On July 1, 2000, the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) became effective, replacing the federal Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Under WIA, Native American Programs are authorized as national “set-aside” programs under Section 166 of the Act. In carrying out its mandate and objectives, the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs operates a WIA Section 166 workforce development program that targets the needs of unemployed, underemployed and low income American Indians in North Carolina.

In its provision of Section 166 WIA services, and consistent with WIA law and regulations at 20 CFR §668.300, program applicants who are enrolled members of state or federally recognized tribes, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians may be provided services through the workforce development program of the Commission of Indian Affairs.

The ultimate goal of our assistance and services is to:

1. Increase academic, occupational, and literacy skills among the American Indian population;
2. Increase American Indian workers’ abilities to be competitive in the workforce, thus helping them to achieve personal and economic self-sufficiency; and
3. Promote the social and economic development in North Carolina Indian communities.

Under WIA, the Commission’s service area includes 59 of the state’s 100 counties. The remaining 41 counties are designated among six other Indian grantees in the state: Cumberland County Association for Indian People; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Guilford Native American Association; Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe; Lumbee Regional Development Association; and Metrolina Native American Association. Commission of Indian Affairs WIA assistance is provided via field offices and staff located within the Indian communities.

Commission WIA Services

In the Commission’s Comprehensive Services Plan (CSP) for its Section 166 program operation, the program is designed to provide Classroom Training, Work Experience, and Job Search and Placement Assistance services to eligible clients. In addition to these services, the WIA program may provide supportive services such as employment related services, transportation assistance, temporary housing assistance for trainees, etc. Supportive services may be provided to overcome barriers to employment or training that have been identified in a client's individual training and development plan, or through an appropriate contract, referral, or follow up service.

For additional information, contact Program Director Elk Richardson at 919-789-5900 or Elk.Richardson@doa.nc.gov.

Workforce Development Staff