FAQs

MIWI is a statewide collaboration that brings together Indigenous leaders, employers, educators, and community partners to build culturally grounded career pathways for Native people. Being part of the cohort means you join a network of people committed to creating workplaces and opportunities where Native talent can thrive.

The cohort welcomes allies, employers, educators, and workforce partners who are committed to supporting Indigenous talent with respect and reciprocity.

Cohort members gain access to shared learning, networking, culturally attuned training, and opportunities to partner on projects that strengthen Native workforce pathways. It’s also a chance to build authentic relationships with tribal nations and Native communities across Minnesota.

Project teams meet monthly (virtually), and the full cohort meets quarterly (virtually and in-person) to share updates, spotlight employers and educators, and advance projects such as Scrubs Camps, the Employer of Choice for Native Talent designation, and Indigenized workforce trainings.

“Indigenizing” means shaping programs and policies so they reflect Native culture, values, and sovereignty. For example, MIWI integrates Indigenous mentors into health care training camps, adapts curriculum to reflect Native perspectives, and creates tools that honor community ways of knowing.

There is no cost to join the cohort. Projects are supported through partnerships with state agencies, tribal nations, nonprofits, and other funding sources that share a commitment to Native workforce success.

Partner by sponsoring projects, offering internships or training for Native students, sharing job postings, or collaborating on events. We’re open to building relationships that align our mission with your business strategy.

No. While tribal governments are important partners, MIWI builds pathways into all sectors of Minnesota’s economy — health care, trades, manufacturing, technology, energy, education, and more.

No. MIWI complements existing programs by bringing an Indigenous lens, building bridges between tribal nations, employers, educators, and state systems so Native workforce priorities are fully included and advanced.

Employers gain access to a growing, underrepresented talent pool. By partnering with MIWI, businesses strengthen recruitment, improve retention, and build inclusive workplaces that reflect Minnesota’s diverse communities.

Closing workforce gaps with Indigenous talent helps address labor shortages statewide. When Native people thrive in meaningful careers, it boosts regional economies, strengthens tax bases, and supports long-term growth for all Minnesotans.

The designation signals real commitment to inclusion and workforce sustainability. It gives businesses an edge in attracting talent, building community trust, and demonstrating leadership in equity and economic development.