The Minnesota Indigenous Workforce Initiative (MIWI) was launched in 2023 to help address employment and other economic disparities faced by Native Americans and help Minnesota employers recruit, hire and retain the dedicated workers they need for their businesses to thrive. 

MIWI is a partnership with the state’s Native American leaders and non-Native employers. The goal is to create a pipeline of Native American workers who are prepared to enter high-growth and high-wage employment in meaningful careers with organizations that strive to be an employer of choice for Native American people. 

The Workforce Strategy Consultants are developing a MIWI Career Pathways Database to connect employers and Native American workers. As MIWI grows, the Workforce Strategy Consultant team will develop a Native American-written curriculum for employers to support them in retaining and developing Native American employees. 

For more information about MIWI, contact James Whirlwind Soldier at james.whirlwindsoldier@state.mn.us