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2025 Tribal Leaders Media Training & Communications Fellowship
Event
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May 28, 2025 – May 30, 2025
2025 Tribal Leaders Media Training & Communications Fellowship

Strengthen Your Voice. Amplify Your Impact.

This fellowship is now full, and applications are closed. Thank you to all who applied!

Are you a tribal leader, aspiring leader, or communications professional looking to enhance your media presence and communication skills? Join NCAI and 40+ tribal leaders for our third annual Media Training and Communications Fellowship May 28-30 at Arizona State University. 

By the end of this training, participants will know how to:

  • Create strong narratives, tell compelling stories, and deliver effective messages.

  • Use their voices and digital tools to advocate for policy change at all levels.

  • Build and maintain relationships with news outlets and media professionals.

This exclusive fellowship, located at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication, is open to elected tribal leaders, communications officers, tribal government staff, and any tribal professional looking to elevate their public speaking confidence while enhancing their understanding of media and communications.

As a communications director of a Native-led nonprofit, I see the NCAI training as more than skill building—it sparks a ripple effect. Leaders will learn to tell stories directly impacting their Tribal Nations or organizations, bring home tools to share with their communities, and build connections with other leaders across Indian Country. Trainings like this create lasting change by amplifying our voice, deepening our connections, and ensuring we can advocate for future generations.
Amory Zschach (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes) | Communications Director National Indian Child Welfare Association

Why Apply?

  • ✅ Learn from experts who understand the unique media landscape of Indian Country

  • ✅ Master public speaking and storytelling techniques to mobilize your communities & advance policy

  • ✅ Hear from reporters, tribal leaders, and political strategists on the importance of communications.

  • ✅ Learn how to build relationships with news media and pitch stories that matter while navigating diverse interview environments

  • ✅ Take home professional headshots & digital recordings of your progress

Two indigenous leaders in a newsroom practicing an interview

Practice Like a Pro

Fellows will have the rare opportunity to sharpen their skills in the state-of-the-art Cronkite Television studio, ensuring they’re prepared for real-world interviews across all media platforms.

Program Details

  • 📅 Dates: May 28-30, 2025

  • Location: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Arizona State University

  • Cost: $1,000 – includes four nights of lodging at the Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown, plus breakfast, lunch & snacks daily (excludes dinner & transportation)

Spots Are Limited – Apply by March 21!

This exclusive fellowship is limited to 45 participants, with priority given to elected tribal leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your voice and expand your media presence for the benefit of your community. Applicants will be notified on a rolling acceptance basis. Deadline to apply is March 21, 2025!

The NCAI Leadership Training is more than a program-it’s an opportunity to refine your leadership skills, building meaningful relationships with other tribal leaders, and address the unique challenges we face in Indian Country. The experience provided practical strategies and insights that have strengthened my ability to serve our people. I highly recommend this training to leaders who are committed to making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merrill Reels (Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation) | Tribal Council Treasurer, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Questions? Contact empoweringleaders@ncai.org

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