Indigenous Leadership Development in the United

States

Christopher Wetzel, Ph.D.

September 15, 2012

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

• Policy Context

• Organization of the field

• Cultures of training

• Implications

Policy Context

Policy Context

Policy Context

“I have signed into law … the Indian Self-

Determination and Education Assistance

Act. My Administration is committed to

furthering the self-determination of Indian

communities without terminating the special relationships between

the Federal Government and the

Indian people.” -Pres. Gerald Ford, January

1975

Policy Context

• 1975 Act: allowed for contracting

• 1988 Amendment: allowed for compacting

• Challenges• Federally recognized tribal nations• Compliance with federal accounting and

auditing• Grant-driven

Public Corporate

Generalist

Specialist

Organization of the Field

Public-Specialist (n=25) Corporate-Specialist (n=11)

Corporate-Generalist (n=10)Public-Generalist (n=7)

Organization of the Field

Cultures of Training: Public Generalist

• Founded: 1987

• Vision: “The Harvard Project aims to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined social and economic development is achieved among American Indian nations through applied research and service.”

Cultures of Training: Public Generalist

Cultures of Training: Corporate Generalist

• Founded: 1985

• Vision: “To be the premier provider of culturally relevant education and information services for North American Indian tribes and organizations.”

Cultures of Training: Corporate Generalist

Cultures of Training: Corporate Specialist• Founded: 2011

• Vision: “We work with you to develop and implement practical, real-world solutions to the problems you face. … We leverage our insight and experience to help you diagnose, improve and deliver superior results in the key functional areas that impact your bottom line.”

Cultures of Training: Corporate Specialist

Cultures of Training: Public Specialist

• Founded: 1995

• Vision: “The mission of the Native American Training Institute is to empower individuals, families and the community to create a safe and healthy environment so children and families can achieve their highest potential.”

Cultures of Training: Public Specialist

Implications• How can First Nations thoughtfully

and strategically use the services of these organizations?

• What leadership and community development trainings are best handled by First Nations?

• How does the field impact expressions of self-determination and sovereignty?