Innovative capacity-building

Engagement

What we do

The AIPI is committed to serving communities through innovative capacity-building initiatives. We collaborate with various partners both within and outside of ASU to support Indian Country. Our contributions include providing professional development training opportunities for tribal leaders, government staff, tribal members, tribal students, and individuals or entities working with tribal governments. Our goal is to support the long-term economic sustainability of Tribal nations and their governments.

Indigenous Leadership Academy

AIPI is dedicated to cultivating emerging leaders to benefit Tribal Nations and communities. Feedback from both program participants and Tribal leaders affirms AIPI’s view that the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is not merely a local initiative; it is a national program for leadership development. AIPI has successfully hosted seven cohorts so far, with two additional cohorts already launched for the Fall of 2025. Watch for the Spring 2026 announcement coming in November.

Participants consistently report that one of the most valuable skills they gain is increased confidence in presenting their ideas in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous settings. The tools provided at the ILA help establish a foundation for participants to serve as community advocates, enabling them to implement projects that utilize Indigenous knowledge and techniques derived from cultural frameworks that prioritize connectedness and sustainability.

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