Interior Department Announces Next Steps for Indian Youth Service Corps Program  

Agency shares draft guidelines and initiates Tribal consultations 

10/28/2021
Last edited 10/28/2021

Date: Thursday, October 28, 2021
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior today released draft guidelines to implement the Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) Program and announced that it would hold Nation-to-Nation consultations with Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, and the Native Hawaiian community on implementation of the Program. The IYSC Program will provide meaningful education, employment, and training opportunities to Indigenous youth through conservation projects on public lands, Indian lands, and Hawaiian homelands – putting young people on a path to good paying jobs working to tackle the climate crisis.

The Interior Department is committed to strengthening Tribal sovereignty and governance, fulfilling the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities, and engaging in robust consultation with Tribal Nations. The IYSC Program consultation is the latest in a series of consultation sessions that demonstrate the Department’s commitment to centering the voices of Indigenous peoples.

“The Indian Youth Service Corps Program has the potential to transform the lives of Indigenous youth all across our country,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Young people are the future stewards of our lands, waters, and resources. I am thrilled that the Interior Department can provide greater opportunities to learn, work, and train in a variety of innovative and transformative conservation projects.”

The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 expanded the Public Lands Corps Act to establish the Indian Youth Service Corps Program. The Departments of Agriculture and Commerce will also implement the new program, but the Act specifically charges the Secretary of the Interior with issuing the guidelines for the management of the Indian Youth Service Corps. The President’s Build Back Better Agenda, which includes historic investments to launch a new Civilian Climate Corps, will provide necessary funding to further scale the Indian Youth Service Corps – ensuring Indigenous young people have access to training and service opportunities that will put them on a pathway to good paying jobs in the economy of the future.

The Department invites Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, and the Native Hawaiian community to consult on the draft guidelines.

Consultation for all Tribes east of the Mississippi River

Consultation for all Tribes west of the Mississippi River and Alaska Native corporations

Consultation for Native Hawaiian Organizations

###

  • Press Release
    Southern Ute TERA signing
    05/11/2026

    Interior Enters into Nation’s First-Ever Tribal Energy Agreement

    The Department of the Interior approved the nation’s first-ever tribal energy resource agreement, increasing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s sovereign authority to manage and develop energy resources on its lands while reducing federal bureaucracy. This step strengthens tribal self‑determination and supports broader efforts to advance U.S. Energy Dominance by ensuring affordable, reliable and domestically produced energy in the United States, furthering the objectives of Executive Order 14154 “Unleashing American Energy.”

    Read more
  • Press Release
    BIA employee helps person with probate claim
    04/13/2026

    Department of the Interior Completes Three-Day Probate Outreach Event at Gila River Indian…

    The Department of the Interior completed a three-day probate outreach event this past week on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Arizona, where staff met with community members in two locations to offer direct support and trust services. The event, hosted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, reached 333 families and provided hands-on help with probate cases, realty needs and trust fund account management.

    Read more

Was this page helpful?

Please provide a comment