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Kirk Crowshoe will lead efforts urgently needed to improve access to employment and job growth within Minnesota’s American Indian community
ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that Kirk Crowshoe has been named the agency’s American Indian Liaison.
Working within DEED’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Crowshoe will serve as the liaison between DEED and Minnesota’s 11 Federally Recognized American Indian Tribes and Greater American Indian community, and develop a meaningful engagement strategy that facilitates relationship-building and mutual trust amongst DEED and the American Indian community.
As racial economic disparities in Minnesota continue to be some of the worst in the country, Crowshoe will lead efforts that are urgently needed to improve access to employment and job growth within Minnesota’s American Indian community.
Executive Order 19-24, issued recently by Gov. Tim Walz ensures that each cabinet-level state agency designates a Tribal Liaison to serve as the principal point of contact for Minnesota Tribal Nations.
“This order ensures the State of Minnesota and the eleven tribes engage in true government-to-government relationships built on respect, understanding, and sovereignty," said Governor Walz. "We are committed to meaningful consultation with the tribal communities in our state.”
“For too long, members of our Native communities have not been at the table when important state government decisions are made,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “DEED’s work will help bring meaningful change for the state’s American Indian population, specifically in the areas of employment and job training.”
“Access to meaningful employment is the number one way to improve equity and meet the needs of our state’s growing economy,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “This is a critical position at DEED as we work to narrow the state’s opportunity gaps. I look forward to Kirk’s work in this area – serving both the agency and Minnesota’s American Indian population.”
Crowshoe is an enrolled member of the Piikuni band of the Blackfoot Confederacy located in Southern Alberta, Canada. He holds a B.A. in Community Studies from the Native American Educational Services (NAES) College and has served the Indian community in both the United States and Canada the majority of his career.
Crowshoe has held multiple roles at DEED, including in the Employment and Training Division where he led community outreach and managed a portfolio of workforce development grants. His Father is Martin Eagle Child from the Kainai band. His Mother, Betty Ann Littlewolf, also Piikuni, is member of the Motokiks (Buffalo Woman’s Society). His Grandfather, Joe Crowshoe, was an Elder, Ceremonialist and bundle keeper.
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow DEED on Twitter.
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