Indigenous Leadership Academy

Indigenous Leadership Academy: Empowering Indigenous Leaders. Advancing Sovereignty. Inspiring Changes.

The Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is a groundbreaking and nationally recognized leadership development program dedicated to cultivating Indigenous change-makers through a curriculum rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and leading.

Grounded in culturally responsive approaches, ILA honors traditional leadership values while preparing participants to meet the complex challenges facing Tribal Nations today. The program centers on community-driven learning, dialogue, and relationship-building that empowers emerging leaders to lead with integrity, accountability and cultural strength.

What sets ILA apart is its proven impact. Since launching in January 2022, ILA has maintained an impressive 92% completion rate and an average acceptance rate of just 51%, reflecting a selective yet deeply supportive program designed for success. This outstanding achievement is a direct result of ILA’s commitment to Indigenous-centered education that values collective growth, community connection and self-determination.

From Arizona to Alaska, ILA continues to expand its reach and reputation as a model for Indigenous leadership education.

Since its founding, ILA has built a powerful network of Indigenous leaders:

196 participants
Representing 94 Tribal Nations
Across 31 states and Washington, D.C.
50% of participants from Arizona

ILA is proudly sponsored by the National Congress of American Indians, Tufts University, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, the Burton Family Foundation, and Arizona Public Service (APS). Together, these partners help ensure that ILA continues to advance Indigenous-led leadership, innovation, and sovereignty across Indian Country and Tribal communities.

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that despite evolving legal interpretations of education policies, programs designed to support Tribal students remain legally protected under the U.S. Trust Responsibility to Tribal Nations. These programs are rooted in Tribal sovereignty, treaty obligations, and federal law, not racial classification. Universities and state governments play a critical role in ensuring that American Indian/Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian students receive the educational support promised through centuries of federal commitments.

Through this innovative program, ASU demonstrates how public universities actively fulfill their share of the trust responsibility through collaboration, consultation, and sustained investment in Native communities. Understanding and upholding these responsibilities is essential for university leaders, educators, and policymakers to ensure that American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students continue to access the educational opportunities promised to them under centuries of federal commitments.

Cohort 10: Stewardship, Sustainability and Leadership

Cohort Start Date: January 26, 2026

Module 10 Event: March 23 - 26 at the 2026 Reservation Economic Summit (RES) in Las Vegas, NV

Cohort Partners: The 10th cohort is sponsored by the National Congress of American Indians, Tufts University, the National Center For American Indian Enterprise Development, the Burton Family Foundation and Arizona Public Service - APS.

FAQ

Eligibility Criteria

The Tribal Energy Leaders Fellowship is designed for working professionals who are ready to grow as leaders and drive change in energy. This program is not currently accepting student applications.

Minimum Requirements

Age 21+ and committed to attending all 10 modules (Jan–Mar 2026)
Reliable internet access for virtual sessions
Interest in Indigenous leadership and Tribal energy development
Understanding of Tribal sovereignty and governance
A community-impact project idea related to energy sovereignty, climate resilience, or sustainability
Willingness to collaborate, share, and learn with peers
Must have a LinkedIn profile or be willing to create one for networking with fellow cohort members
Students are not eligible to apply at this time

Preferred:

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, or 3–5 years of professional experience in Tribal governance, energy, or environmental work

Program Cost

$2,650 total for the 10-week program
Scholarships available — All applicants are automatically considered

Certification & Outcome

Upon successful completion, participants will receive an official Arizona State University (ASU) digital certification in Indigenous Leadership

What our participants learn

Indigenous Leadership Academy