FAQs

Absolutely not. This Academy is designed especially, but not exclusively, for individuals who are newly elected or appointed to leadership positions. We do not have a strict definition for what “new” means in this context but in general, we’re seeking candidates who have served in an elected or appointed tribal leadership position for less than a year. You’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions, work with other tribal members and learn from their experiences. You will also develop relationships that may help you when you have questions about tribal governance and leadership in the future.

Through the generosity of Dartmouth alumni, including over 75 Native American Dartmouth graduates, Dartmouth College will cover your travel, accommodations, and most meals as a TLA participant.

There are two (2) reasons why we’re asking for this documentation as part of your application. The first reason is to ensure that your tribal leadership is aware of and is supportive of your application to participate in this Academy. The second reason is to

promote an expectation that you will share the information, insights, and strategies gained from the Academy with your fellow tribal leaders upon your return.

A hallmark feature of the Tribal Leadership Academy includes the opportunity for each participant to receive informed feedback from fellow participants and faculty presenters on a new initiative or proposed activity that is currently underway in your respective tribal nations. This could be an idea that you have initiated or proposed or reflects an initiative or proposed activity that is currently under consideration. Examples could include proposals to enhance or strengthen tribal culture (e.g., language; protection of sacred sites; etc.); new forms of economic development; strategies for enhancing the quality and delivery of health care services to tribal citizens; proposals for new areas of cooperation with state and/or federal agencies; ideas to improve the administration of criminal justice within the tribal community. The feedback from fellow TLA participants and faculty would serve as a tangible “deliverable” to share with your fellow tribal leaders and community.

Each day of the TLA will feature a morning and afternoon session (with short break periods) dedicated to specific topics or subject matter that are of particular relevance and importance to tribal leaders. Each session will be led by a faculty presenter with expertise and experience in that subject. Their presentations will generally include about an hour of content delivery followed by extended time for your questions, interactive learning activities, case study exercises, and/or dedicated consideration of your proposals and/or initiatives. We will break for lunch and informal conversation. Dinners and evenings will generally be free time. For full details, please see the TLA 2025 Sessions.

Since the focus of this Academy is centered on enhancing the formal, existing intergovernmental relations among tribal nations, the US federal government and states, participants must be from federally recognized tribal nations within the United States.

While some faculty presenters may return, we plan to bring in new people each year to widen our network.

We selected faculty presenters who are well-regarded national leaders in their areas of expertise.  Many of the faculty presenters were centrally involved with the creation of this Academy.  Information and background about each person may be found here.

We will need a firm commitment by June 20.

Your spot will first be offered to the fellow tribal leader you’ve nominated as your alternate participant. If that person is unable to attend, we will draw from our waitlist to fill the 25 slots for tribal leader participants.

Please plan to fly into Logan Airport in Boston. We encourage you to take the Dartmouth Coach to Hanover, New Hampshire. Boston is about 2 1/2 hours from Hanover. There are no Uber or taxi services to get to the campus. Participants who choose to rent a car must do so at their own expense. If you are less than 200 miles away, please drive your own vehicle here and we will reimburse your driving expenses.

No, we ask that you commit to the full week of meetings.

No, we are not able to accommodate guests or family members.

If your animal is a certified service animal, they are able to join with advance notice. Please do not bring pets since the accommodations for pets are extremely limited.

There will be some short walks but we’re fully ADA-compliant. Don’t let this be a factor in your decision to apply but please let us know when you accept the invitation how we can best accommodate your needs.

Yes, this will be an annual event each summer.

Hanover has small town charm with outdoor activities: canoeing, kayaking, road and mountain biking, and hiking the famous Appalachian Trail. The Hood Museum is next door and King Arthur Baking is across the river.