Workforce Development

Workforce Development: Building the Human Capacity to Rebuild Tribal Nations

A growing number of tribal nations are designing innovative approaches to cultivate the abilities of their citizens to successfully pursue careers that will empower those nations to create the futures they seek. NCAI’s Partnership for Tribal Governance (PTG) has embarked on a project that works collaboratively with tribal nations to document their innovative approaches and share them with Indian Country. The project also seeks to identify common challenges, emerging trends, and effective strategies across tribal workforce development efforts. Titled “Workforce Development: Building the Human Capacity to Rebuild Tribal Nations,” the project is made possible in part by a grant from the Northwest Area Foundation.

As part of the project, PTG developed in-depth case studies of four tribal nations: the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Gila River Indian Community, and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Accompanying the case studies are video recorded interviews and presentations featuring representatives of these nations explaining their innovative approaches to workforce development.

In addition, PTG produced a decision-making toolkit for tribal leaders and workforce development practitioners to use as they assess their workforce development approaches and determine how best to strengthen them. The toolkit features lessons learned, policy recommendations, and questions for tribal policymakers to consider regarding key aspects of workforce development.

Also, PTG recently released a new federal policy brief featuring a comprehensive set of key recommendations for the federal government to adopt as it supports tribal nations, Native organizations, and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) as they design, refine, and strengthen their workforce development efforts. 

The PTG is sharing these and related resources on tribal workforce development through NCAI’s website, its YouTube channel, and ongoing webinars.

NCAI Policy Brief on Workforce Development
Empowering Tribal Workforce Development: Indian Country’s Policy Recommendations for the Federal Government (Version 2.0)

“Innovation Spotlight” Case Studies
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Coeur d'Alene Tribe
Gila River Indian Community