INDIGENOUS PARENT LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Parents Have Power. Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI) Helps Them Use It.
A 23-week, culturally rooted leadership journey that enables Indigenous parents, grandparents, and caregivers to shape the future for their children and communities.
The Challenge
Too often, the decisions that shape Indigenous children's lives are made without Indigenous parent voices at the table. Colonization, historical trauma, and systemic exclusion have left many families feeling unheard — and disconnected from the systems that affect them most.
That ends here.
Our Solution
“If trauma can be passed down through generations, so can healing.”
The Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI) is a 23-week, culturally anchored leadership program built specifically for Indigenous parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
Developed in collaboration with elders from the White Earth Nation, IPLI weaves Ojibwe traditions with modern civic engagement skills — enabling families to confidently shape the policies, programs, and systems their communities deserve.
While parents are in IPLI, children ages 3–12 embark on a parallel journey through the Indigenous Children's Leadership Initiative (ICLI) — a 22-week culturally based program that uses Indigenous literature, play-based learning, and elder storytelling to build pride, confidence, and voice.
This isn't a workshop. It's a movement — and it starts with the whole family
83%
Took steps toward furthering their education
IPLI Participant Success Statistics
94%
Reported positive changes in their mental, emotional, or physical health
94%
Advocated for their children or others’ children
What Every Graduate Carries Forward
Stronger Families → Two-generation learning with parents and children growing together
Cultural Pride → Grounded in Indigenous values, language, and traditions
Leadership Tools → Skills to advocate for children and strengthen tribal systems
Powerful Voice → Indigenous civic engagement program training that shapes programs and policies
Community Network → A lifelong circle of Indigenous leaders working for generational change
IPLI graduates leave with more than new skills—they leave with confidence, connection, and a voice that cannot be ignored.
✨ Graduates are already shaping programs, influencing laws, and advancing equity across tribal, state, and federal levels. IPLI is more than a program—it’s a movement.
Did You Know?
Surveys show Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative graduates leave not only more engaged in civic life — but making real changes in education, careers, and family well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about joining the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative.
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This free program provides meals, childcare, and a weekly stipend to participants who attend all levels of the initiative.
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Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)
Phase I (10 weeks): Self-discovery, parent voice, family and community strengths, finding “passion with purpose.”
Phase II (10 weeks): How change happens in tribal, local, state, and federal systems—learning to navigate and influence them.
Passion with Purpose Project: Every participant designs a community project to put skills into action.
Indigenous Foundations
Developed with Dr. Anton Treuer and elders from White Earth and Red Lake Nations.
Weekly traditional teachings as healing and protective factors.
Restores Ojibwe language, values, and cultural practices.
Organized around the seasonal calendar:
Spring: Starting a Cultural Journey
Summer: Growing in Your Culture
Fall: Maturing in Your Culture
Winter: Finding Wisdom
Together, these curricula form a cultural and civic toolbox—encompassing parenting strategies, child development, mental health, public policy, treaties, and daily practices—so families thrive and traditions endure.
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The IPLI is a free, 22-week program open to anyone in the White Earth community who is committed to strengthening their family and community. Participants receive a meal, child care, and a weekly stipend.
Class size is limited to 15 participants
Includes meals, child care, and stipend
Commitment: all 22 classes
To apply or learn more, contact info@allnationsrise.com or call 218.694.2005.
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Our graduates are leading change across the White Earth Nation. Each participant completes a self-selected “Passion with Purpose” community project, putting leadership and cultural teachings into action.
💡 See our graduates in the community? Ask them about their project—you’ll be inspired by the positive changes they’re creating. -
The Advisory Council is the volunteer decision-making body of IPLI. In White Earth Nation, council members help connect the community to the program, recruit participants, and mentor families. They also assist staff in planning events and outreach.
Council members receive compensation for attending planning meetings.
Interested in joining? Contact us at info@allnationsrise.com
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We are deeply grateful for the support that sustains the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative.
Funding Partners
Curriculum & Technical Assistance
These partners help us empower parents, strengthen communities, and preserve cultural knowledge.
This Indigenous parent leadership program in Minnesota is expanding to Tribal Nations and American Indian organizations across all seven regions — bringing tribal parent leadership training to Northwest, Northeast, West Central, Central, Metro, Southwest, and Southeast communities.
More information is coming in 2026.
Expansion Across Minnesota
Bring Indigenous Parent Leadership to Your Tribal Nation or Organization
GET INVOLVED
When Parents Rise, Children Thrive
Joining or supporting IPLI fuels generational change in Indigenous communities. When communities lead with their own voice, systems transform.
All Nations Rise’s programs
We build futures across generations.
Connection starts here.
Join our circle.
From the drumbeat of tradition to the voices shaping tomorrow—be the first to know about new classes, stories, and opportunities that connect us all.
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