Working with our Tribal partners is a privilege

Our rich history of partnering with each Native American community extends beyond simply building a structure. We come to understand how long they’ve been planning for it, the important role it will play in their community, and how we can bring it to life together.

A Matter of Respect Initiative

To create a shared understanding with our Tribal partners and clients, Woodstone has established a proprietary initiative called “A Matter of Respect.”

This quarterly learning event creates a base of knowledge for Woodstone employees and promotes a work culture that can better understand the perspectives of our Native American clientele.

Topics include:

  • Tribal history
  • Powwows
  • Community outreach
  • Environmental racism
  • Tribal economic development
  • Tribal housing
  • Cultural identity
  • TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance or Office)

Through this initiative, we strive to earn the honor of acceptance from our Tribal partners by participating in cultural traditions and activities such as meal sharing, powwows, ground blessings, health fairs, job fairs, and other gatherings. By being physically present, side-by-side with Tribal leaders and members, we learn to listen, understand, participate, and help.

Committed to Tribal employment

Native American employees are huge contributors to the success of Woodstone. To that end we have developed an extensive TERO program to employ as many tribal members as possible.

It only makes sense to extend the economic benefits of each construction project directly to Tribal citizens through workforce training, internships, project management and superintendent positions. We work closely with our Tribal partners to recruit Native tradespeople, contractors, and professionals through job fairs, advertising in local newspapers, web-based job postings, and open calls for applications.

Woodstone tracks the progress of Tribal hiring and reports back to Tribal leadership. We’re extremely proud to have a history of recruiting up to 75% Tribal members as part of our non-core project crews.

“Woodstone is committed to working with Tribal Nations and understands that each Nation is unique. Their approach starts with listening, learning, and establishing relationships built on trust, respect and understanding. I have had the honor of working with Woodstone on their “Matter of Respect” initiative which creates a base of knowledge for their employees and promotes a work culture that understands the perspective of Native American clients. This makes Woodstone a trusted and thoughtful partner on a variety of projects. They have earned a great reputation with Tribal Nations by taking the time to learn about the culture, history, relationship with the land and present-day goals. Woodstone lives the message that they build more than just buildings, they help create communities. And, they are building more than relationships, they are contributing to a sustaining legacy.”

Andrew (Andy) Vig, Director Hocokata Ti, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)