NNI Tribal Professionals Cohort
A year-long professional development program to equip Native leaders with knowledge, tools & networks for Native Nation Building
With a focus on the 5 Native Nation Building principles - sovereignty, capable governing institutions, cultural match, strategic orientation, and public-spirited leadership – members of NNI’s Tribal Professional Cohort will explore how to strengthen these critical elements of their nation as they work to lead change in their communities.
The NNI TPC program was created in 2016 to respond to the realities, challenges, and opportunities of Tribal Professionals serving Native communities. It aims to deepen participants' commitment to growth, innovation, and networking. Participants will strengthen their leadership skills, build their advocacy skills, cultivate a network of Tribal professionals who support each other's career growth - all while advancing their own professional, personal, and political capacity to tackle community challenges.
The Cohort Experience
Over the course of the year, cohort members will participate in an online orientation, January In Tucson (JIT) courses, 4 quarterly online seminars with NNI professionals, and other networking opportunities.
The program kicks off in December with an online orientation to review the program, expectations and commitments, and a sneak peek at Native Nation Building.
All TPC members are required to complete three 3-day JIT courses (including the Rebuilding Native Nations: An Introduction course as a pre-requisite) which earns 3 credits towards a Continuing Education Certificate in Indigenous Governance from the Native Nations Institute. TPC members receive a discount on CEU registration rates at future JIT sessions.
JIT utilizes the UArizona’s Desire to Learn (D2L) platform for reading assignments, classroom assignments, and the final course assignment. Additionally, for the quarterly virtual seminars, Cohort members are required to have reliable access to the Internet and a computer/laptop/tablet to complete assignments and attend virtual sessions.
Benefits
-Develop a network of relationships with a small group of cross-sector tribal professionals (10 or less) from across U.S. Indian Country who all have a career commitment to serving Native communities, and an interest in finding creative solutions to the most pressing issues in Indigenous governance.
-Learn from and connect with guest speakers that include experts, leaders, and practitioners in tribal governance.
-Present your project during the final NNI TPC Showcase event in October.
-Receive support from NNI staff/faculty via weekly check-ins during JIT and monthly thereafter (virtual via Zoom, 1 hour each).
-Enjoy the flexibility of learning from the comfort of your chosen location (applies to virtual seminars/events).
NNI TPC 2027 Schedule
NNI TPC Orientation & Opening Native Nation Building (NNB) Seminar online
Dec. 7th, 2026. 3 - 5:30pm AZ/MST
NNI TPC Welcome Reception
January 7, 2027
3 JIT Courses including Rebuilding Native Nations: An Introduction
January 7th-15th, 2027
4 Native Nation Building Seminars online
- #1 - Feb. 8, 2027. 3:30-5:30pm AZ/MST
- #2 - Apr. 12, 2027. 3:30-5:30pm AZ/PDT
- #3 - July 12, 2027. 3:30-5:30pm AZ/PDT
- #4 - Oct. 11, 2027. 3:30-5:30pm AZ/PDT
Monthly NNI TPC Check-Ins
2nd Monday of the month. Time TBD. Feb. 2027-Oct. 2027. online
OUTCOMES
- Be versed in the Native Nation Building approach and principles.
- Enhanced ability to effect positive change at work and in your community.
- Enhanced leadership abilities and leadership tools.
- Expanded professional networks.
ELIGIBILITY
- U.S. citizens of any U.S. Native nation (Federal or State Recognized)
- Individuals who are current tribal government practitioners, community leaders, and individuals who can demonstrate the ability to take the information they learn back to their own tribal communities are especially encouraged to apply.
- Only individuals who can to commit to attending ALL events listed in schedule above should apply. Attendance at all sessions is required for successful completion of the program.
COST
Course fees waived!
Registration fees of $2,250 for three JIT Courses (1 CEC credit each) and 4 NNB Seminars are covered for all members. At a minimum, members will be responsible for books (although most courses provide online resources), travel to Tucson, per diem, local transportation, incidentals, etc.
Travel to Tucson: A limited number of "Supplemental Travel Scholarships" are available (typically includes lodging and partial transportation to Tucson) as funds are available.
We encourage cost-sharing with your employer/tribe to maximize our limited budget. Please inquire and/or include in your application if interested.