The Indian Preference Office assists in recruiting and referring qualified Tribal members to employers who are working on the Flathead Reservation, we also assist in hiring tribal members on large timber sales.
Indian Preference serves as the Tribal liaison between contractors, vendors, and tribal members when complaints dealing with work issues or when conflicts arise.
Department Director: Melinda Charlo
Phone: (406) 675-2700 ext. 1045
Fax: (406) 226-2562
Email: indianpreference@cskt.org
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7:00am – 5:30pm
Our Work
CSKT Council enacted the Indian Preference Ordinance so that preference is granted to qualified Indian employees and qualified Indian-owned entities within the boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation whenever permitted by Federal law.
The Indian Preference Office oversees this by placing qualified tribal members on construction jobs covered by the Indian Preference Ordinance and certifies businesses as Indian-owned to get priority in contracting and subcontracting and for the procurement of services, materials, supplies, and equipment. Indian Preference also helps place tribal members for work on large timber sales.
Tribal Members
Register now for opportunities to work on construction jobs, or register your business for preference in contracting and subcontracting opportunities.
Applications & Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact your department?
During regular business hours, you can reach us by phone at (406) 675-2700 ext. 1045 or ext. 1393 or by emailing indianpreference@cskt.org.
Who is eligible for Indian Preference?
Indian Preference accepts applications for businesses and employment services from CSKT Members and members of other federally recognized tribes. CSKT Members get first preference, followed by members of other tribes.
How long will it take for my business application to be processed?
Your application will be processed within 30 days of it being received at the Indian Preference Office.
Can I e-mail/fax/mail you my application?
We will accept e-mail and mailed applications. We are currently not accepting faxed applications.
I am a contractor doing work on the Flathead Reservation, do I need a license? Do my employees need licenses?
CSKT does not require work permits. If you are doing work on a tribally funded or federally funded project you will need a compliance agreement in place. MDT Contractors must fill out the MDT Compliance Agreement, all others fill out the General Compliance Agreement.
Are there any fees I must pay to work on the Flathead Reservation?
Contracts over $25,000 covered by Indian Preference 101-A are charged a 3% fee. Read more about the Indian Preference Contracting Fee in the Indian Preference Ordinance Regulations.
How do I get a job through Indian Preference
Fill out our Hiring Hall application. This application puts you in our hiring hall for 1 year. During that year, each month that you are looking and available for work, hand in an Indian Preference Post Card. You can submit the post card online, in person at the Indian Preference Office or by calling in.
What kind of job placements does Indian Preference offer?
The main job placements we offer are: pilot car driver, flagger, carpenter, heavy equipment operator, iron worker, welder, truck driver, laborer and logging/forestry.