Executive Education for First Nation, Métis Nation and Inuit Leaders
Join us from November 30 to December 3, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona, located on the Gila River Indian Community Reservation.
This Indigenous-led executive education program is designed for Indigenous leaders and professionals from Canada, with a focus on leadership, governance, management, strategy, and strengthening capacity.
Building Effective Leadership, Governance, Management & Strategy
This program will bring together a cross-section of Indigenous leaders, professionals, and partners from across Canada, including First Nation, Métis Nation and Inuit leadership, boards of directors, economic development corporations, regional representatives, youth and emerging leaders, policy-makers, funders, NGOs, academics, and legal, business, and financial experts.
Through dialogue across generations, sectors, and Nations, participants will explore practical approaches to strengthening Indigenous governance, advancing economic development, and supporting long-term Nation-Building strategies.
Why the Harvard Project?
Contributing to your Nation’s Successes
This section introduces one of the core frameworks that will inform the program’s learning, discussion, and case study work.
First Nations and Métis communities and economic development entities in Canada are on the verge of realizing generational wealth, and wealth creation opportunities; these opportunities come in the form of settling of treaty rights and land claims, access to capital, equity in resource development projects, and securing infrastructure and land acquisitions for community and economic development.
It is imperative to provide theory and practical examples from the Harvard Project on why good governance matters during these times of realizing generational opportunities. The Indigenous expertise and setting will serve as an immersion into the discipline of Nation-Building; participants will walk away from this event in Arizona with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Nation-Building, and to be able to recognize it in their work settings and community surroundings.
The Harvard Project identifies four key pillars—and a fifth developed in conjunction with the Native Nations Institute—that are crucial to successful Indigenous Nation-building:
- Practical sovereignty
- Capable governing institutions
- Cultural match
- Leadership
- Strategic thinking
This program is led by experienced faculty and practitioners, with additional Indigenous leaders and guest speakers contributing throughout the program.
Dr. Manley Alan Begay Jr.
Professor, Northern Arizona University | Indigenous Nation-Building, Governance, Leadership and Economic Development
Dr. Manley Alan Begay, Jr. is a tenured Professor in the Department of Applied Indigenous Studies and the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University, where he also serves as Director of the Tribal Leadership Initiative in the Office of Native American Initiatives and Advancement. His work focuses on Indigenous Nation-Building, including sovereignty, governance, culture, leadership, education and economic development. Dr. Begay has worked with Indigenous governments, organizations and communities across the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Aotearoa/New Zealand, supporting practical approaches to governance, leadership development and community-driven economic development. He previously served as co-director of the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, now known as the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development, and was the founding director of the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management and Policy at the University of Arizona. Recognized nationally and internationally as one of the primary planners and designers of Indigenous Nation-Building theory, Dr. Begay brings decades of academic, advisory and executive education experience to this program.
Dr. Mark C. Maletz
Senior Fellow Emeritus, Harvard Business School | Strategy, Leadership Development and Organization Transformation
Mark C. Maletz is Senior Fellow Emeritus at Harvard Business School, where he served for 25 years as an internationally recognized thought leader in strategy, leadership development and organizational transformation. He has chaired hundreds of executive education programs, including Harvard Business School’s flagship HR-Executive Suite Connection program for senior HR leaders. His research and advisory work focuses on helping organizations rethink strategy, strengthen leadership capability and reshape culture with an emphasis on innovation, values and performance. Professor Maletz has led more than 60 large-scale leadership development and organizational change initiatives across industries in the Americas and Europe. Prior to Harvard Business School, he was a partner at McKinsey & Company and a leader in the firm’s organization practice, where he led change-related, merger and acquisition, financial services and innovation engagements. He has also served as a professor at Babson College, where he advanced experiential approaches to leadership development, organizational culture and corporate entrepreneurship.
Dr. Bob Kayseas
Professor, First Nations University of Canada | School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Bob Kayseas is an Anishnaabe scholar, strategist, and governance leader from Fishing Lake First Nation in Treaty 4 territory, Saskatchewan. He is a Professor in the School of Business and Public Administration at the First Nations University of Canada, where he has taught for more than 20 years in the areas of Indigenous entrepreneurship, governance, strategy, economic development, and nation-building. He previously served as Associate Vice-President, Vice-President Academic, and Interim President of the university.
Dr. Kayseas holds a PhD from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. Additionally, he earned an MBA and Bachelor of Administration from the University of Regina, and a Professional Director designation. His research and advisory work focus on Indigenous governance systems, strategic planning, Indigenous economic development, joint ventures, and long-term Nation rebuilding.
He currently serves as Chair of FLFN Ventures Ltd. and has advised First Nations, Tribal Councils, and Indigenous organizations across Canada on governance, economic development, and major project partnerships. His work bridges Indigenous worldviews and Western strategic frameworks to support practical, community-driven approaches to sovereignty and sustainable development.
Dr. Kayseas has authored and contributed to numerous publications on Indigenous entrepreneurship, governance, and economic development.
Preliminary Agenda
Speakers, case studies, and session timing are still being finalized. The preliminary agenda provides an early look at the program structure and key activities to help you determine whether the program is a good fit for you, your organization, or your Nation.
Register Now
Registration is now open for this executive education program. Space is limited to 40 participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scan the QR code to register, or use the direct registration link below.
Questions or Want More Information?
We are currently finalizing speakers, case studies, and agenda details for the program. If you would like to receive updates before registering, please contact info@kihewconsulting.com and we will add you to the program information list.
