November is National Native American Heritage Month

November is recognized as National Native American Heritage Month and is a time to honor the rich history of American Indians and Alaska Natives in our nation. For OFCCP and its Indian and Native American Employment Rights Program (INAERP), this commitment extends beyond the month of November and continues throughout the entire year.

This November, as the nation battles COVID-19, OFCCP recognizes those frontline workers and federal contractors trying to reduce the impact coronavirus has had on the 574 federally recognized tribes across the United States. In response to the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, OFCCP and INAERP have increased outreach to federal contractors regarding their recruitment of tribal members. INAERP’s goal is to connect tribal members with job opportunities as many tribes have closed their reservations and businesses to reduce the spread of the virus.

OFCCP and INAERP remain dedicated in their 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 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.

Companies may contact INAERP directly at 1-844-206-1836 or OFCCP-INAERP@dol.gov with questions and for help locating recruitment sources that align with their employment needs.