The U.S. Department of Labor  announced the award of $70.8 million in grant funding to 166 Indian and Native American entities to help provide employment and training services to low-income and unemployed Native American adults and youth – including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian adults and youth – and create pathways to middle-class careers.   Two of those groups are based in Alabama.

The grants will fund the delivery of services – including academic, occupational and literacy skills development – to individuals in Native American communities to equip them to compete in today’s workforce. These services will also promote the economic development and well-being of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities based on their specific goals and values.

$56,351,790 of the funds awarded will serve low-income and unemployed American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. The remaining $13,932,627 will serve low-income Native American youth programs.

The Inter-Tribal Council of Alabama received $299,270 with its youth organization receiving $5,128.  The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama received $95,944.