The Choctaw tribe of Mississippi: managing skills for workforce transformation

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) provides a case study for the development of local workforce skill strategies to address high rates of unemployment, poverty, and the lack of employment opportunities in a rural area. The MBCI has approached skill development by using a method of self-reliance and selfdetermination as well as participating with other organisations for collaborative partnerships. The results have been remarkable, with poverty and unemployment rates dropping significantly since the early 1970’s from highs of 80% to a low of 2% in 2007. The focus for workforce development is on technology intensive manufacturing as well as the hospitality industry, aimed at upgrading the skills of workers, while also training those without skills. The emphasis is also on tribally-owned and managed enterprises to foster self-reliance.