Abstract
This qualitative study examined tribal leadership and education by reviewing the process of tribal leadership in relation to key viewpoints of education in terms of cultural and traditional knowledge. Using a phenomenological approach, the researcher conducted eight interviews with Native American community members, tribal leaders or council members, students, and Indian educators in California. All interviews were transcribed and video-taped. This study documented the relationship between tribal leadership, transformational leadership, servant leadership, and shared leadership theories, as well as Freire’s theory of social justice. Study findings identified themes, such as elders, trust and collaboration, just to name a few. This study also identified a relationship between tribal sovereignty and leadership as well as education. Based on study findings, a new tribal leadership model was derived that included three leadership styles – transformational, servant, and shared leadership approaches.