About the N-NALRC Next Gen Leadership Program

Native American languages represent rich cultural heritages and play a vital role in the identity, history, and future of Native American communities. Many of these languages face challenges due to historical and contemporary policies that have marginalized Indigenous voices. However, across these regions, youth are emerging as powerful advocates, leading initiatives to revitalize and strengthen their linguistic and cultural heritage.

“By supporting these young leaders to reclaim and revitalize their languages, we can ensure that this work will continue for generations to come,” said Dr. Larry Kimura, founding director of the Hale Kuamoʻo Hawaiian Language Center at Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. 

 

The Next Gen leadership program cultivates and nurtures the next generation of Native American language advocates through intensive summer leadership development programs. The program provides leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the politics involved in developing programs, armed with the knowledge and skills to overcome political hurdles on a local, state and national level. The N-NALRC keeps this cohort engaged and connected with projects, advocacy, and conferences, sharing their knowledge across the country.

Program FAQs

  • What is the N-NALRC?

    • Aanikoobijigeng, the National Native American Language Resource Center, is supported by the U.S. Department of Education and led by a consortium including the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, the University of Alaska Southeast, and Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University of Wisconsin and is also linked to the Regional Native American Language Resource Centers. Named after an Ojibwe term meaning “Connecting Generations," the Center bridges ancestral wisdom with future promise, honoring the role of elders while inspiring youth through language and cultural preservation. Indigenous languages are vital cultural treasures, offering insights, wisdom, and identity; preserving them is crucial to sustaining these vibrant cultures. The Center focuses on creating practical, impactful resources that honor Indigenous values and advance language education. 

  • What is the Next Gen Program? 

    • The Next Generation Young Adult Leadership Council aims to unite our young leaders (ages 18-35), bringing together young voices from key language revitalization efforts, institutions, and programs with robust visions and established foundations. By creating a network of youth engaged in language repatriation, revitalization, and preservation, we can foster a collaborative platform to support, empower, and inspire our “language warriors” as they build skills, exchange cultural knowledge, and develop leadership in their communities.

  • What does my participation in the program entail?

    • A 1 year-long cohort-based program in hybrid format, starting March 2026 that involves:

      • Monthly online zoom meets

      • A 2 week on-site field study program in July, 2026 that includes a paid, 3 credit course at the undergraduate or graduate level offered by UH-Hilo.   

      • Participation in an intergenerational language summit in 2027.

  • When does it take place? 

    • Zoom gatherings will start in Spring 2026

    • The 2-week summer intensive  will take place July 6 - July 17, 2026 

    •  A follow-up 3-day Intergenerational language Summit (dates TBD). 

    • Stay tuned for an updated meeting schedule. 

  • Where will it take place? 

    • For the 2026-2027 cohort, the Summer intensive will take place in Wisconsin. Spring conference details will be announced at a later date. 

  • When do applications open? When is it due? 

    • The program is by invite nomination only. If you are nominated, you are strongly encouraged to apply by March 8, 2026. 

  • Will the program cover tuition and travel accommodations? 

    •  The National Native American Language Center (N-NALRC) will provide scholarship funds for your 3 credit undergraduate or graduate course tuition and student fees to be processed directly with the Cashier’s Office. The Center will also cover round-trip economy flights from the nearest airport to Minneapolis, meals during program days, housing, and ground transportation during program days which will be arranged through our office; and baggage fees for the first bag will be reimbursed with receipts. 

  • Do I have to enroll into the university?  

    • Registration for course credits begins in early April with a deadline of May 1, 2026. We will have more details to come. 

  • How many people are selected for the program? 

    • Around 20 people are selected for the cohort from various regions. 

  • How long is the program? 

    • The program is centered around a 2-week Summer intensive program. Participants will also join an introductory Zoom session and optional Q&A calls to offer opportunities to meet one another ahead of the summer intensive program. Furthermore, cohort members are invited to our annual spring Summit the following year.

  • What happens when I’m accepted?

    • We will send out an email with an award letter and forms in March 2026. 

  • What is the timeline of the cohort when I’m accepted?

  • Apply to UH-Hilo (April, before May 1, 2026 deadline)  

  • Register for course course (May - June/TBD)

  • Summer Intensive  (July 6th - July 17th, 2026)

  • 2027 Summit (TBD)