SCIC staff treks to Reno for annual training

The 37th National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference (NINAETC) convened August 21-25 in Reno, Nevada. NINAETC affords WIOA grantees an opportunity to get up to speed on the latest Federal rules and regulations, network with fellow grantees, take advantage of specialized training workshops, and recognize outstanding programs and individuals.

Overall the event was a substantial success with over 500 workforce professionals in attendance.  SCIC was well represented with fifteen staff and board members in attendance.

SCIC was heavily involved in the planning and running of 2016's edition of NINAETC. Paula Starr served as Co-Chair and Starr Robideau served as Secretary on the Executive Committee. Both were selected to continue on in their positions in the planning and the running of the 38th NINAETC, which will be held in Southern California in 2017.

Walter Ahhaitty was busy as well, serving as Co-Chair of the Resolutions Committee. Of particular note was the resolution submitted by Dr. David Gipp in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's fight for clean water. This resolution was overwhelmingly passed by the NINAETC body. Later, Paula Starr presented the approved resolutions to the Federal representatives at the public comment session.

Walter Ahhaitty also presented the Howard Yackus Memorial Scholarship and assisted in retiring the colors.

The SCIC staff worked hard throughout the week promoting the raffle and selling tickets. The raffle table was overflowing with donated items from the grantees and craft merchants.  Nearly four thousand dollars were raised to help support the annual training event.

Jim Burns, Susie Yellowhorse-Jensen, and Matthew Luna worked tirelessly throughout the week, overseeing the workshop evaluations, running the merchandise table, and setting up the AV equipment, respectively.

NINAETC is a training event. SCIC staff not only attended the workshops, but they also facilitated a couple of them.  Paula Starr and Starr Robideau oversaw the Cradle Board Workshop. SCIC Board Vice-President Tracy Stanhoff shared her expertise on entrepreneurialism in Indian country. 

SCIC's InterTribal Entertainment program was also present. Tim Ramos and Jim Ruel documented the event with video recording and still photography.