Throughout Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Collin Smith of AFSCME.
Whether he’s operating the snowplow, responding to traffic accidents or filling potholes, Collin Smith—a highway maintenance worker for the New Mexico Department of Transportation—does everything he can to keep the roads safe, the same roads his family and neighbors drive on. Smith can draw his heritage back to the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and takes great pride in working to maintain the critical roads that run through New Mexico’s native communities, including the Pueblo of Isleta. As a steward for AFSCME Local 1211, Smith ensures that he and his coworkers have everything they need to do their essential work safely and effectively.