The goal of the Tribal Leadership Initiative (TLI) is to strengthen political, economic, and educational structures during a time of unprecedented self-determination across Native nations, and to develop and support leaders. The Initiative is central to Native nation building and comprises a multi-component program dedicated to expanding the capacities of Indigenous communities by promoting:
- effective local self-governance
- economic progress
- social and cultural strengthening
- leadership education and development
Effective Leaders Empower Communities
The scarcity of skilled managers has plagued tribal organizations. This has resulted in the failure to develop potential managers to meet the needs of the Indian organizations rather than a lack of managerial talent among Native people. Our goal is to provide world-class leadership education, development, and outreach in support of practical self-determination.
Our mission is to develop leaders.
Yes, our challenges are many.
We must grow our economies to eliminate poverty on our lands by investing in our people and creating a viable future for coming generations. We must empower our people and rebuild our nations for our grandchildren and their children. This we must do while ensuring our traditions and languages are passed on as vibrant and alive as they have been for hundreds of years.
At the AIS Tribal Leadership Initiative, we equip students and clients with the education and the practical skills they need to be successful and make a difference in their communities. Moreover, they become aware that Indigenous nation building is about the people: it’s about community. It is about protecting and sustaining our Indigenous languages, cultures, and spiritualties, ensuring the coming generations continue the legacy.
We at AIS are encouraged when we see our nations rebuilding and reclaiming their dreams. We acknowledge that while education is important in forging economic development, education is also a means to the ultimate goal of maintaining and strengthening culture and language. Bolstering and maintaining identity is the REAL goal of economic development and Indigenous nation building. It is truly the way of Indigenous peoples.
Tribal Leadership Initiative
“Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”
- Sitting Bull
The AIS Tribal Leadership Initiative is your opportunity to participate an initiative with historic implications for Indigenous communities in North America.
Given our applied focus, our mission, and our experience, we are ideally positioned to obtain results. Donors will have the satisfaction of seeing a return on their investment in the form of discernable change on the ground in Indigenous communities.
The Tribal Leadership Initiative will contribute to the resurgence of Native nations throughout Indian Country. This program stands to contribute toward building strong Native nations and developing leaders. Without it, the collective momentum toward self-determination may waver, and an opportunity to effect enduring change in Native communities will have been missed.
Your generosity fuels innovation, access, and excellence at NAU. Every gift—no matter the size—helps create life-changing experiences for our students. Thank you for believing in the power of Lumberjack giving.
