New Job Service Office Opens on Northern Cheyenne Reservation

First new state employment office in 40 years brings services directly to tribal community

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Commissioner Sarah Swanson, President Gene Small, Governor Greg Gianforte, Councilwoman Melissa Lonebear, and Senator Gayle Lammers cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Montana's first new Job Service office in over 40 years. (State of Montana)

By
Aug 18, 2025

LAME DEER — Jobseekers on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation now have access to employment services in their own community for the first time in decades, following the grand opening of Montana’s newest Job Service office.

The office, located inside the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Headquarters at 600 Cheyenne Avenue, marks the first new Job Service location opened in Montana in more than 40 years. Previously, tribal members had to travel off the reservation to access these state employment services.

“This office reflects our shared commitment to empowering every Montanan through work and opportunity,” said Commissioner of Labor Sarah Swanson. “By working hand-in-hand with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, we are creating a model of partnership that honors culture while opening doors to career growth and economic resilience.”

The new facility will provide comprehensive career development services, including vocational training enrollment, job placement assistance, and soft skills training. All services are designed to be culturally relevant to the Northern Cheyenne community.

“This partnership with DLI builds on the vision our council has for our people,” said President Gene Small of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. “Locating the Job Service office in the heart of our tribal headquarters ensures our members have accessible, meaningful pathways to employment and training that strengthen our community.”

The office also offers wrap-around support services aimed at helping tribal members achieve economic self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. These services address employment barriers specific to the reservation community.

The partnership emerged from extensive collaboration following statewide summits with Tribal Employment Rights Office directors from Montana’s Indian tribes. The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. DOI-055 in 2025, formally inviting the Department of Labor & Industry to establish the partnership.

“This initiative represents a historic and transformative opportunity to address employment barriers, build local capacity, and create pathways for sustainable economic development within the Northern Cheyenne Reservation,” the resolution states.

The Northern Cheyenne Tribe is participating in Governor Greg Gianforte’s 406 JOBS strategic workforce framework, a statewide effort to modernize Montana’s workforce system and ensure that every Montanan has a pathway to a career.

“I am deeply proud of this partnership – it is an honor to bring state and tribal governments together in service to the people of Montana and the Northern Cheyenne Nation,” said Senator Gayle Lammers, whose Montana Senate District 21 includes the Northern Cheyenne reservation.

The office is now open and ready to serve both tribal members and surrounding community residents. Jobseekers are encouraged to visit the new location to learn more about available career services and training opportunities.

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