The Project on Indigenous Governance and Development
Learn about the governmental practices that are setting up success for the next generation of Native leaders
Based at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, the Project on Indigenous Governance and Development (Harvard Project) promotes sustained, self-determined social and economic development among American Indian nations-ensuring that best practices are passed down to the next generation of Native leaders. The Harvard Project’s core activities include research, education, and the administration of Honoring Nations, a tribal governance awards program.
What Is "Self-Governance?"
There are 574 federally recognized American Indian tribes in the United States today. US law sees these tribes as sovereign and responsible for governing themselves. Each tribal nation decides the best ways for its community to grow and flourish.
Successes in Self-Governance
Honoring Nations is a national awards program that shares success stories in American Indian self-government.
John Rae NYCHonoring Nations
These stories offer inspiring lessons for all communities.
Potawatomi Leadership Program, Citizen Potawatomi Nation - 2014 Honoring Nations Award (2017-07-01) by Honoring Nations, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic DevelopmentHonoring Nations
They are excellent models of thoughtful decision-making and strong leadership.
Project Pueblo, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo - 2010 Honoring Nations Award (2010-07-01) by Honoring Nations, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic DevelopmentHonoring Nations
They show how to make communities places where citizens thrive.
Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Child Welfare Program Site Visit (2014)Honoring Nations
Since 1998, Honoring Nations has recognized 142 outstanding programs.
Project Tiwahu - Redefining Tigua Citizenship, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo - 2016 Honoring Nations Award (2016-07-01) by Honoring Nations, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic DevelopmentHonoring Nations
These programs collectively address a wide range of issues, from employment and housing to resource management and health.
The Harvard Project
The Honoring Nations awards are part of the Project on Indigenous Governance and Development (Harvard Project), formerly the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.
The Future of the U.S./Tribal Nations Relationship, Honoring Nations IOP Forum Event – 2007 (2007-02-05) by Honoring Nations, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic DevelopmentHonoring Nations
Founded by Professors Stephen Cornell and Joseph P. Kalt at Harvard University in 1987.
Potawatomi Leadership Program, Citizen Potawatomi Nation - 2014 Honoring Nations Award (2014-07-01) by Honoring Nations, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic DevelopmentHonoring Nations
The Harvard Project aims to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined social and economic development is achieved among American Indian nations.
Ho Chunk, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska - Honoring Nations AwardeeHonoring Nations
The Harvard Project’s core activities include research, education, and the administration of a tribal governance awards program, Honoring Nations.
Makah Cultural Education and Revitalization Program, Makah Nation - 2006 Honoring Nations Award (2016-07-01) by Honoring Nations, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic DevelopmentHonoring Nations
For over three decades, the Project on Indigenous Governance and Development has worked for and with American Indian tribes in the United States and Indigenous communities around the world to maximize their abilities to strengthen their economies, social fabrics, and governance systems.
Potawatomi Leadership Program, Citizen Potawatomi Nation - 2014 Honoring Nations Award (2014-07-01) by Honoring Nations, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic DevelopmentHonoring Nations
The role of the Project has been to document and disseminate the efforts and achievements of Indigenous peoples’ contemporary struggles for self-determination. The lessons learned are acknowledged as key foundations of the “nation building” movement that now defines the worldwide Indigenous renaissance.
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska - Ho-Chunk Village Honoring Nations Google 360˚ Tour 2017 by Honoring NationsHonoring Nations
The Indigenous renaissance – the striving to assert inherent rights of self-rule and to build the capacity for effective self-government – continues.
This exhibit was curated by:
Project on Indigenous Governance and Development at Harvard Kennedy School
Honoring Nations Awards Program
For more information and/or resources, please visit https://indigenousgov.hks.harvard.edu/.
