About Me

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Piviishiv, Nahishivi Zachary Blackowl, Nahistah El Reno, OK, Natsistah naa nahitaiwo’iv, Ipiva’tsihvoomatis

I’m Zachary Blackowl, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, my Cheyenne name is “Netse Ohovovohahste” Which means “Spotted Eagle”. I’m passionate about helping others by sharing my story and building stronger communities. My journey has been shaped by both struggle and growth, and through it all, I’ve learned the power of embracing vulnerability and advocating for mental health.

As a motivational speaker and advocate, I work to uplift Indigenous voices, foster unity within our communities, and create spaces where every person feels seen and heard. Whether I’m speaking to a crowd, leading a workshop, or simply connecting with individuals, my goal is to inspire meaningful change and bring us together.

Thank you for visiting my site. I invite you to explore and learn more about the work I do—and how, together, we can create a brighter future for all of us.

I was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, but El Reno has always been my home, shaping the person I’ve become.  I went to Darlington Public School, just outside of Concho, OK, before graduating from El Reno High School. My roots are deep in this community, but life has taken me on a journey that pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.

At 18, I got my first job at Polo Ralph Lauren in Oklahoma City as a Sales Clerk. It was my first real step into adulthood—learning how to navigate the professional world and connect with people from all walks of life. After that, I worked as a Personal Banker at City National Bank and Trust in El Reno, where I gained valuable experience helping others with their finances. This set the stage for my future, but soon enough, I felt called to do more for my tribe.

I joined the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Gaming Commission as a Licensing Agent/Background Investigator and was promoted to Supervisor at 21. I took pride in maintaining a 100% compliance rate with the National Indian Gaming Commission and passing every audit. These experiences taught me responsibility and dedication, but they also fueled my passion for serving my people. Later, I spent three years as a Staff Accountant for Lucky Star Casino, where I learned the ins and outs of tribal finances—how gaming revenues fund essential programs and the impact of financial stewardship on our community.

In the middle of all that, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life—I moved to Oklahoma City and lived there for six years. It was only an hour away, but it felt like I was stepping into a whole new world. I made friends from all over, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. For someone who grew up on the “Rez,” moving to the city was a huge step. I experienced new cultures, explored different perspectives, and grew as a person. Those six years shaped me more than I could’ve imagined, teaching me independence and resilience.

But then life took a sharp turn. In 2022, my mom passed away from cancer. It shattered me. I had to take time off to grieve, to heal, and figure out how to move forward. I picked up a job as a Server at Fassler Hall to keep things going financially, but my heart wasn’t in it. Losing my mom forced me to confront some of the deepest parts of myself—my grief, my pain, and the reality of losing someone who meant everything to me.

Eventually, I found my way back to the tribes to work. I joined the Health Education/M-Power Program as a Tobacco Prevention Specialist, focusing on promoting healthier lifestyles and tobacco cessation in my community. This role brought me back to what I love—helping people heal, advocating for wellness, and creating change.

Now, I’m the Community Outreach Specialist for the 988 Tribal Response Program, a job that has allowed me to grow as a speaker, a leader, and an advocate for mental health. This role is incredibly personal to me. After my mom passed, I was struggling and called 988 myself. That call changed everything for me, and now I’m using my experience to help others who might be facing the same struggles.

Family is the core of my life. My sister has been my biggest supporter through everything, my dad continues to be a source of strength, and my dog Roscoe is always there to keep me grounded. My journey has been filled with highs and lows, but through it all, I’ve learned the power of vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to grow.

Life doesn’t always go as planned, but that’s where the growth happens—in the unexpected moments, in the challenges that push you to be more than you thought you could be. I’m learning to embrace those moments, take care of myself, and keep moving forward—because this journey is far from over.

My vision is to foster a future where Indigenous communities are empowered to embrace vulnerability, break the silence around mental health, and come together in unity. Through sharing lived experiences, inspiring change, and promoting healing, I aim to build stronger, more connected communities that prioritize mental well-being, resilience, and leadership. I envision a world where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported in their personal journey, and where Indigenous voices lead the way toward a healthier, more inclusive future.

Values

1. Vulnerability: I believe in the power of openness and honesty. True strength comes from sharing our struggles and finding support in one another. I aim to inspire others to embrace their vulnerability and see it as a source of empowerment.

2. Community: Our communities are at the heart of everything I do. I am committed to bringing people together, fostering connection, and promoting unity within tribal communities and beyond. We are stronger when we stand together.

3. Resilience: Life’s greatest challenges can lead to our most profound growth. I value resilience in the face of hardship and believe in using our struggles to fuel positive change and healing.

4. Empathy: I approach all of my work with compassion and understanding, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique. By leading with empathy, I strive to create spaces where people feel safe and supported.

5. Innovation: I am dedicated to finding new and innovative ways to engage, inspire, and uplift communities. Whether through motivational speaking, mental health advocacy, or community-building initiatives, I believe in pushing boundaries to create meaningful impact.

6. Cultural Pride: As a proud member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, I value my heritage and aim to uplift Indigenous voices and traditions. I believe that embracing our culture strengthens our identity and enriches our communities.

Together, through these values, I work to inspire change, promote healing, and build a brighter future for all of us.

Throughout my life, I’ve dedicated myself to serving both my community and broader causes through volunteer work and civic engagement. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to several political campaigns, including those for president, congress, state offices, and tribal elections. These experiences have deepened my understanding of leadership, community needs, and the importance of civic participation.

In addition to my political volunteer work, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring students at El Reno Elementary Schools, guiding young minds and helping them build confidence and leadership skills. I also serve as the Voter Registration Coordinator for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, where I work to ensure our community has access to their right to vote and participate in shaping our tribal future.

These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of community involvement and the importance of advocating for change, whether through education, mentorship, or political action.