Join the Native Power Building Fellowship’s Second Cohort

Native leaders across California now have an exciting opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and advance justice and self-determination for Native communities. The Native Power Building Fellowship is designed to cultivate a strong network of Native changemakers dedicated to building long-term power and driving meaningful change.

About the Fellowship

This 18-month fellowship will bring together Native leaders from across California, providing them with in-person and virtual training, relationship-building opportunities, and hands-on campaign experience. The program aims to develop and support leaders working towards justice and self-determination, ultimately strengthening the state’s Native power-building ecosystem.

In-Person Trainings

Fellows will convene in-person twice over the course of the fellowship for intensive leadership development training. These gatherings will allow participants to build deep relationships and strengthen their leadership capacities.

• First in-person training: June 2–6, 2025

• Travel and accommodation will be fully covered.

• Attendance for the full length of both trainings is required, with fellows expected to be fully engaged.

Virtual Meetings

Throughout the fellowship, participants will join several virtual meetings to continue building relationships, share insights, and receive ongoing training. The first session will focus on orientation and relationship-building, followed by additional sessions throughout the program.

Hands-On Campaign Experience

Fellows will have the opportunity to either develop a new issue campaign or join an existing one in their community. Through this hands-on experience, they will receive expert training and support in campaign planning, implementation, and evaluation—empowering them to take action on critical issues impacting Native communities.

Why Apply?

This fellowship is a unique opportunity for Native leaders who are passionate about creating change. Fellows will:

✔️ Receive leadership development training tailored to Native organizers.

✔️ Build strong relationships with other Native leaders across California.

✔️ Gain hands-on experience in advocacy and community-driven campaigns.

✔️ Be part of a growing movement to strengthen Native power statewide.

Apply Today!

If you’re a Native leader committed to advancing justice and self-determination for Native peoples in California, this fellowship is for you. Apply now!

For more information on the Native Power Building Fellowship, click here.

Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Reflecting on Resilience, Self-Determination, and a Legacy of Resistance

Black and white photo of a protest march with a line of people holding signs advocating for Native land rights and environmental protection. The signs include messages such as 'Stop Uranium Mining on Indian Land,' 'We Are All Children of Mother Earth,' and 'Stop Land Rip Off.' The protesters are diverse in age and gender, walking closely together on a shaded sidewalk. Trees and shadows surround them, and their expressions are focused and determined. The march appears peaceful, with individuals holding signs high to convey their concerns about Indigenous land preservation and environmental justice.
Black and white photo of a group of Native American dancers standing in front of a building with arched doorways and a tiled roof. The dancers are dressed in traditional regalia, including feathered headdresses and decorative garments. One young boy stands at the front, performing with hoops as part of a hoop dance. The dancers are positioned in a row, with one man dressed in Western clothing standing among them. The scene takes place outdoors on a grassy area, and the dancers’ expressions are focused and dignified.

Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity not only to celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of Indigenous communities but also to recognize the enduring resilience and resistance that have defined Native history. For generations, Native people have faced systemic efforts to erase their identities, with one of the most egregious examples being the federal government’s establishment of more than 417 boarding schools across the United States. These institutions, including Fort Bidwell, St. Boniface, and the Sherman Institute in California, sought to “civilize” Native children through forced assimilation, stripping them of their languages, cultures, and familial bonds—a painful legacy that continues to impact Indigenous communities today.

Yet, from this era of oppression emerged the seeds of self-determination. Landmark legislation, such as the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and the Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, empowered Native communities to reclaim control over their lands, services, and education. Today, places like Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, CA, have transformed into spaces of cultural pride, nurturing Native identity through both academic subjects and traditional practices. These changes symbolize the strength of Native communities in reshaping their futures.

As we commemorate this month, we are reminded of the generations before us who fought tirelessly for Indigenous rights and sovereignty, even when the path forward seemed impossible. Their sacrifices and achievements show us that change is not only possible but essential. We honor Native American Heritage Month by remembering these victories, celebrating Indigenous resilience, and reaffirming our commitment to justice and sovereignty for Native peoples. Let us carry forward this legacy, striving for a future rooted in equity, dignity, and the unbreakable spirit of Indigenous communities.