The Geosystems Research Institute (GRI), in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and with support from NOAA’s Regional Geospatial Modeling Grant (RGMG), is making significant strides in building geospatial capacity within tribal communities across the United States.

Launched in 2022, the GIS training program aims to deliver accessible and impactful education tailored to the needs of tribal populations. The curriculum includes four distinct courses—Introduction to ArcGIS Online, Introduction to ArcGIS Pro, Introduction to Python, and Intermediate ArcGIS Pro. Designed to cater to learners at varying skill levels and professional backgrounds, the courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing participants the flexibility to learn at their own pace.

Since its inception, the program has made a meaningful impact. To date, GRI has hosted 16 workshops, with 752 participants representing tribal communities from 32 states. This broad participation demonstrates both the national demand for GIS education and the program’s ability to reach diverse tribal regions across the country.

Looking ahead to 2025, GRI plans to expand its offerings by introducing two in-person training sessions as part of its collaboration with the BIA. These new sessions will complement the existing online curriculum and provide additional opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement.

By equipping tribal communities with essential GIS skills, the program supports critical efforts in environmental stewardship, natural resource management, cultural preservation, and sustainable community planning. This initiative reflects GRI’s commitment to fostering education, collaboration, and positive change that address environmental and cultural challenges while promoting long-term sustainability.