This program is part of our Goals for the Decade to support the self-determination of the 23 Native nations that share the same geography as Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.  More specifically, it is a response to many tribal leaders representing the 23 nations who told us that developing and supporting emerging Native leaders, as well as existing leaders, will be crucial to their nation's success over the long term.  The Native Nations Rebuilding Program is intended to complement the partnerships we want to engage in with the tribes by building a cadre of "rebuilders."  Each year we will be inviting 50 emerging leaders to participate in seminars to strengthen their leadership skills and nation-building knowledge so they may be instrumental in moving their nations, in cooperation with elected leadership, toward realization of their tribes' unique goals.

The commitment we will ask Rebuilders to make is significant.  Over the next year, they will gather four times to learn about nation-building and leadership, to form supportive relationships with other Rebuilders and to create personal capacity- and skill-building plans for themselves and their nations.

An information sheet on our website gives more details about Native Nations Rebuilders Program, including how to apply.  Application deadline is January 11, 2010.

We are looking for candidates who can bring their determination and enthusiasm to the program.  We will respond with training and the resources to support their participation.  Together, we want to help ensure that, over the next decade, elected tribal leaders and the tribes they serve will have a cadre of skilled and courageous individuals dedicated to strengthening their nations.