Empowering Native Leaders. Building Stronger Community.

NIIWIN Program

The NIIWIN Program is creating pathways for Native American students to lead in critical fields, starting with healthcare. Together, we’re addressing the challenges our communities face by growing our own future leaders.

Investing in the Future of Indian Country

Native American communities face a significant challenge: a shortage of professionals in critical fields like healthcare, education, finance, and more. The NIIWIN Program is our solution to grow Indigenous leaders who can address these gaps while creating economic and personal opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Our inaugural focus is healthcare—because taking care of our people is the foundation of a thriving community. By empowering Native American students with scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities, NIIWIN ensures that future generations have the resources to succeed and give back.

Healthcare Is Where It Starts

The shortage of Native healthcare professionals in Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities is a pressing issue. Many communities lack access to quality care, and housing shortages make it challenging to recruit and retain non-Native professionals. But who better to care for our people than our own community members?

The inaugural NIIWIN cohort focuses on training and supporting Native students in healthcare careers by:

  • Scholarships: $4,000 annually for four years to reduce the financial burden of education.

  • Mentorship: Monthly guidance from experienced healthcare professionals.

  • Speaker Series: Quarterly panels featuring Indigenous leaders in healthcare.

This program not only empowers individual students but also builds community wealth and resilience by investing in our future caregivers.

A Scalable Program for Long-Term Impact

The NIIWIN Program is designed to grow beyond healthcare, addressing other critical needs in Native communities. Future cohorts will focus on:

  • Finance: Empowering students to create economic resilience and build generational wealth in Indian Country.

  • Education: Supporting aspiring teachers to inspire and lead the next generation of Native American students.

By applying the same proven model—scholarships, mentorship, and speaker series—these cohorts will provide students with the tools to succeed in their fields while uplifting their communities.

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

The NIIWIN Program is more than a scholarship initiative. It’s a movement to empower Native students, build community resilience, and address workforce shortages in Indian Country. By investing in Indigenous talent, we’re creating sustainable, long-term solutions that strengthen our communities from within.

“AIRO’s mentorship and support have helped me feel more confident in my path, and the resources they provide make pursuing my goals so much easier. Knowing there’s a community cheering me on makes all the difference.”
— Kaylee Narlock, AIRO Healthcare Cohort Student

How You Can Help

Join the Movement

Your support is vital to the success and growth of the NIIWIN Program. Together, we can provide Native American students with the tools they need to succeed and lead.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Donate: Fund scholarships and mentorship programs for Native students.

  • Mentor: Share your expertise and inspire the next generation of leaders.

  • Partner: Collaborate with us to expand NIIWIN and bring it to new fields.

FAQ

  • NIIWIN is an initiative dedicated to empowering Native American students and communities through education, mentorship, funding, and opportunity. The name "NIIWIN" is derived from the Ojibwe word for “four,” symbolizing the interconnected pillars of our mission: education, empowerment, opportunity, and advocacy.

  • NIIWIN provides students with access to mentorship programs, resources for college and career readiness, and a network of partners committed to their success. By fostering guidance and removing systemic barriers, we help Native students navigate their paths to higher education and fulfilling careers.

  • Currently, NIIWIN is open to Native American high school seniors in North Dakota who are preparing to transition to college. Our programs are designed to provide targeted support during this critical stage of their educational journey.

  • You can support NIIWIN’s mission by volunteering as a mentor, partnering with us to provide resources, or donating to help expand our programs. Your involvement directly impacts Native American students in North Dakota and helps create pathways to opportunity.

  • NIIWIN is rooted in serving the Native American communities of North Dakota, where the need for educational access and support is significant. By focusing on college preparation for graduating seniors, we address a critical moment in their lives, providing the tools and guidance they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.