Future Native Nation Builders

Find out how tribal governments work and get involved in running your nation

We believe that college students are already making powerful contributions to their Native nations and communities. No matter your current level of engagement, you can boost your ability to make positive change!

Make an impact by:

studying the Standard Approach & Native Nation Building Approach to development

meeting with tribal leaders and hearing their stories

learning from real-life scenarios and case studies of Indigenous peoples

developing an action plan to implement throughout the year

Our curriculum is customizable to meet each tribe's needs and generally includes some combination of the following parts:

Part 1

Students complete our FREE online course "Introduction to Rebuilding Native Nations" ($250 value).

Part 2

Students attend an in-person or online seminar where Indigenous students further their understanding of Native Nation building and identify ways in which their degrees and skills will contribute to their tribal communities’ nation-building efforts.

Part 3

Two follow-up online seminars/meetings with the students will be provided on Nation Building topics and to check on the progress of their action plans.

Part 4

To wrap up the program, each student presents their finalized action plan.

Transportation

NNI works with each of the three state universities to arrange transportation to the seminar in Tucson, all others are responsible for their transportation to Tucson.

Lodging

Double-occupancy lodging will be provided for students who do not live in Tucson.

Meals

Students will be responsible for their meals enroute; however, dinner, breakfast and lunch will be provided at the event.

Be an enrolled citizen of a U.S. federal or state-recognized tribe.
Be currently enrolled full-time as an undergraduate degree-seeking student in an accredited U.S. college or university within Arizona. Priority is given to upper-level undergraduate students.
Not a prior participant.
Students are required to have reliable access to the Internet and a computer/laptop/tablet to complete assignments and participate in virtual sessions.

For questions or more information, contact us at nni@arizona.edu.

Future Native Nation Builders