In August, NNI’s Indigenous Governance Program (IGP) hosted a week-long, intensive education session for 15 special operations soldiers from the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), based in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. The team soon will be deployed to various countries in Africa where they will be working hand-in-hand with local Indigenous populations. Their mission, like NNI’s, is to support and strengthen Indigenous governance.

While in Tucson, the troops attended two IGP courses. Comparative Indigenous Governance, taught by NNI Faculty Chair Stephen Cornell, provided a broad overview of the nation building framework and considered case studies in Indigenous governance from around the world. Making Change Happen, taught by NNI Research Director Miriam Jorgensen, explored strategies for effecting community change and discussed how Indigenous peoples have used them.

For similar educational opportunities, please consider attending January in Tucson 2018.