Through funding from the US Department of Labor, the Rhode Island Indian Council operates a job-placement program called WIA (Workforce Investment Act). WIA is operated through our central administrative office at the Algonquin House in Providence, and at two satellite offices, located in southern Connecticut and New Jersey.

The Workforce Investment Act was established to help provide jobs and job training. WIA's goal is to meet both the needs of the nation's businesses and the needs of job seekers, and those who want to further their careers.

An individual is eligible to receive services under the Rhode Island Indian Council’s WIA Program if he or she is: 

• An Indian, who is a member of a federally-recognized tribe; or State recognized tribe.
• An Alaska Native, as defined in section 3(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), 43 U.S.C. 1602 (b); or
• A Native Hawaiian, as defined in WIA section 166(b)(3).
• A Rhode Island or Connecticut resident.

He or she must also be any of the following: 

• Unemployed; or
• Underemployed, as defined in 668.150; or
• The recipient of a bona fide layoff notice which has taken effect in the last six months or will take effect in the following six month period; or
• An individual who is employed, but is determined by the Rhode Island Indian Council to be in need of employment and training services to obtain or retain employment that allows for self-sufficiency.

If you are an American Indian and need employment and training, contact Allison Greene at (401)781-1098 Ext. 27 or agreene@rhodeislandindiancouncil.org