Overview
Advance Native Political Leadership is expanding the Native Leadership Institute (NLI) with additional training opportunities designed to support leaders at every stage of their journey.
The NLI Lead Training is a three-day training designed for emerging leaders who are ready to deepen their leadership practice, strengthen their organizing and relationship-building skills, and create meaningful change in their communities.
Through interactive learning, guided reflection, and collaborative conversation, participants will explore how to build trust across differences, lead strategic conversations, form coalitions, and use storytelling grounded in shared Indigenous values to move communities forward.
Details
📅 Dates: October 14–16, 2026
💻 Format: 3-day virtual training
💸 Cost: Free to participants
What You’ll Gain
- Practice leading effective one-on-ones with confidence
- Strengthen relationship-building, active listening, and strategic communication skills
- Learn how to build coalitions across differences
- Identify shared interests and build reciprocal partnerships
- Use value-driven storytelling to support community change
- Connect with peers, facilitators, and future opportunities
- Build a foundation for continued leadership growth
Who Should Apply?
The NLI Lead Training is designed for rising, values-aligned leaders who have demonstrated involvement in their communities and are ready to deepen their leadership skills and impact.
This training is intended for people who are committed to strengthening Indigenous communities and interested in growing as leaders in civic life, community organizations, advocacy spaces, workplaces, and movements.
You do not need a formal title or plans to run for office to apply.
Please note: Current elected officials or individuals who have formally declared or filed to run for office are not eligible for this program.
Interview & Selection Process
We want to make sure that our program is a good fit and that we are in alignment on our values as we work on leadership development together. Our interview and selection process is designed to provide an opportunity for us to get to know each other and to have a more in-depth conversation about the program and your experience, goals, and future plans.
- The first step is to fill out the application.
- Once you’ve submitted your application, we will reach out to schedule a 30-minute interview with members of our team.
- We will review your full application and make a final decision about admission.
- If accepted, you’ll receive program details and pre-work ahead of the training.
Application Deadline
Application Deadline: September 1, 2026
Please note: We are unable to accept current elected officials or individuals who have already filed to run for office. Participation does not guarantee admission. Applicants are selected based on eligibility, alignment with program values, and demonstrated readiness.
About the Native Leadership Institute (NLI)
The Native Leadership Institute is a national leadership development and research institute created by Indigenous leaders to strengthen civic and community leadership.
NLI builds research-informed pathways for leaders to shape civic life through community organizations, advocacy, public service, movement building, and civic institutions.
Our trainings are rooted in Indigenous values, relationships, and collective wellbeing. We believe leadership takes many forms, and that Native peoples already lead every day in our families, communities, and movements.
Why the NLI Lead Training?
Leadership requires more than passion — it requires relationships, strategy, trust, and the ability to work across differences toward a shared vision.
The NLI Lead Training is designed to help participants strengthen the practical leadership skills needed to navigate complex challenges, build meaningful partnerships, and lead with clarity and purpose in their communities.
Know Someone Who Should Apply?
Leadership often begins in community. Many Native leaders step forward because someone recognized their gifts, encouraged their growth, or reminded them that their voice matters.
If you know someone ready to deepen their leadership journey, nominate them and help us continue building strong, values-driven leadership rooted in Indigenous communities.
Questions?
Please refer to the FAQs below. If your question isn’t answered, contact us at nli@advancenativepl.org.