PROGRAM OVERVIEW


The Wabanaki Leadership Institute (WLI) provides existing and emerging Wabanaki leaders an opportunity to gain the skills and resources needed to provide competent service to their peoples and nations.  Whether they are spiritual leaders, government leaders, policy makers, academics, health professionals, artists, or public media makers, the WLI provides leaders with valuable tools and resources that support the development and potential of our fellows.


The WLI is an 18 month fellowship program that provides intergenerational leadership training for Indigenous Peoples living or working in Wabanaki Territories.  There are two primary goals of the program.  The first is to create well-trained, competent, and culturally grounded leadership for the Wabanaki Nations  The second is to establish a network of leaders who are experienced at working cooperatively to advance the interests of all Wabanaki (Indigenous) Peoples.  To meet these goals, we have developed a two-part program that provides 9 months of intensive learning, followed by 9 months of practical experience.


Fellows will receive training in the following areas:


  • Traditional Wabanaki Governance

  • Core Cultural Values

  • Native Nation Building

  • Environmental Responsibility

  • Culturally Relevant Economic Development

  • Indigenous Systems Thinking


In addition to these core classes, participants will also learn about contemporary legal issues facing Indigenous Peoples, and the history of the interactions between the Wabanaki Nations and State and Federal governments.  Participants will also learn key practices and protocols for engaging the current political system.  Instructors will be brought in from around Indian Country to teach participants in each of these areas.  This will include, Tribal Historians, Traditional Wisdom Keepers, Elected Tribal Chiefs, and Representatives, Attorneys, Educators, and Economic Development Directors, who have noted experience and demonstrated success in their individual areas of service.  


During the second part of the program, participants will begin implementing the skills they have developed in a community-based project. These projects will be selected by fellows using a traditional consensus model. The goal of the community project will be to create or improve a program that meets a critical need in one of the Wabanaki communities.  Participants will be guided through the creation of a strategic plan, outlining short and long-term goals, staffing, and funding of the selected project.


Time Commitment (Required)


In-Person (one event per month)

  • 12 in-person full-day classes at the Wicuhkemtultine Campus (monthly). 

  • Two Guest Lecture Workshops at the University of Maine (Orono).

  • Two one-day field trips.

  • Two Crossover training days with the EcologyShifts Fellows. 


Online

  • Monthly 2.5 hr class

  • Bi-Monthly 1 hr group chat with other fellows.

  • Six month one-on-one check-in with program staff (3)


APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS


Fellows will be selected based on the following criteria:


  • Demonstrated Leadership Capacity

  • Demonstrated Service to Community

  • Base of Cultural and Traditional Knowledge

  • Community Support

  • Commitment to meet ALL of the time requirements of the program. 

  • Certification of Citizenship in a recognized Wabanaki Nation or other federally recognized Tribe.


APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS


  • Applications will be accepted until May 16, 2025

  • Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of individuals from each of the Wabanaki Nations, and a pool of candidates will be selected for in-person interviews.

  • Fellows for the 2025-2026 Class will be announced on May 31st, 2025

  • New Fellow Orientation will take place on July 7th, 2025 at the Wicuhkemtultine Kinship Community Campus in Monroe.