The funding proposal seeks to establish an “Indigenous Peoples’ School of Diplomacy,” aimed at empowering Indigenous leaders and scholars in the realm of international human rights diplomacy. Building on existing collaborations and scholarly work, this initiative challenges the traditional “domestic dependency” model of tribal advocacy by promoting Indigenous traditions of diplomacy and engagement in global institutions like the United Nations. The school will offer a series of capacity-building workshops, merging Indigenous methodologies of dialogue and problem-solving with the opportunities available through international human rights diplomacy.

The proposal highlights the participation of key figures, including Kristen Carpenter, Jim Anaya, AILP Fellow Milo Salazar, law students, and tribal leaders. It builds upon the team’s past work, notably “The Implementation Project” (TIP), which already supports Indigenous advocacy at the UN. A central resource will be TIP’s new publication, The Indigenous Peoples Guide to the United Nations, which will help guide workshops addressing critical issues like religious freedoms, climate change, and repatriation.

The ‘school’ aims to train tribal leaders and staff, equipping them with skills to advocate in both domestic and international arenas. The methodology is participatory, with leaders, scholars, and students teaching each other, rather than relying on a top-down training model. Outcomes include scholarly publications, greater Indigenous presence at the UN, and long-term sustainability for ongoing engagement. By integrating human rights frameworks, the school seeks to provide tribes with new avenues for justice and decolonization efforts, which have historically been limited within U.S. legal systems. The proposal also seeks funding for staff, travel, and research to support this long-term vision.