Indigenous Leadership Academy: Empowering the Next Generation of Tribal Leaders
The Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is a groundbreaking program focused on developing Indigenous leaders through a curriculum rooted in traditional leadership values and community-centered approaches. ILA stands apart by nurturing not only current Tribal leaders but also emerging Native American and Indigenous professionals across Arizona and the United States.
Launched in January 2022 with support from Arizona Public Service (APS), ILA has quickly grown into a nationally recognized program. It has partnered with leading organizations including the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Tufts University and several schools at Arizona State University (ASU).
Since its founding, ILA has built a powerful network of Indigenous changemakers:
- 157 participants
- Representing 73 Tribal Nations
- Across 31 states and Washington, D.C.
- 52% of participants from Arizona
Through interactive learning, mentorship, and culturally grounded leadership development, ILA continues to shape the future of Tribal governance, Indigenous education, and Native health leadership.