The Indigenous Leadership Academy launches cohort for Tribal water sovereignty and the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River faces unprecedented challenges caused by climate change, growing water demands and the expiration of operational guidelines that help manage the way water flows between the Basin’s reservoirs. Across the Colorado River Basin, 30 Tribal Nations hold some of the most senior and significant water rights in the region, yet many continue to face capacity challenges as they navigate increasingly complex legal, political and economic issues surrounding water governance.

As prolonged drought, population growth and competing water demands continue to transform the Southwest, Tribal Nations are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of water management. At the same time, many communities are working to strengthen the next generation of Indigenous professionals equipped to advance water policy, steward natural resources and exercise Tribal sovereignty through informed governance. Recognizing this need, the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) at the American Indian Policy Institute, located within the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, in partnership with the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Morrison Institute has launched its first-ever Tribal Water Sovereignty: Colorado River Basin Cohort. The specialized leadership program is designed exclusively for enrolled citizens of Tribal Nations located within the Colorado River Basin.

"The purpose of the ILA is to advance Indigenous leadership and revitalize our Tribal knowledge in all spaces," said Brooke Curleyhair (Diné), assistant director of the ILA. "This cohort is about developing Indigenous leaders who can navigate complex policy environments while remaining grounded in the values, relationships and responsibilities that have guided Tribal Nations since time immemorial. Through the Indigenous Leadership Academy, participants will strengthen their leadership capacity, expand their professional networks and develop practical solutions that will serve their communities for generations to come."

Cora Tso (Diné), senior research fellow at the Kyl Center for Water Policy, said the timing of the program is especially significant as Tribal Nations continue to play an increasingly influential role in Colorado River negotiations.

"Tribal Nations were not included in the Colorado River’s foundational agreements that have come to be known as the Law of the River. Today, we see the continued impact of this early exclusion, however, Tribal Nations have maintained their sovereignty and many have secured legal entitlements to Colorado River water while building political expertise in Basin," Tso said. "However, we know our leaders are looking toward the next 100 years and thinking about succession planning - making sure our water history is told and water resources are protected. As water management across the Basin becomes increasingly complex, strengthening Tribal capacity in water governance, policy and leadership is essential to ensuring that Indigenous voices will help shape the decisions that will define the region's future."

Since 2022, the ILA has supported more than 215 Indigenous leaders representing 94 Tribal Nations across 31 states. By creating a specialized water-focused curriculum, the program expands opportunities for Tribal professionals working in water resources, utilities, environmental programs, policy, planning and elected leadership.

Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community, a member of the American Indian Policy Institute's board of directors, emphasized that investments in Indigenous leadership are inseparable from long-term investments in Tribal infrastructure and self-determination.

"Infrastructure is a nation-building tool," Lewis said. "As the mega-drought strains water supplies across the Southwest, Tribes need the resources to plan and manage infrastructure in ways that protect both our water and our people."

As negotiations surrounding the Colorado River continue to evolve, organizers say preparing Indigenous leaders is essential to ensuring Tribal Nations remain at the forefront of decisions that affect their communities, homelands and future generations.

Applications for the Tribal Water Sovereignty: Colorado River Basin Cohort is now open. Eligible applicants must be enrolled citizens of a federally recognized Tribal Nation located within the Colorado River Basin.

To learn more and apply, visit asu.questionpro.com/WaterILAFall2026.