Department Overview
Anokiiwin builds financial pathways to mino bimaadiziwiin (good life) with education, employment, and training. We provide members with opportunities to develop professional skills while integrating academic learning from work as a way to help launch career paths. We provide support to obtain GED, post-secondary degrees and career based certifications. Focusing on self-paced, holistic services allows for individual support to help members build self-esteem, confidence, and community connections. Eligibility for some of our programs are based on income, must be 18 years or older, and actively seeking education for a career path.
Traditional Ojibwe Teachings
Anokiiwin follows the 7 Grandfather teachings by providing a caring environment for all who want to learn. We provide support to employment and education by following the principles of sharing knowledge, love, kindness and compassion. We meet and talk with our members to understand what they want for themselves and their families. Then, we assist them with creating individual's goals, and walk alongside them to assist in reducing education and employment barriers while they work toward achieving their goals.
Our Programs
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a nutrition assistance program that helps low income individuals and families by providing nutritious foods. SNAP is not meant to meet all your food budget needs as it is a supplement. You may be eligible if you or a household member receive/participate in any of the following:
- Supplemental Security Income, General Assistance, or Minnesota Supplemental Aid
- Transition Year Child Care or Basic Sliding Fee Child Care assistance
- Participate in the Diversionary Work Program or your monthly income is below the federal poverty guidelines (see income guidelines here)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program provides free employment and education training and support for people receiving SNAP benefits. As a participant in SNAP E&T you will gain support, skills, training or experience to reach your career goals. A member must have:
- Current SNAP MN benefits
- Intention of finding employment or currently employed, working under 32 hours/week.
- Intention of enrolling into a 2 year college program or completing program/participating in a credential training
The Adult Support Services (ADSS) provides support services such as job training, employment preparation, job placement, internships, financial literacy, and academic preparation for careers. This program are for members in the greatest need, such as:
- Experiencing homelessness
- At or under the 200% Poverty Federal Guideline
- Identify as a member of the BIPOC community
The Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) works to increase the number of women in high-wage, high-demand, male dominant (nontraditional) occupations such as carpentry, welding, and / or plumbing, etc.
- Must be a female
- Enrolled in a non-traditional career path or be employed in a non-traditional career
- Transcripts or Enrollment Statement (if in college or trade school)
- Willing to provide a copy of midterm and semester grades.
- Access to Accuplacer Scores (if in college or trade school)
WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete. This program enables workers to obtain good jobs by providing them with job search assistance and training opportunities. It focuses on supporting Indigenous and BPOC students in college. Eligibility may include:
- Applied to Selective Service
- Transcripts or Enrollment Statement on file (if in college or trade school)
- Access to Accuplacer Scores (if in college or trade school)
- Willing to provide a copy of midterm and semester grades.
This program is designed to provide workforce development and training opportunities to economically disadvantaged adults that helps members increase career awareness; acquire basic skills education; participate in skills-training programs resulting in certificates and credentials; and place participants into employment in high growth, high demand jobs. P2P assists members with completing short-term intro courses online at White Earth Tribal & other local Community Colleges, or training at NWICDC to prepare member career and job exploration. Eligibility includes:
- Indigenous and BPOC communities
- Individuals lacking stable housing
- Those with criminal records
- Lack of High School Diploma or equivalent
- Person with a disability
- Have been unemployed for 6 months or more in the past year
- Limited English or math proficiency
- Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
Department Services
The Anokiiwin Initiative is a fluid program of mixed services that supports transformation through:
Career Exploration
Delve into your career options. Together, we identify your work-related strengths, interests, and values.
Career Planning
We can guide you as you choose which careers to apply for.
Education
We help you meet Western and Anishinaabe educational benchmarks.
Job Search
Learn job search skills like resume and cover letter building and how to communicate your relevant skills to future employers.
Communication Skills
Learn how to best convey your strengths during a job interview and on a resume/application.
Employment Barrier Reduction Services
We identify resources and individual supports to help members overcome challenges that impede success.
Networking
We foster relationships with local employers, government agencies and Tribal Governments.
Our Activities
The Anokiiwin Initiative includes providing comprehensive services, information and resources that enable and empower program participants to take active responsibility for their place and purpose in the community. View our list of upcoming community events.
Our Partners
Anokiiwin staff participate in many different outreach events to help the community, employers and educators learn more about our organization and participation and partnering opportunities. We have employment partnerships with Greater Bemidji, Rural MN CEP and Sanford Health. Educational Partners include: WETCC, LLTC, NTC, and Summit Academy OIC.
Stories From People Like You
Program Assistance
Don’t let the thought of exploring new career opportunities scare you. By becoming a member of Anokiiwin you’ll receive the resources to launch yourself into a new career path through training and education.
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