The Mission of the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative is to guide parents and caregivers in becoming leading advocates for children through civic and cultural empowerment.   

When decisions about children and families are made at tribal, local, state and federal levels, parents are often overlooked and last to be brought to the table. If invited, parents are often intimidated or feel they lack the tools.

The Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI) brings parents, grandparents, foster parents, family members and caregivers together for a 23 week journey that integrates child development, leadership, democracy skills and Ojibwe culture into a curriculum to empower the parent voice, promote positive outcomes for children and increase racial equities.

IPLI equips parents with an empowered cultural identity and the civic tools needed to be able to sit with those in authority at decision making tables. Our graduates are creating positive change on local, tribal, state and federal levels. IPLI weaves an evidence-based national parent leadership curriculum and a cultural curriculum together to inform and support parents to create their own solutions to meet the needs within their community. This strategy will give parents a stronger connection to their identity, their community, as well as inspire them to be empowered to use their voice as change agents and bring about positive change within their lives, their children’s lives and the health of their tribal communities. 

 This FREE program provides meals, child care and a weekly stipend to participants who attend all levels of the initiative.