Members of the Native American Women Warriors, a Native veterans group.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs plans to hire more Native American veterans, Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn said.

American Indian and Alaska Native veterans make up about 9 percent of the workforce at the agency. Washburn said the goal is to increase the rate to 12.5 percent.

“In building a 21st century workforce, we recognize the importance of attracting and retaining veterans in this organization,” Washburn said in a press release. “Individuals who have served in the Armed Forces have a proven track record for integrity, discipline and leadership, and are highly qualified candidates in a variety of occupations throughout Indian Affairs.”

The BIA will be reaching out to Native veterans at job fairs, through social media and with veterans groups, Washburn said.

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Federal agency aims to hire more Native veterans (Forum News Service 6/16)