capacities with our departments to provide guidance on a range of topics such as Native sovereignty and govt to govt relations, NAGPRA compliance, implementation of the campus Land Acknowledgement, and to deliver excellent educational programming on historical and contemporary Indigenous issues.”

— Emmanuel Adero, Deputy Chief Officer for Equity and Inclusion and Co-Chair of the Native Advisory Council, and Sara L. Russell, J.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Shared Services and Co-Chair of the Native Advisory Council

“The National Constitution Center is grateful to Heather for her interest and expertise developing inclusive learning experiences which broaden our collective understanding of ‘we, the people.’ As a consultant, she works with the institution to include indigenous histories in museum programming, provides inclusive narrative workshops for the Center's staff, and serves as an advisor on a variety of topics including inclusive language, the contemporary issues within Indigenous communities, land acknowledgements, and more. Heather has struck the perfect balance between scholarship and education to create meaningful programs for our audience.” 

- Madison Steele, NCC

On Racial Justice in America: Indigenous Peoples, Heather’s children’s book series published with Cherry Lake: “This noteworthy series sheds light on the often-overlooked history of Indigenous North Americans. With heartbreaking clarity, it unveils troubling post-colonization moments, such as the impact of Indian boarding schools aiming to eradicate Indigenous cultures in favor of a European, Christian lifestyle. The author, a member of the Oneida Nation, exposes a litany of historical horrors, including the struggles for citizenship, broken treaties, and the Indian Removal Act. Amid this unsettling history, readers discover the influential role of Native cooperative government in shaping the U.S. Constitution, celebrate Native American war heroes, and explore community involvement in modern politics. Despite delving into the darker aspects of history, the series is ultimately a testament to resilience. VERDICT A long overdue series.”