For Immediate Release
Contact: Kristen Talbert
Phone: 480-965-1055
Phoenix, Ariz. (March 26, 2021) — The
American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) announces the creation of the
Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA). This new initiative is in partnership with the Arizona State University Office of Government & Community Engagement, and with seed funding from
Arizona Public Service (APS). The Indigenous Leadership Academy will support emerging Indigenous leaders in expanding their knowledge, skills, and networks to address public policy issues and engagement in the Tribal government, non-profit, and private sectors.
“The concept of an Indigenous leadership program has been informally discussed by community leaders for a while now. The idea really coalesced after we’d begun to see the impacts of COVID-19 on Tribal governance and other Indigenous-serving organizations. As we formalized the concept, it was clear that APS was a natural partner, as they helped establish other leadership programs in the Valley. We are excited at the resources they are bringing to the table,” said AIPI Executive Director, Traci Morris, Ph.D.
Previously, ASU offered a two-day orientation program for newly elected Tribal leaders. The Indigenous Leadership Academy is an extension of this work and expands the opportunity for future Indigenous leadership. Jacob Moore, Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations states, “ASU remains committed to supporting the capacity needs of the twenty-two Tribal nations that reside within the boundaries of the state of Arizona, and we appreciate the support of Arizona Public Service to help launch this critical program that will help prepare our next generation of leaders.”
Tribal governments, communities, nonprofits, and enterprises have challenges and objectives that differ from non-Indigenous entities. Today’s emerging leaders must know how to effectively navigate new and existing issues facing Tribal communities. These skills are particularly relevant due to the status Tribal nations hold as sovereign nations within a nation. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed major structural challenges in Tribal communities, and has emphasized the need for new models of understanding the future of “Indigeneity” in leadership. The ILA will provide program participants with the opportunity to explore these issues, and establish pathways that translate to positive impact for Indigenous people in urban and reservation communities.
“APS values the years of history and collaboration with ASU and Arizona Tribal Nations built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the prosperity of all our communities,” said Stacy Derstine, Vice President of External Affairs for APS. “The ILA program can be a catalyst for a stronger ecosystem of support for emerging Indigenous leaders who are and will continue to play a pivotal role in Arizona’s future.”
The Indigenous Leadership Academy offers a nonpartisan approach that strives to increase the number of Indigenous leaders that can collaboratively work to bridge differences and build consensus on solutions that advance the quality of life for Indigenous people throughout the state, with the potential to expand to a national model. Emerging leaders will participate in structured programming designed to:
- Motivate and encourage participants to learn how to execute strategies and lead change.
- Provide unparalleled learning about public policy and critical thinking skills to become active participants in addressing the issues facing our Tribal nations, state, and country.
- Foster and develop connections with top leaders in the state from industry, business, and nonprofit and government sectors.
- Provide personalized mentoring and networking support for civic development and engagement.
The AIPI has developed an Indigenous Advisory Council to navigate the cultural components of such a unique program, as well as to help determine specific community priority needs. The program curriculum will include leadership principles combined with current issues. Structurally, the program will include a combination of group work, guest speakers, and case studies. Participants will benefit from some of the top faculty, industry professionals, and Tribal leaders with the skillset to apply these real-world principles in the workplace and community.
To learn more about the ILA, please join our mailing list here.
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The American Indian Policy Institute is leading the discourse for Tribally-driven, informed policy-making. It was established in 2006 with the commitment to carry out Tribally-led participatory research in which Tribal governments identify their own research needs and seek out collaborations with the university. AIPI empowers Tribal nations, communities, and Indigenous students through progressive policy analysis, research, executive education, and special projects that support self-determination and build Tribal capacity.
