Tribal Government

Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO)

TERO, as its known nationwide, began in 1976. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe made Indian Employment Rights a part of Band Statutes in 1985. (Title 18, Chapter 5 “Indian Employment Rights”)

“Administrative Policy Board within the Executive Branch of Band Government is hereby conferred subject matter jurisdiction to administer an Employment Rights Program of the Non‐Removable Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians.” (Section 402‐Title 18, Chapter 5)

What is the purpose of TERO?

A TERO generally governs the contracting provisions between a tribe and any contractor or business and may include provisions concerning:

Announcement and advertising of jobs;

Indian Preference in hiring goals;

Training and Skills requirements;

Inspections

Dismissals and Layoffs

TERO does NOT directly hire or make hiring decisions, however it does refer qualified Band Members and Indians to companies doing business on lands of the Non‐Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

TERO Applicant Responsibilities

Each individual tribal member must take responsibility for the success of the program

To establish the TERO program credibility and make it work, each person through the TERO Program must make every effort to be a success. The employers will respect the TERO program and the tribal members it places with them. This means:

Being professional

Great work ethic and habits

Showing up on time

Calling in when you are not able to show up

No excessive absences or tardiness

Be dependable

Set a good example

Be qualified for the job

Have good "people" skills

Communicate well