Indigenous Leadership Academy

Meet the Indigenous Education Leadership Academy Fall Cohort

Indigenous Leadership Academy: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in Indigenous Communities

The Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is a groundbreaking program focused on developing community leaders through a curriculum rooted in traditional leadership values and community-centered approaches. ILA stands apart by nurturing not only current leaders but also emerging professionals across Arizona and the United States who work with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities and organizations.

Launched in January 2022 with support from Arizona Public Service (APS), ILA has quickly grown into a nationally recognized program. It has partnered with leading organizations, including the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Tufts University and several schools at Arizona State University (ASU).

Since its founding, ILA has built a powerful network of Indigenous changemakers:

157 participants
Representing 73 Tribal Nations
Across 31 states and Washington, D.C.
52% of participants from Arizona

Through interactive learning, mentorship, and culturally grounded leadership development, ILA continues to shape the future of Tribal governance, Indigenous education, and Native health leadership.

We acknowledge that despite evolving legal interpretations of education policies, programs designed to support Tribal students remain legally protected under the U.S. Trust Responsibility to Tribal Nations. These programs are rooted in Tribal sovereignty, treaty obligations, and federal law, not racial classification. Universities and state governments play a critical role in ensuring that American Indian/Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian students receive the educational support promised through centuries of federal commitments.

Through this innovative program, ASU demonstrates how public universities actively fulfill their share of the trust responsibility through collaboration, consultation, and sustained investment in Native communities. Understanding and upholding these responsibilities is essential for university leaders, educators, and policymakers to ensure that American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students continue to access the educational opportunities promised to them under centuries of federal commitments.

Grow Your Career as an Indigenous Leader in Education or Health

The Indigenous Leadership Academy is offered by the American Indian Policy Institute in collaboration with Arizona State University's Center for Indian Education, the American Indian Studies program, and Indigenous Health Initiatives, as well as Tufts University, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, the National Indian Education Association, and the National Indian Health Board.

These two professional development programs are designed to empower emerging Indigenous leaders working in education and healthcare. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school administrator, tribal education director, librarian, healthcare provider, or community health worker, these certificate programs support your growth as a leader in tribal health systems and Indigenous education systems.

Each academy features a 10-module, cohort-based curriculum delivered weekly from July to October 2025, tailored for working professionals. Participants will engage with Indigenous-authored scholarship, insights from Native leaders, and interactive, community-centered learning experiences.

The program culminates in a capstone experience at a national event at the NIEA Annual Convention (education) or the NIHB Annual Conference (health), where participants showcase their leadership journey and connect with a network of Indigenous changemakers nationwide.

Meet the Fall 2025 IHLA Cohort

Meet the Fall 2025 IELA Cohort

ILA cohort — Indigenous Leadership Academy Inaugural Cohort Spring 2022
Photo: Roshan Spotsville/Photography by Roshan

Qualifications

Eligibility Criteria

The Indigenous Leadership Academy is designed for working professionals who are ready to grow as leaders and drive change in American Indian education or tribal health systems. This program is not currently accepting student applications.

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following:

3–5 years of professional work experience
Age 25 or older
U.S. resident
Not currently enrolled as a student
Able to attend all 10 weekly sessions from July–October 2025
Demonstrated understanding of tribal sovereignty and tribal communities in the U.S.
Strong interest in emerging as a leader in American Indian education or health
Passion for positively impacting your community
A specific project idea focused on community success—preferably addressing a challenge in education or health
Willingness to expand your knowledge, skills, and professional network
Openness to collaboration with a diverse cohort of Indigenous leaders
A “can-do” attitude and a desire to be part of solutions
Active LinkedIn profile (or willingness to create one for cohort engagement)

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants are encouraged to meet one or more of the following:

Bachelor's degree
Associate degree (AA)
5+ years of work experience in a tribal, educational, or health-related setting

Program Cost

$2,650 total for the 10-week program
Scholarships available — All applicants are automatically considered

Certification & Outcome

Upon successful completion, participants will receive an official Arizona State University (ASU) digital certification in Indigenous Leadership

Cohort 8: Indigenous Health Leadership Academy (IHLA)

Cohort Start Date: July 12, 2025

Module 10 Event: September 7-12, 2025, National Tribal Health Conference at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler, AZ.

Cohort Partners: ASU College of Health Solutions, National Indian Health Board, Tufts University

Cohort 9: Indigenous Education Leadership Academy (IELA)

Cohort Start Date: August 9, 2025

Module 10 Event: October 8-11, 2025, Spokane, Washington

Cohort Partners: ASU Center for Indian Education, ASU American Indian Studies, National Indian Education Association, Tufts University

Indigenous Leadership Academy FAQ

What our participants learn

Meet our cohorts

Indigenous Leadership Academy