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!

Request our services by clicking the button below and submitting the request form.

Michelle Red Day

Program Manager - Tribal Governance [email protected]

Ashleigh Thompson

Program Coordinator - Tribal Governance Support [email protected]

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

Onboarding Tips for Tribal Leaders

Onboarding is the process by which new associates acquire…

Native Nations Listening Tour Report

In 2016, shortly after our founding, our executive director met with 21 of the 23 Native nations in Mni Sota Makoce, South Dakota, and North Dakota. He also visited with staff from the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council. These visits were an opportunity to introduce Native Governance Center to Native nations. We also gathered preliminary data on Native nations’ top governance and sovereignty-related priorities. We used this information to inform the initial design of our Tribal Governance Support program.