Indigenous Leadership Academy

ILA supports you in developing the skills, confidence, and relationships needed to lead effectively within your community and professional spaces.

• Indigenous leadership practices and values
• Understanding sovereignty, the governance and economics of Tribal Nations
• Indigenous knowledge, research, and data
• Innovation and sustainable community-building
• Leadership responsibility and accountability
• Professional communication and storytelling
• Building relationships and professional networks
• Bridging differences and fostering consensus
• Community-centered management practices
• Leadership development and future planning

• A stronger understanding of Indigenous leadership principles
• Expanded professional and peer networks
• Increased confidence in communication and collaboration
• A developed leadership project or initiative focused on community impact
• ASU digital certification and badging upon successful completion
   

ILA participants come from all walks of life. Alumni all share the common goal of wanting to create something meaningful for their tribal community and continue to grow as leaders within their chosen career paths. The professional relationships developed throughout ILA have even extended beyond the cohort, and many individuals remain connected in a variety of ways afterward. 

This course is designed for tribal citizens and emerging community leaders from across the nation, who are engaged in Tribal-centered work and are committed to strengthening the sovereignty of Tribal Nations. 

ILA welcomes individuals from a variety of professional and community backgrounds, including:
 

• Tribal Governance
• Education
• Health and Wellness
• Community Advocacy
• Nonprofit Leadership
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Stewardship
• Policy and Public Service
• Arts, Culture, and Media
   

ILA is grounded in Tribal governance, a deep understanding of sovereignty, and Indigenous values and leadership practices. The program centers the lived experiences, strengths, and knowledge systems of Indigenous communities and history of Tribal Nations in the United States. Through an Indigenous-written and community-centered curriculum, participants engage in leadership development that is actionable, timely and addresses the unique needs of Tribal Nations today. 

The program emphasizes:
 

• Tribal governance, leadership and sovereignty
• Community-centered solutions
• Relationship-building and Mentorship
• Professional and personal growth
• Communication and Collaboration skills
• Consensus-building and Community engagement

The program is delivered on Zoom with all class materials, assignments, and discussions hosted on Canvas. 

The first and tenth modules each run for approximately six hours. The first module is held over Zoom on a Saturday, while the final module will take place in person. 

Modules two through nine meet weekly in the evening for three hours each. Participants can expect about 1.5 hours of reading per week, along with engagement in discussions and activities on Canvas. 

Throughout the program, you will receive guidance on developing a community-based project of your choosing, designed to make a meaningful impact in your local context.
 

ILA coursework is facilitated by Tribal and community leaders, educators, practitioners, researchers, and guest speakers from across Indian Country and multiple professional sectors.

Participants will engage directly with facilitators and guest speakers through:

• Live discussions
• Interactive workshops
• Collaborative activities
• Mentorship and peer learning opportunities
   

• The required dates for the cohort are January 13th, 20th and 27th; February 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th; March 3rd; RES Conference 2027 - March 8th - 11th
• The weekly Zoom meetings will be on Wednesday evenings, from 4pm to 7pm AZ time. 
  The first meeting, Module 1, will be on Zoom on Saturday, January 9th, tentatively from 9am to 2pm AZ time. 
• The last meeting, Module 10, will be in-person at the RES Conference in Las Vegas, NV from March 8-11th (Monday-Thursday), 2027. 

• The first and tenth modules each run for approximately six hours.
• The first module is held via Zoom on a Saturday, while the final module will take place in person.
• Modules two through nine meet weekly in the evening for three hours each. Participants can expect about 1.5 hours of reading per week, along with engagement in discussions and activities on Canvas.
• Throughout the program, you will receive guidance on developing a community-based project of your choosing, designed to make a meaningful impact in your local context.