As we begin a new year, it’s a great time for Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal Schools to focus on building a strong foundation for compliance, safety, and workplace excellence. Annual training is more than fulfilling legal requirements; it empowers Tribal employees, educators, and leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to protect their communities, support their organizations, and foster safer environments.
By prioritizing regular training, Tribal organizations ensure their staff remain prepared to address evolving challenges, uphold cultural and professional responsibilities, and operate with confidence. Below is a list of essential annual training that all Tribal organizations, schools, and programs should prioritize to support their mission and safeguard their people:
- Confidentiality Awareness: Protecting sensitive information—whether it is investigative information, employee information, or Tribal operations—is critical. This training helps staff understand the importance of confidentiality, Tribal privacy standards, and their role in safeguarding sensitive records.
- Information Technology and Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Cybersecurity is a growing concern for all organizations, including Tribes and schools. This training teaches employees to identify and prevent cyber threats, including phishing attacks, secure password management, and protecting sensitive digital data.
- Code of Conduct/Ethics Training: Upholding integrity and ethical decision-making is essential to Tribal governance and organizational success. This training reinforces professional standards, accountability, and the importance of culturally grounded ethical behavior.
- Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Prevention: Tribal organizations and schools thrive when respect and inclusivity are prioritized. This training educates staff on recognizing, preventing, and reporting harassment and discrimination to maintain a safe, positive environment for employees, students, and community members.
- Mandated Reporter Training: For educators, social workers, and staff working with youth or vulnerable populations, mandated reporter training is essential. Employees learn how to recognize signs of child abuse or neglect and how to report their concerns in compliance with Tribal, state, and federal laws.
- Indian Child Protection Training: In alignment with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, this training educates staff about their responsibilities in protecting the welfare of Native children. It reinforces the importance of conducting background investigations as well as preventing abuse and violence while upholding Tribal cultural values.
- Authorized Recipient Training: All Authorized Recipients of fingerprint criminal history results are required to attend annual training that focuses on the handling and distribution of fingerprint results as well as the proper capturing of fingerprints in accordance with the FBI’s Security and Management Control Outsourcing Standard.
- Safety and Risk Management: Minimizing risk across Tribal facilities, programs, and schools begins with preparation. This training helps employees identify safety hazards, implement risk prevention strategies, and ensure the protection of Tribal property and people.
- Workplace Safety (OSHA Compliance): Maintaining safe workplaces is vital for Tribal organizations and schools. This training covers OSHA compliance, including physical safety protocols, hazard communication, and emergency response plans to protect staff and visitors.
- First Aid/CPR and AED Training: Emergencies can happen anywhere, from offices to classrooms to community events. First Aid/CPR and AED training equips employees with life-saving skills to respond effectively during medical emergencies.
- Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation: Ensuring every employee and student knows how to respond to fire or other emergencies can save lives. This training provides clear instruction on fire prevention, evacuation plans, and safe exit strategies.
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): For Tribal health programs, schools, and organizations handling health information, HIPAA training ensures compliance with federal laws for protecting patient privacy and safeguarding health data.
A Strong Year Starts with a Prepared Team – Tribal organizations and schools play a critical role in supporting their communities. By prioritizing annual training, you empower your employees and educators to lead with knowledge, preparedness, and cultural responsibility.
As you plan for the year ahead, take time to review your training needs and ensure all staff members are equipped to meet their responsibilities. Together, we can create safer, stronger, and more resilient Tribal communities. Visit our website to see our training offerings: https://training.pscprotects.com/training/
Let’s honor our commitment to our communities —one training at a time.
Michele Justice, President
Personnel Security Consultants, Inc.
