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- By Native News Online Staff
The Department of the Interior announced a new partnership Monday between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education aimed at preparing Native students for careers in wildland firefighting, strengthening the workforce while creating school-to-career pathways for tribal youth.
Under the Native Youth Firefighter Training Program, high school and post-secondary students receive hands-on instruction, mentorship and technical training to prepare them for seasonal and permanent positions with tribal, federal and state fire programs.
“Wildland firefighters protect lives, communities and some of our most treasured landscapes,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. “This program invests directly in Native youth, builds a skilled workforce for the future and supports the Trump administration’s priority to strengthen public safety and create practical career opportunities through education and training.”
The initiative aligns with the administration’s workforce and public safety priorities by linking classroom instruction to real-world careers. Students from Pine Ridge School, Cheyenne Eagle Butte School and St. Francis Indian School in South Dakota, Two Eagle River School in Montana, Northwest High School in New Mexico and Sequoyah High School in Oklahoma are participating.
Officials said they are also exploring future participation through a dual-enrollment program at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in New Mexico.
“Education must lead to opportunity,” said Billy Kirkland, assistant secretary for Indian Affairs. “By linking tribal schools with high-emand public service careers, this program honors tribal communities, supports self-determination and helps young people build futures of service, leadership and stability.”
Bureau of Indian Education schools and colleges provide daily oversight and student support, while Bureau of Indian Affairs fire training staff lead virtual instruction and mentorship. Training is delivered through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal and other web-based tools.
Interior officials said the program reflects the department’s commitment to workforce development in tribal communities and to preparing the next generation of wildland fire professionals.
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