Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month

Celebrating the unique and rich history of American Indians and Alaskan Natives is a year-long commitment for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and its Indian and Native American Employment Rights Program (INAERP). This November, as we commemorate National Native American Heritage Month, it is especially important to recognize the frontline workers and federal contractors working with the 574 federally-recognized tribes across the United States to defeat the coronavirus. Many tribes have closed their reservations and businesses to reduce the spread of the virus. OFCCP and INAERP has responded to these economic challenges by stepping up our outreach to federal contractors regarding their recruitment of tribal members. INAERP regularly conducts virtual meetings with federal contractors and community organizations with the goal of connecting tribal members with those who have job opportunities.

We remain dedicated in our efforts to:

• Encourage federal contractors working on or near Indian reservations to implement Indian Preference in employment to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

• Focus on outreach and recruitment efforts between federal contractors and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). This includes promoting virtual career fair events for students and alumni of TCUs.

• Research Best Practices for our stakeholders who work on or near Indian reservations. The goal is to give federal contractors the tools they need to be successful in their efforts to recruit American Indians and Alaska Natives for job opportunities.

OFCCP’s INAERP staff are available to answer your questions and help your company locate recruitment sources that align with your employment needs. Contact INAERP directly at 1-844-206-1836 or OFCCP-INAERP@dol.gov.