Living with and learning from fellow interns has always been an important part of the Internship program.
The intensive experience fosters life-long bonds and connections to an extensive network of alumni.
One of the key benefits of the internship is the opportunity to build a network of friends and
professional contacts. Many interns have been offered permanent positions in Washington as a result of
the experience gained and the contacts made during the internship program.
The Foundation provides housing and per diem ($42 a day) for food and incidentals. Housing is in
apartment-style university residence halls. Although some singles may be available, most interns
will be paired with a same-sex roommate. Rooms are furnished and equipped with high-speed internet
(bedding, linen, dishes and utensils not included).
Special enrichment activities are a distinguishing feature of the Internship Program; our interns have
met with elected officials, Cabinet-level executives, and Supreme Court justices. In recent years, we
have scheduled meetings with prominent Washington officials and tribal advocacy groups, such as Rep.
Dale Kildee, co-chair of the House Native American Caucus; Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director of
National Congress of American Indians; and Robert McSwain, Director, Indian Health Service; Lynn Scarlet,
U.S. Department of Interior. In addition, we arrange a one-day, executive education (Nation Building)
session with Native Nations Institute and meetings with Native congressional staffers and professionals.
The 2006 Interns meet with Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), Co-Chair of the House Native American Caucus
Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO), 2007 Intern Katie Hoyt, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett, and Rep. Tom Udall (D-NM)