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Indigenous Women’s Leadership Network
Our Mission: To support current and future leaders within the Colorado River Basin in protecting our communities and environment through relationship building, the exchange of information, and development of leadership and other professional skills.
Our Vision: The initial vision is to create a platform for Indigenous women working on water and natural resource issues in Indian country to mentor and inspire each other, exchange information, build and refine skills in leadership, and to facilitate a succession of Native women in positions of leadership in their community.
Native women serve as the backbone for many tribal communities.
We seek to provide support for these women.
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Founded in 2021, the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Network (IWLN) recognizes the important role that women play in tribal communities. Many tribal communities are matrilineal and Native American women have always served as the backbone for these communities. ​​Notwithstanding the historical role of indigenous women in Native communities, they are often not sufficiently prepared to navigate the inescapable realities they face as professionals and leaders. As future leaders, Native American women need more opportunities to blend, integrate, and utilize a hybrid application of the technical skills gained through formal training with indigenous skills in learning, communication, and community problem-solving. Leadership skills related to emotional health, spirituality, connectivity are important for success, as well as having a sense of endurance, persistence, and belonging.
Within the realm of water, IWLN seeks to:
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Connect emerging Native American women leaders to established, well-recognized Native American women leaders;
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Develop a community of individuals supporting one another in honoring traditional language, culture, and community with economic and professional opportunities so women who want to work in their chosen professions can find or create job opportunities in their chosen professions on their tribal homelands; and
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Create a platform for Native American women working on water and natural resource issues to mentor and inspire each other, exchange information, build and refine skills in leadership, and to facilitate a succession of Native American women in positions of leadership in their community.
IWLN Program Staff
The Indigenous Women’s Leadership Network is currently chaired by Bidtah Becker (Navajo Nation), Amelia Flores (Colorado River Indian Tribes), Gwendena Lee-Gatewood (White Mountain Apache), and Darnella Melancon (Fort Yuma Quechan Indian).
Past IWLN Leadership (Co-Chairs)
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Lorelei Cloud (Southern Ute), Co-Chair (2021 - 2024)
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Nora McDowell (Fort Mojave), Co-Chair (2021 - 2024)
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Crystal Tulley-Cordova (Navajo), Co-Chair (2021 - 2023)
Past IWLN Program Staff
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Tahlia Bear (Yavapai/Navajo), Program Coordinator (2023 - 2024)
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Mira Barney (Navajo), Program Assistant (2022 - 2024)
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Heather Tanana (Navajo), Program Coordinator (2021 - 2023)
What We Do
Networking Events
IWLN hosts small gatherings of the network at events such as the Colorado River Water Users Association conference, Getches-Wilkinson Conference, and other events focused on the Colorado River.
Annual Rafting Trip
IWLN organizes an annual rafting trip for a select group of our network to experience our connection to water.
Contact Email: admin@iwln.org