About the Institute

Mission
The mission of the Native American Training Institute is to empower individuals, families and the community to create a safe and healthy environment so children and families can achieve their highest potential.

History
The alliance of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Three Affiliated Tribes, the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Trenton Indian Service Area in establishing this training initiative exemplifies a model of collaboration between tribes, state government and the private sector.

In May 1994, the four North Dakota tribes began discussions of common child welfare issues with the North Dakota Department of Human Services Children and Family Services Division, Casey Family Programs and the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission. A critical need for training was identified from these collaborations. Specific audiences identified included foster parents, adoptive parents, childcare providers, parent education programs, juvenile justice workers, tribal courts, legal services, law enforcement and others involved with child protection services. The common needs of the Tribes resulted in the shared vision of the Native American Children and Family Services Training Institute, which opened their doors in 1995. The Institute revised the name in 2001 to the Native American Training Institute.

Purpose
The Native American Training Institute provides unique, culturally-relevant training and curriculum packages for professionals working with Native American children and families. Currently, areas of training available are foster parenting, wraparound (community training, Care Coordinator training and WRIT training), youth relationship-building/HIV/AIDS awareness, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), cultural competency and historical trauma. Areas in which developed curricula is available are foster parenting and youth relationship-building/HIV/AIDS awareness.

The Institute also conducts workshops and conferences throughout the year. The North Dakota Native American Foster Parent Association annual conference is held in October of each year. The North Dakota Indian Child Welfare Act conference is held in January of each year. In addition, the NATI is coordinating mini-conferences for state and tribal human service and other professionals throughout the year.

The Native American Training Institute is also available, by request, to do personalized or specialized training in areas such as strategic planning, tribal funding access for child welfare programs, parenting and program planning.

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