Today's young American Indians have unprecedented opportunities, but the traditional role of community and elders in leadership development has been disrupted. Several programs are described that develop Indian leaders in accordance with Indian traditions. Innovative cultural programming, internship and employment opportunities, and integrating…

For the past four years, the American Indian Ambassadors Program has selected American Indians to participate in a year-long leadership training program. The program focuses on mentorship, personal inquiry into one's medicine or power, dialog with leading Native decision makers, community-based projects, and communication-skills training. Profiles…