The people of the Yakama Nation has had a deep connection to the forest and their land for countless generations. The nation is utilizing their traditional ways to advance community economic development through conservation, selling timber, and educational advancement. The nation is creating jobs, advancing the nation’s economic capacity, and providing educational opportunities for their members.

The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (UMUT) known as the Weenuche Band of The Ute Nation, based in Towaoc, Colorado, has over 2,000 tribal members and is advancing food sovereignty and entrepreneurship. The Tribe will create a market that will provide healthy food options to locals and advance job opportunities.

a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based on the Pine Ridge Reservation, has a mission to promote economic sustainability and development for Native people. The CDFI is reaching across Indian country to serve its mission by shortening the gaps in housing and growing the Native home building and construction industry across all tribal Reservations in South Dakota.

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe established the Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation (PYDC) to diversify and strengthen the Tribe’s economy. Now the PYDC is continuing that mission by investing more into trade jobs and training. The PYDC has been granted $4 Million to support workforce development at the Pascua Yaqui Reservation and surrounding community.

This guide provides key allies and supporters of Native Nations and communities with how they and their organizations can grow partnerships with Native Nations, expand workforce development services, and support policies designed to expand the capacity of Native workforce development.