Tribal Employment Rights Office

Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO)

What is TERO?

TERO enforces the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (Klamath Tribal Code Title 6, Chapter 40), which gives the Tribe the sovereign right to regulate and control the employment practices of all employers conducting business on their reservation, including enforcing Indian hiring preferences.

What We Do

We create economic opportunity for Tribal Members through workforce development trainings, enforcing Indian hiring preference for on-reservation construction projects, and certifying and giving preference to Indian Owned Businesses (IOBs) for procurement opportunities with the Tribe.

Who We Help 

Enrolled Members of any federally-recognized Tribe living in Klamath County, Oregon.

Our Mission

To uphold The Klamath Tribes’ inherent sovereignty by developing a highly skilled workforce through targeted training, employment, and economic opportunities that strengthen our tribal community and reflect our cultural values.

Workforce Development Trainings

We host trainings throughout the year, which are provided at no cost to enrolled members of any federally recognized tribe living in Klamath County, OR. Stipends are available for participants who complete the full training.

Skillsbank Application

To enroll in upcoming trainings, students must complete a Skillsbank application and a provide copy of their current tribal ID. If you need help completing your application, please contact the TERO office. Program participants are required to check in with TERO twice a week.

Scan to apply on your phone

Become a Certified Contractor

All contractors must be certified by The Klamath Tribes prior to commencing work on on-reservation, and in some cases off-reservation construction projects. Certification workshops are held four time per year. To enroll in the next upcoming certification workshop, complete and submit the registration form. All contractors must also sign and complete a compliance agreement, and agree to Indian hiring goals for each project they work on.

Application fee: $650*

*Additional fees may apply, see registration form for details. Certifications are valid for 3 years.

Scheduled Events

Recent Trainings

Adult and Infant First Aid/CPR: Building Lifesaving Skills

October 13, 2026  |  Klamath Falls, OR

World of Work (WOW) 2026: Building Skills for Career Success

September 15-17, 2026  |  Klamath Falls, OR

Introduction to Construction Tools: Learning the Skilled Trades

August 25-28, 2026  |  Chiloquin, OR

Certified Indian Owned Businesses (IOBs)

We certify Indian Owned Businesses, who receive preference for projects the tribe procures. To be eligible, your business must be 51% more owned or controlled by an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

To become certified, you must complete the IOB Application and provide all the required documentation.

Application fees

Enrolled Klamath Tribal members: $0

Enrolled members of another federally recognized tribe: $75

Our Certified IOBS

Interested in Joining the TERO Commission?

The TERO Commission oversees the Tribal Employment Rights Office. The commission must include a minimum of 3 members, and consists of a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and may also include up to 2 Members at Large.

Commission applicants should have experience or expertise in Human Resources, Tribal Employment Rights, Construction Management, Regulatory Enforcement, or Auditing or Investigating.

Appointments to the Commission shall be staggered so that the term of no more than 2 Commissioners shall terminate in the same calendar year. Members of the Commission are selected by The Klamath Tribal Council, and serve a three-year term.

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