Conflict Resolution Training & Services
(Cont. from front page)
The lessons learned from the training and the experiences of actually working through problems lead to more effective ways of working together and conducting everyday business. On one hand, these strengthen community leaders’ ability to reach agreement about their own values, goals and priorities, resolve internal differences, develop programs, and strengthen governing institutions. At the same time, the training and services prepare the leaders to better protect and promote their interests in negotiations with county, state and federal agencies and with private corporate interests in their external environment.
During the past twenty years, IDRS Inc. has brought its “collaborative problem solving process” to help Indian communities address and resolve a broad range of substantive concerns. The issues have included: improving educational services in public school districts; conducting fair and open democratic tribal elections; promoting Indian child welfare; restoring tribal land bases; regulating toxic and solid waste dumping on Indian lands; establishing Indian water rights; initiating reservation economic development; meeting law enforcement resource needs; protecting tribes’ sacred and historical sites and other cultural resources; restoring the health of forests, fisheries, wildlife, rivers and streams; improving natural resource management; and supporting tribal governments and federal, state, and county agencies establish protocols for productive “government to government” consultations and negotiations.
While initially organized under the name of Indian Dispute Resolution Services, today we are simply known as IDRS, Inc. We still bring our “problem solving process” to tribes engaged in a wide range of different substantive issues. However, in response to current tribal interests, we have also developed special expertise and ongoing programs in two areas (1) Environmental Development Services, and (2) Indian Child Welfare Services.