Indigenous Leaders in Governance

Overview

We developed our Indigenous Leaders in Governance (ILG) program in response to feedback from elected Tribal leaders. They expressed a need for education for elected leaders (new and seasoned), as well as technical assistance on how to develop their own onboarding and orientation programs. ILG offers elected Tribal leaders and administrators both of these opportunities.

Contact Us

Do you have questions about our ILG services? Connect with Michelle, who can help!

Michelle Red Day

Program Coordinator - Tribal Governance michelle@nativegov.org

Virtual Workshop Series

Our virtual workshop series introduces and explains Native nation rebuilding and traditional Indigenous governance principles. We make these concepts accessible and highlight practical ways nations might implement these approaches in their leadership and governance. We customize our virtual workshop series to fit nations’ needs and interests. The four live virtual workshops feature a mix of presentations, guest speakers, activities, and reflection. This education provides a good foundation for strengthening Tribal leadership and governance. Below are the general workshop topics:

  • Traditional Indigenous Leadership and Governance
  • Native Nation Rebuilding Philosophy
  • Today’s Tribal Governance
  • Tribal, State, and Federal Relations

Technical Assistance

Once a Native nation’s elected leadership and administration complete the workshop series, they are eligible to receive technical assistance on developing and implementing an orientation and onboarding program. Supporting Native nations with implementing their own programs helps strengthen sovereignty and provides a sustainable way for elected leaders to receive important decision making training into the future.

Request our Services

Are you interested in bringing Indigenous Leaders in Governance to your nation? Complete our short form using the link below, and we’ll reach out to you with more information. 

ILG Participant

“…the Nation Building approach is our only alternative to change for a better and more effective governance structure. Thank you for your work.”

—ILG Participant

Governance Resources

What is Native nation rebuilding?

The Native nation rebuilding framework helps Native nations thrive. In this video, we explain the framework and how to put it into action.

The 2020 Census at Red Lake Nation

The census has a dismal record of undercounting certain population groups, in particular Native Americans residing on reservations. The 2020 census faced two unprecedented challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic and political interference by the Trump administration. For Native communities across the country, the result was a net undercount of 5.64%. At Red Lake Nation in northwestern Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota), however, through outstanding leadership and a series of actions that embody Native nation rebuilding principles, Red Lake Nation achieved a count of 100% of known housing units.

Tribal Civics: A Guide for Fostering Engagement

A Tribal civics initiative is a formal or informal learning opportunity for Tribal citizens to learn about their people’s history, cultural values and practices, traditional forms of governance, and current governmental structure and administration. This guide is for Indigenous youth, educators, knowledge keepers, grassroots and elected leaders; it’s for anyone who aspires to create and implement a Tribal civics engagement plan for their nation. This resource is available to download as a PDF.