ILA’s Leadership Program for Indigenous Health Care Professionals

Grow your career. Lead your community. Step into your power.

Content:

• Why Indigenous Leadership Matters in Health Care
• How to Move Up in Health Care as a Native Professional
• Introducing the Indigenous Health Care Leadership Academy

 

Why Indigenous Leadership Matters in Health Care 

Indigenous healthcare professionals can address the unique disparities faced by Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Hawaiian Natives, who, according to the Indian Health Service, have long experienced lower health status, lower life expectancy, and disproportionate disease compared to other Americans. Native Americans are faced with nearly a 5-year lower life expectancy than the general population, infant mortality rates are 50% - 60% higher, and chronic diseases impact Native Americans at 1.5 to 2 times the rate of the average American, including diabetes and heart disease. 

Strong Indigenous healthcare leadership is essential to closing equity gaps, improving patient outcomes, and reclaiming culturally grounded care. When Native voices are in decision-making roles, healthcare becomes more responsive, respectful, and effective.

For those seeking health career growth in Indigenous communities, leadership development isn’t just about personal success; it’s about creating systems where our communities can thrive. 

Whether you work in a clinic, serve as a behavioral health specialist, or support patients as a nurse, your lived experience is a powerful tool in shaping the future of Native healthcare.

 

How to Move Up in Health Care as a Native Professional

After 3–5 years in the field, many Indigenous healthcare workers start to ask: What’s next for me?

That next step could be leadership, which comes in many forms. Many Indigenous health care professionals want to do more—to mentor, manage, advocate, or guide their teams—but they don’t always have a clear path forward. 

If you’re wondering how to move up in healthcare as a Native professional, you’re not alone. That’s where healthcare leadership training for Indigenous professionals comes in. Whether your dream is to lead a clinic, direct a community health program, or help shape national policy, developing your leadership skills is the key. Indigenous professionals need more than just technical expertise; they need tools to navigate systems, inspire others, and lead with cultural integrity.

That’s why access to Indigenous professional development in healthcare is so critical. Whether you’re in public health, patient care, or mental wellness, there are programs designed to help you grow your skills without disconnecting from your values. ILA is a cohort-based model that offers peer support, mentorship and applied learning. This is an Indigenous health professional leadership course built with your goals and community in mind.

There is a growing movement in Indigenous leadership development for healthcare, and you belong in it.

 

Introducing the Indigenous Health Care Leadership Academy

If you’re ready to lead but unsure how to take the next step, the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is here to support you.

This Indigenous healthcare leadership program was designed specifically for Native professionals with 3–5 years of experience. Whether you're a frontline provider or behind-the-scenes strategist, ILA can help you step confidently into leadership.

It’s not just a training. It’s a transformational journey.

The Academy offers a space to build confidence, gain strategic skills, and grow alongside other Native changemakers. Through culturally relevant content, practical projects, and community support, participants leave ready to lead in any healthcare setting.

Whether you’re seeking Native American healthcare leadership opportunities, First Nations health leadership training, or simply a supportive environment to grow, this program is for you.

 

Ready to Lead?

Join a network of Indigenous healthcare professionals who are leading with heart, purpose, and community at the center.

Learn more about ILA