Interior expands wildfire training pathway for Native youth

The Department of the Interior announced Feb. 3 a new partnership between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education to prepare Native students for careers in wildland firefighting. The initiative, called the Native Youth Firefighter Training Program, provides high school and post-secondary students with hands-on instruction, mentorship and technical training for seasonal and permanent positions with tribal, federal and state fire programs.

According to the Interior Department announcement, participating students attend schools in South Dakota, Montana, New Mexico and Oklahoma, with future participation being explored through a dual enrollment program at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in New Mexico. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the program supports workforce development and public safety by connecting education to career pathways. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland said the program links tribal schools with public service careers and supports self-determination.