Through treaties, many tribes were promised educational support in exchange for their land – instead, they were met with generations of false hope and inequity. To help offset these disparities, the American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF) program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) offers a Four Directions (4D) leadership cohort. This “long-term solution” service supports development for emerging leaders who want to make a greater impact in their tribal communities.  

A dozen participants recently gathered for a 4D session in Rapid City, South Dakota. The cohort was a chance for diverse Native leaders to share their strengths with one another while investing in themselves. Both young and older members made up the group, and they came from various fields including business, health care, education and agriculture. Each one of them was determined to make a difference for their people, starting with personal and professional development. 

The session began with a prayer and smudging, a typical Native ceremony involving the burning of sage, followed by personal stories of what the training meant. PWNA Programs Manager Laura spoke about the importance of encouraging each other as participants advanced their skills. In addition to giving the class access to online training, each member was assigned a highly educated Native mentor for one-on-one support. Many of the mentors graduated from PWNA programs and hold doctorates and master’s degrees. 

The 4D cohort is a flexible program, personalized for each group. Domonique from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe hoped to learn tools to be financially stable. Charlotte from the Oglala Sioux Tribe is a community liaison on the Pine Ridge Reservation and was interested in providing sobriety education. “I want to find peace and help others be happy.” 

Participant Austin writes for a leadership organization on the Cheyenne River Reservation and is starting a nonprofit to research and develop language guidelines for youth. “I try to do my best within my community, volunteering my time when it comes to culture or program building.” He was excited to learn new tools like communication skills, networking and building a plan. “We need structure and timelines, otherwise it’s just an idea.” 

Another participant, Chelsea from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, always looks for personal opportunities to improve. “I’ve seen others struggle, but I want to build myself up, bring light to the dark and provide steppingstones for the next generation. I joined 4D to find people to talk about these things with.”  

This capacity-building cohort helps Native leaders make a difference and become community resources. Donate to AIEF to empower shakers and movers like Domonique, Charlotte, Austin and Chelsea.