Native American contributions to U.S. national security hasn’t been widely appreciated. The Navajo Code Talkers of World War II played an amazing role in helping the U.S. and its allies achieve victory. Today, more than 22,000 Native Americans serve in the armed forces and have the highest per capita serving in the military of any ethnic group protecting the homeland.
Unfortunately, many living on tribal land are not being provided with the education and necessary training to gain access to opportunities in the emerging digital economy. Because of a variety of circumstances, many young Native Americans are living at poverty level with little hope of economic advancement. There is a pathway to possibly change their predicament via investment and training of a workforce that could provide cybersecurity and data analytics careers.
The government and private sector continue to have a major shortage of cybersecurity workers. It would be prudent if a serious effort were made by industry, academia, Congress, and federal and state governments to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity technicians and data analysts from many economically depressed areas, such as reservations. When you teach valuable work skills and combine them with opportunities, you can also create a new sense of economic destiny.
An investment in training Native Americans in an accelerated cybersecurity curriculum — combined with real-world experience through internships and fellowships — would yield high dividends. At the same time, it would bolster the nation’s pipeline for skilled digital workers.
Native Americans have a strong, proven heritage of dedication and service to the United States. Cooperation between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Native Americans has already played a significant role in our border security, especially in remote areas where drug smugglers and citizens try to enter the U.S. illegally. DHS’s Federal Emergency Management Agency is engaged with Native Americans primarily to prepare for responding to emergencies. FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness is active in training Native Americans from 23 tribes and 10 states in preparation for mass casualty responses to natural or man-made disasters
There is a need in government, especially at DHS and other agencies such as the Department of Defense, where there open hiring requirements for qualified cybersecurity practitioners and analysts. It only requires a unified effort. and investment in people to bring these Native Americans into the digital economy that will simultaneously benefit government and industry cybersecurity readiness.
There is already a working model in government for this kind of investment: DHS’s Cybersecurity Veterans Hiring Pilot. The pilot was designed to build the department’s cyber workforce and enhance opportunities for veterans to continue to serve our country in cybersecurity.
While there is no set program parameters (as this is just a concept), it would not require a costly infrastructure investment to create a Native American cybersecurity and digital analytic pipeline. The components already exist and a program could evolve from an organized public/private partnership mission. Perhaps The Tribal Desk within the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the designated lead for tribal relations and consultation at DHS the Department of Homeland Security, could be a starting point for discussions on a potential Native American Cybersecurity pilot project.
For example, companies such as Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Apple (and many others) could in a philanthropic spirit donate computers to schools and vocational training centers. With the proper technology, universities and colleges, associations, foundations, and organizations could also step-up to contribute their know-how. This could be done via custom programs conducted either in person or remotely. Various groups could also help establish a curriculum for certifications and possible degrees in both cybersecurity and data analytics. The government could also augment this effort by providing funding, internships, fellowships and training for a security environment.
With ideas, resources, and a combined commitment, creating a digital career path for Native Americans will be multi-beneficial undertaking. Native Americans have been patriotic and dedicated to public service and now it is time assist them as well into becoming skilled participants in the evolving technological era.
Charles (Chuck) Brooks serves as the vice president for government relations & marketing for Sutherland Government Solutions. He served at the Department of Homeland Security as the first director of legislative affairs for the Science & Technology Directorate. Find him on Twitter: @ChuckDBrooks.
Creating a digital career path for Native Americans
