A Conversation About Our Future Workforce
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a young Tribal Citizen who lives outside of our community. We talked about something that I believe will shape our future in a very real way:
How do we attract our people back home?
It was a simple question—but an important one.
Looking Ahead
One of the greatest opportunities we have as a Tribe over the next five to ten years will be our workforce.
Who will carry on our legacy?
That’s not just a question—it’s a responsibility.
Right now, approximately 40% of our Tribal Government workforce is made up of Tribal Citizens, and many of those individuals will be reaching retirement age within the next five years. That means we are approaching a transition point.
A moment where experience, knowledge, and leadership will need to be carried forward by the next generation.
Bringing Talent Back Home
The young person I spoke with shared something that stuck with me—there are many Tribal Citizens living outside of our community who want to stay connected, who want to contribute, and who would consider coming back if the opportunity and pathway were clear.
That matters.
Attracting talent back home isn’t just about jobs—it’s about purpose, opportunity, and connection.
It’s about creating pathways where individuals can return, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways.
Preparing the Next Generation
As we think about the future, we should be asking ourselves:
Who will be leading the Tribe in the next 5–10 years?
What will our Tribal Council look like?
Who will be in place within Tribal Government to protect the rights of our people—our youth, our adults, and our elders?
These are not questions for tomorrow—they are questions for today.
Because the decisions we make now will shape the answers.
A Focus on Workforce Development
One of my key areas of focus is workforce development and career readiness.
That means:
- Preparing individuals for meaningful careers
- Creating clear pathways for growth and advancement
- Supporting opportunities that allow people to return and contribute
- Strengthening the overall capacity of our workforce
When we invest in our people, we invest in our future.
Encouraged by Engagement
I am encouraged by the number of candidates who have stepped forward in this election. It shows that people care. It shows that people are ready to engage and be part of what comes next.
That kind of engagement is important, because the future of our Tribe will be shaped by those who are willing to step forward and serve.
Moving Forward Together
The conversation I had yesterday was a reminder that the future is closer than we think.
The next generation is ready.
The question is—are we ready to prepare for them?
When we focus on developing our workforce, creating opportunities, and staying connected as a community, we position ourselves for long-term success.
Because in the end, our legacy is not just what we’ve built.
It’s who we prepare to carry it forward.
— Rusty Martin
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