Tribal & Direct Services
NNI provides specialized services to Indigenous nations in North America requesting assistance with issues ranging from constitutional reform and institution-building to strategic planning and economic development. These educational programs and/or facilitated planning sessions are designed, in consultation with the Native nation, to equip tribal leaders with the nation rebuilding knowledge necessary to address their organization’s or tribe’s needs.
Our Tribal & Direct Services are based on NNI's research with Native nations on what works, what doesn't, and why. Programs typically last one to three days, are offered in the requesting nation’s homeland, and are effective in reaching a critical mass of a nation’s leaders or citizens wanting to look more closely at their own governance challenges and learn from what other nations are doing. NNI staff will not tell Native nations what they should do, but rather provide research-based information and examples to assist Indigenous nations and peoples in making their own decisions about their futures.
"We recognized that to truly embark on nation building we need to not only get our elected leaders on board but also engage all of our community members – both on and off the reservation, and we now have the tools to do this. I would strongly encourage our elected leaders and other tribal nations to go through NNI’s Governance Analysis for Native Nations.”
-Hopi Tribe’s Executive Director’s office
Customized short lectures, facilitated discussions on applicability of content, decisional case studies, multimedia presentations, interactive brainstorming, and more on the following topics:
- Native Nation Building
- Tribal Constitutions
- Economic Development
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Intergovernmental Relations
- Tribal Administration
- and more!
An analytical tool that is in-depth and comprehensive than an educational session, a GANN session assists Indigenous nations with identifying and assessing their nation's governance challenges, goals, planning, and action needed.
'Native Know-How: Understanding How to Work & Partner with Native Nations', is designed for non-Indigenous organizations to promote a better understanding of the culture and governments of Native Americans to create thriving working relationships and partnerships.
Tribal Professionals Cohort
A year-long professional development program designed to equip Native leaders with knowledge and tools for Native Nation Building
Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship
An internship with US Congress members in Washington DC for Indigenous students to gain practical experience with the federal legislative process and an understanding of relationships between Tribal and federal governments
Project Youth ACT
Advocate for social justice and address key issues affecting your nations/communities while getting multi-media production skills to broadcast your message.
Native American Youth Entrepreneurship Program
Build entrepreneurial skills; gain real-world experience; and learn how to plan, implement, and run your own business during our 3-5 day intensive workshop.
Future Native Nation Builders
Become an influential member of your nation by learning how to rebuild it! Learn about the steps you can take to strengthen Indigenous governance.
