How One Community is Indigenizing the Parent Leadership Initiative with Bewaush Ballot (Susie)

In this week’s episode, Elliott and Tecoria talk with Susie Ballot about the Parent Leadership Initiative (PLI). Susie lives in Callaway, Minnesota on the White Earth Nation. She is a graduate of the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI) program run by All Nations Rise. As a graduate of the Initiative, she helps people deepen their connection to their culture and develop their skills as leaders and advocates.

The PLI program is a 23-week cohort opportunity where participants explore their community needs and resources while learning civics, government, and advocacy through the lens of culture. This program enhances their ability to use their talents, engage in skill development, and gain tools to advance solutions.

Listeners will hear how Susie’s community reimagined their IPLI by adding cultural components to the curriculum. They will gain insight into the power of a group to lead collective change and provide support to overcome shared pain. Through retaining culture and identity with one’s self, others, and community, the program participants harness grief and transform it into strength and empowerment, providing multi-generational sources of hope.