ANNUAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE

NINLHE's major program initiative is an Institute held each summer.   Through the Institute, NINLHE brings together education professionals from universities, colleges, tribal colleges, and tribal education programs who:

• Are directly involved with Native American students in both academic and student affairs or are interested in supporting and sustaining such programs
• Either work with Native American student programs that already have established records of success, or have the desire to do so
• Are devoted to strengthening students' cultural and spiritual identities as an integral part of their educational experience
• Can roll up their sleeves and get work done
• Are "movers and shakers" or have the desire to be
• Have a good sense of humor and work well in groups
• Are not harmfully involved with alcohol or other drugs

The Institute provides college, university and tribal education professionals with opportunities for professional development, networking, and personal and spiritual renewal. Training sessions provide indigenous-based or culturally appropriate models of practice in working with Native students. Training topics have included leadership development, Native student retention and recruitment, working with Native families and communities, academic and financial aid advisement, alcohol abuse prevention and intervention, program planning and evaluation, fundraising, and cultivating foundation and corporate relations.

NINLHE's training workshops are research-based and reflect the work of Native and non-Native scholars on best practices vital to Native student success. The workshops are kept small to give participants individual attention and an intensive professional development experience. Participants are given ample opportunity to draw on the accumulated wisdom and experience of trainers as well as colleagues. Other core activities include information-sharing and discussions on current "hot button" issues on Native higher education.

Participants are expected to approach the Institute as they would a ceremony, in a good way, with minds and bodies unclouded by alcohol or other drugs, with a commitment to participate in all of the events, and with hearts and spirits open to giving, receiving and sharing. A significant component is an "Elder-in-Residence" who plays a key leadership role in the Institute by offering prayer and reflection on activities each day.