06.27.02

Cantwell Announces Workforce Training Grant for Lummi Tribe

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today announced that the Lummi Tribe has been awarded a National Emergency Grant under the Workforce Investment Act of $2.75 million. The grant will assist 275 Lummi Tribe members who lost their jobs due to environmental issues and international market fluctuations. The collapse of Lummi fisheries has led to extraordinarily high unemployment rates in already impoverished communities.

"I believe that in this changing skill and knowledge-based economy, [we] must provide every American with access to continuous and affordable life-long education," said Cantwell in a letter in support of the grants to the U.S. Department of Labor. "This will help the unemployed rejoin the changing economy while still being able to provide for their families, pay for their health care costs, and maintain their dignity."

The grant will be used to provide Lummi Tribe members with skill assessments, career counseling, literacy and ESL training, and vocational and job training. Funding for childcare and transportation will also be provided.