Most of our work this summer has focused on empowering communities and future Native American leaders. Our Research Director Miriam Jorgensen and our Co-Founder/Faculty Chair Stephen Cornell continued their work with the Alaska Native Justice40 Council in designing a framework to reimagine tribal-federal and landowner-land steward relationships in the state of Alaska, with an ultimate focus on mitigating the impacts of climate change and strengthening Alaska Native Peoples’ self-determination.

Executive Director Joan Timeche and Program Coordinator Mara Castro led multiple seminars and presentations all over the country (see below for details). During these events, NNI witnessed the youth participants deepen their interest in tribal governance, leadership, entrepreneurship, and they were inspired to go back home and improve conditions for their people.

Navigating Education in Borderlands Program

ONLINE

June 7. A presentation to Universidad de Sonora and UArizona non-Native students focused on overcoming the challenges of ‘borders’, both physical and socio-economic, from an Indigenous perspective. Featuring Former Tohono O’odham Nation Vice-Chairman Verlon Jose.

Sponsored by the UArizona Honors College

Native American Youth Entrepreneurship Program

ONLINE

June 17-21. A week of business planning, pitching, and collaborating.

Read full story or watch a 1 minute video of the entrepreneurs introducing themselves & their businesses.

Sponsored by The Association on American Indian Affairs, Mis Manos Montessori School, and the Udall Foundation

North Dakota Indian Youth Leadership Academy

ONLINE

July 12. A presentation on “Leadership in Tribal Government” to create an awareness of tribal governments and develop new leaders.

Event produced by the North Dakota Commission on Indian Affairs and Native American Development Center

Native Nation Building Seminar

UDALL FOUNDATION CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AT UARIZONA'S WASHINGTON DC OFFICE & ONLINE

July 14. A virtual seminar focused on enhancing skills in community engagement and community mapping.

July 25. An in-person seminar at the UArizona DC office on skill building in development of solutions, prioritization, and action planning.

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

PASCUA YAQUI LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE, TUCSON, AZ

July 19. Thirty-two middle and high school students exercised their creativity while developing a business idea or service. They brainstormed, collaborated and deliberated to establish a basic knowledge of entrepreneurship.

Nation Building: Indigenous Women, Politics, Culture and Socioeconomic Conditions

STUDY OF THE UNITED STATES INSTITUTE (SUSI) AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, TUCSON, AZ

July 19. Nineteen Indigenous women from Latin America learned about Native nation building and shared their own stories as women seeking equitable treatment and as Indigenous communities seeking recognition, amongst other topics.