ICLI | Indigenous Children's Leadership Initiative

INDIGENOUS CHILDREN’S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

Confident Voices Begin Here. Indigenous Children’s Leadership Initiative (ICLI) Plants the Seeds

A 22-week, culturally rooted journey so Indigenous children ages 3–12 grow up proud, connected, and ready to shape the future.

The Challenge
Children flourish when they see themselves reflected in their learning and community.

Too often, Indigenous children grow up in systems that ignore their culture, language, and stories. Without early chances to connect with their heritage and develop leadership skills, many struggle to recognize the power of their own voices — or their role in shaping the future.

That changes here.

LEARN MORE

The Indigenous Children's Leadership Initiative (ICLI) is a 22-week, culturally rooted program designed specifically for Indigenous children ages 3–12.

While parents participate in the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI), children embark on a parallel journey designed just for them: through Indigenous literature, play-based learning, elder storytelling, and Ojibwe language revitalization programs in Minnesota communities.

Every tradition-based activity nurtures voice, builds confidence, and strengthens connection to heritage. We turn ordinary play into the foundation of lifelong Indigenous leadership.

White dreamcatcher illustration with intricate web, central sun motif, beads, and hanging feathers on a black background

Our Solution

The Impact

Parent and child drawing together at a table with colored pencils and colorful building blocks

Outline illustration of a bald eagle flying with wings spread and talons extended

Three children sitting on grass near a body of water, with one child covering another's eyes.

ICLI participants walk away with:

Pride in who they are through stories, games, and traditions that affirm cultural identity.

Confidence in their voice to share ideas, ask questions, and speak up.

Cultural grounding that strengthens family and community ties.

Joyful learning that makes Indigenous leadership and civic engagement feel natural.

ICLI is more than a children's program; it's an investment in Indigenous early childhood leadership and the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Children who grow up seeing their voices valued become adults who carry that strength, pride, and civic responsibility into their communities and tribal nations.