Spring 2023 Indigenous Leadership Academy cohort at the Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada

Indigenous Leadership Academy

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Building Leadership

The Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is breaking new ground with a program that integrates Indigenous leadership principles. What sets ILA apart is its focus on cultivating not just current Tribal leaders, but also emerging Indigenous leaders in Arizona and nationwide. Launched in January 2022 with vital support from Arizona Public Service (APS). Since its launch, ILA has partnered with the National Center, the National Congress of American Indians, various schools at ASU, and esteemed professors to develop a compelling brand and curriculum that has successfully attracted emerging Indigenous and community leaders from across Arizona and the entire nation. This signature program is dedicated to empowering the next generation of Tribal leaders. As of October 2024, ILA has welcomed 133 participants, representing 63 Tribal Nations from 28 states and D.C., with over half of our cohort participants, 54%, hailing from Arizona.

 

The American Indian Policy Institute’s Indigenous Leadership Academy Announces 7th Cohort for Spring 2025!

Cohort Dates: January 4, 2025 to March 10, 2025.

Cohort Partner: Tufts University

Module 10 Event: The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development and the Reservation Economic Summit

Phoenix, Ariz. — The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI), in partnership with Tufts University, is thrilled to announce the Spring 2025 Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) cohort! This unique leadership program focuses on emerging leaders. Twenty-five out of sixty-two applicants have been accepted into the cohort. The participants represent 18 tribes across 11 states, and all have demonstrated a strong passion for working with and for Indigenous communities.

Read Cohort Bios

 

 

 

 

ILA cohort
Indigenous Leadership Academy Inaugural Cohort Spring 2022
Photo: Roshan Spotsville/Photography by Roshan

Qualifications

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Qualifications

This is the Indigenous Leadership Academy application. The Indigenous Leadership Academy is focused on creating emerging leaders in Indian country. Currently, we ask that no students apply as this program is for working professionals. 

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • 3-5 years minimum professional experience
  • No current students
  • Must attend all 10 meetings 
  • Must reside within the United States (US Residents Only)
  • Must have an understanding of tribal sovereignty and tribal communities in the United States
  • Must be age 21 or over
  • Must have a desire to positively impact your home community
  • Must have a specific project in mind that will benefit Indian country
  • Must be willing to expand knowledge, skills, and network
  • Must be excited to work with a diverse group of people
  • Someone who has a can-do attitude
  • Must have a desire to solve an issue
  • Must have a LinkedIn 

 

Preferred Qualifications:
Must meet or have some combination of the following: Evidence of a Bachelors degree, Evidence of an AA degree, or 5 years minimum of work experience.

Cost

  • The cost is $2650 for the 10-week program
  • Scholarships are available and applicants are automatically considered

Outcome

  • Upon program completion, participants will receive an ASU digital certification.

   Indigenous Leadership Academy FAQ

What our participants learn

Meet our cohorts

Spring 2025

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Fall 2024

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Spring 2024

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Fall 2023

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Fall 2022

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Spring 2023

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Spring 2022

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Sponsors

The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) signature program Indigenous Leadership Academy works with emerging Indigenous leaders from throughout Arizona and nationally to expand their knowledge, skills, and networks to address long-term issues faced by Indigenous governments, communities, associations, and corporations. The program will inspire and motivate participants to execute strategies and lead change. There is no comparable program in the Nation.

Testimonial

 

ASU Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law - Arizona State University
American Indian Policy Institute

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