Strengthening Indigenous leadership
Extension's Minnesota Indigenous Leadership Network works to engage leaders and strengthen partnerships with Native American communities in Minnesota.
We recognize historical trauma is more than what has happened in the past — it's also about what is happening now.
Learn and engage with us
Extension collaborates to offer cohort programs and other learning opportunities designed with communities. Below are ways to engage with us.
Grow your community efforts
Interested in helping your tribal community grow leadership and increase participation? We are passionate about working with you in ways that uphold and protect core values, communities, families and each other for future generations.
Leadership development is the cornerstone of community engagement. We are excited to share resources, tools and programs to strengthen communities.
Contact one of our educators to start a conversation about your community.
Build connections
In Extension • Across University of Minnesota • Across our communities
The Minnesota Indigenous Leadership Network works with others in both Extension and across the University, as well as within our communities. We do our part to support, promote and engage with groups who want to strengthen their communities.
Stay connected
Follow our Facebook page, Minnesota Indigenous Leadership Network, for news and updates.
Stories from community leaders
"Whenever I'm asked about my leadership journey ... I always have to reflect back on the sacrifices that were made that allowed me to be where I am today." — Dennis Olson
Our podcast series, Indigenized Connections On Air, highlighted the path to leadership from a number of our Minnesota leaders. Listen to episodes below.
Boarding schools and American Indian education
Hear our conversation with Brenda Child about the legacy of boarding schools and its impact on tribal land, American Indian education, and more.
MIIN (Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network)
Listen as we talk to Dustin Burnette who shares his leadership journey and efforts to create an Indigenous immersion network.
Indigepreneurship and the Kwepack
Listen as we talk with Sarah Agaton Howes as she shares stories about resilience, heartache and perseverance.
Leadership in a crisis: resiliency (part 4)
Join us for a conversation with Dr. Anton Treuer. Listen as he shares stories about resiliency and how it has influenced his leadership journey.
Join our email list
Receive updates and news about leadership and building capacity in tribal communities in Minnesota.
Give a gift of education
You can help provide leadership and civic engagement education to tribal communities in Minnesota with a financial gift. Your donation funds scholarships for Native Americans who want to participate in an Extension leadership program. Support leadership development by making a donation today.