Derek Eagle LaRance is the localization production executive at Cherokee Film, overseeing the dubbing and subtitling of popular TV and film content into the Cherokee language. He has played a key role in developing business strategies to better serve Indigenous customers across various industries, including entertainment, tech, health, education, policy and economic development. Derek is the former head of Amazon’s Tribal Affairs Office, where he increased engagement with First Nations globally. Recognized as a vocal advocate for private investment and economic development in Indigenous economies, he received the Corporate Advocate of the Year award from the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) in 2023. In 2022, he helped launch Indigitize, a nonprofit partnered with Amazon aimed at bringing computer science education to Native nations across the U.S. Derek currently serves on the board of directors for the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education, the congressionally chartered nonprofit for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Taking IT Global, focused on increasing First Nations student outcomes in Canada. He also served as the VP of the Indigenous@Amazon affinity group. A descendant of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Derek graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and led units across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. He now resides with his family in Owasso, Cherokee Nation.

Derek Eagle LaRance

Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Localization Production Executive
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