Native American employment programs across US to receive $67 million for job training

$67M in grants go to Indian employment programs

HELENA, Mont. — The federal government will distribute $67 million to Native American groups in 41 states to provide job training for adults and at-risk youth.

Some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation are on reservations. Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Byron Dorgan of North Dakota has called it a chronic problem.

The Labor Department said Tuesday that $53 million will go to employment and training services for Native Americans who are unemployed or underemployed.

The rest, some $14 million, will target job training for at-risk youth in Native American communities.

The programs will provide job placement assistance along with academic, occupational and literacy skills training.

More than 250 tribes and Native associations will receive funding through the competitive grants.