This pathway focuses on protecting language, heritage, foodways, cultural teachings, and community history. Careers can honor tradition while adapting knowledge for future generations.

Where these roles exist:

• Tribal cultural departments

• K–12 and higher education

• Museums, archives, libraries

• Cultural centers and community programs

Possible roles:

 Language instructor, cultural educator, museum/archives assistant, cultural foods instructor, AIS faculty, cultural historian

Entry points:

• Volunteering or interning with cultural programs

• Taking AIS or language courses

• Connecting with Elders or cultural knowledge keepers

• Considering the UArizona ITEP teacher pathway

This path focuses on caring for land, water, plants, animals, and natural resources for future generations. It includes both traditional ecological knowledge and Western environmental careers.

Where these roles exist:

• Tribal environmental programs

• Local, state, and federal land management agencies

• Conservation and sustainability organizations

• Education and community programs

Possible roles:

Environmental technician, conservation assistant, water quality aide, park ranger, environmental education support

Entry points:

• Volunteering with environmental or community garden programs

• PCC science courses or environmental electives

• Summer jobs with parks, recreation, or conservation programs

This area focuses on sovereignty, policy, and protecting the rights of Native communities. It includes activism and legal pathways that support justice, land, water, and community wellbeing.

Where these roles exist:

• Tribal government law and policy offices

• Advocacy organizations

• Legal aid organizations

• National Native rights groups

Possible roles:

•  Policy assistant, Tribal law clerk, community advocate, legal assistant, research or outreach coordinator

• Related interests include:

•  water rights activism, MMIP advocacy, ethical adoption activism, land back movements, and family law

Entry points:

• Supporting campus or local advocacy groups

• Volunteering with Native rights organizations

• Pursuing pre-law, AIS, or policy coursework

Many Native students feel called to teaching, mentoring, uplifting youth, and strengthening Native education systems.

Where these roles exist:

• Tribal schools and Head Start programs

• K–12 districts

• Colleges and universities

• Cultural and community-based education programs

Possible roles:

•  Teacher, Native student services coordinator, AIS instructor, tutor, youth mentor, curriculum assistant

Entry points:

• Volunteering or tutoring at PCC or local schools

• Education courses or field experiences

• Exploring the UArizona ITEP education pathway

Healing and healthcare careers support emotional, mental, physical, and community wellbeing. 

Where these roles exist:

• Tribal health programs

• Clinics and hospitals

• Behavioral health programs

• Wellness and community health organizations

Possible roles:

•  Medical assistant, nurse, EMT, pharmacy technician, behavioral health technician, community health worker

Entry points:

• PCC’s health and medical certificate programs

• Clinical volunteer opportunities

• Paid training programs

• Exploring IHS opportunities as one Native-serving pathway

Storytelling is a traditional and contemporary tool for cultural continuity, education, and truth-telling. 

Where these roles exist:

• Communications departments

• Media companies and news outlets

• Tribal and community programs

• Independent creative work

Possible roles:

•  Content creator, communications coordinator, journalist, filmmaker, podcaster, graphic designer, photographer

Entry points:

• Building a creative portfolio (writing, video, graphics, audio)

• Student media projects

• Social media or communications internships

• Working with Tribal communications programs

Many Native leaders enter nonprofit or advocacy work to support cultural rights, youth, health, land, and community empowerment.

Where these roles exist:

• Native-led NGOs/NPOs

• Youth programs

• Advocacy organizations

• Environmental and cultural nonprofits

Possible roles:

•  Community outreach coordinator, youth advocate, program assistant, grant writer, organizer, nonprofit leadership roles

Entry points:

• Volunteering with community organizations

• Student advocacy

• Project or event support roles

These careers support Tribal Nations through administration, language and culture programs, housing, education, youth programs, Elder care, environmental stewardship, and policy.

Where these roles exist:

•  Tribal governments, departments, and enterprises

Possible roles:

•  Administrative assistant, HR assistant, youth services coordinator, housing support, cultural programs assistant, environmental tech, community events coordinator

Entry points:

• Apply for Tribal internships or seasonal roles

• Attend Tribal job fairs

• Explore a range of departments to learn where you fit