Diversity Training Aims to Increase Understanding of Tribal Nations

Tools

By Alden Downing

Story Published: Dec 5, 2007 at 8:54 PM MST

Story Updated: Dec 5, 2007 at 8:54 PM MST

HELENA - State employees gained a little perspective on the role Montana's Tribal Nations play in state government. It was an exercise in diversity Wednesday at Helena's Regional Airport for about 250 state employees.
The day-long cultural diversity training is an effort to increase understanding of the legal, economic, social and cultural issues affecting Indian Nations. According to Sam McCracken, keynote speaker, Fort Peck tribal member and Native American Business Manager for the Nike Corporation, incorporating tribal members into state government can be beneficial.
"Diversity drives innovation. When you think about innovating for a better world, or innovating for a better state government, I think you have to embrace cultural diversity," McCracken said. He added that there are several issues state employees need to keep in mind when considering tribal nations.
One of them is embracing those communities as sovereign nations. "Economic development is always going to be an issue on tribal lands. And jobs and those type of things. The sate can embrace those opportunities," McCracken continued. "Health and wellness is a key issue with tribal communities. A lot of them have relationships with the federal government.
Having the state step in and do some really inspirational work around physical activity and health and wellness, I think, are really important issues."

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Your Weather Authority

Icon
Current Temp 23.0 °F
Light Snow Fog/Mist
Wind : Northeast at
9.2 mph
Humidity : 92 %
Pressure : 30.45 in
More Weather

Party America Sky Cam

More Weather

On Demand

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Links We Like