In June, three members of the National Center team – Board Member William Lowe, Chief of Staff Erin Abrahamson, and Director of Communications Emerald Skye Byrd – had the opportunity to participate in Leading Tribal Nations. The week-long program was sponsored by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and developed and facilitated by Harvard Business School. 

“It was an honor to participate in the Leading Tribal Nations program at Harvard Busines School,” said Lowe. “The knowledge I took home from the program is already benefiting my professional journey, my tribe, and The National Center. I would like to thank the National Congress of American Indians for the tremendous opportunity.”

The program is designed to equip tribal leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their capacity for strategic governance. The interactive curriculum included legacy leadership, critical thinking and problem solving, strategic decision making, institutional development and planning, coalition building, negotiations and change management. 

“The spirit of collaboration and unity was incredible at Leading Tribal Nations,” said Abrahamson. “There is no doubt in my mind that Indian Country’s current generation of leaders is ready to take our community to new heights. The real-world scenarios presented at the program will prove invaluable to our work, no matter the tribe, organization, or region of the country.”

Some of the topics covered included climate change, water rights and access, international labor standards, corporate diversity, natural resource management, and business negotiations. Real world examples were often used as case studies, with sessions led by some of the top practitioners in their fields.

“Words can’t quite describe how rigorous and rewarding the experience the Leading Tribal Nations Program was,” said Byrd. “We were equipped with the knowledge and tools to address strategic governance, institutional planning, negotiations, coalition building, resource management, critical thinking, legacy leadership, change management, and problem-solving through applied knowledge. Just as important, we made new relationships that will prove to be just as precious.”

Congratulations to William, Erin, and Skye. We know they will use what they learned to the benefit of their tribes, The National Center, and all of Indian Country.