The Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship, a program of the First Nations Development Institute in partnership with The Henry Luce Foundation, is designed to support Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian individuals who are advancing Indigenous knowledge systems. This two-year, self-directed fellowship offers significant flexibility and empowerment to Indigenous knowledge holders and knowledge makers working across a wide range of fields. The fellowship emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and impact, encouraging the development and dissemination of Indigenous knowledge within Native communities.

First launched in 2019, the fellowship aims to strengthen Indigenous leadership by providing direct financial support and opportunities for learning and collaboration. In 2026, ten individuals will be selected to receive $75,000 each to support their work. These awards are intended to fund individual knowledge holders rather than organizations, enabling recipients to determine how best to use the funding to support their work. While proposing a specific project is optional, fellows must be engaged in work that creates meaningful benefits for Native people and communities, whether in reservation or urban settings.

The fellowship will run from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. During this time, fellows must attend three convenings annually that facilitate peer exchange, collaborative learning, and leadership development. These gatherings are essential for building a cross-disciplinary, intertribal network of Indigenous knowledge leaders. Fellows will also be required to submit progress reports at the end of each fellowship year.

Eligibility for the fellowship includes U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, tribal affiliation, a minimum age of 18, and a demonstrated history of contributing to the advancement of Indigenous knowledge. Applicants must apply individually, though nominations from others are permitted. If a nomination is submitted, it must include a signed consent form from the nominee acknowledging their participation and agreement to the fellowship terms.

The fellowship supports work in both traditional Indigenous and Western knowledge fields, including language preservation, cultural revitalization, environmental conservation, agriculture, STEM, public health, arts, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, among others. The funds can be used for a wide range of personal and professional expenses, such as living costs, equipment, travel, and childcare. However, recipients are responsible for taxes on the award, as it is considered taxable income.

Applications are due by April 30, 2025. Individuals may apply directly or be nominated by someone else, provided that consent and collaboration are confirmed. For inquiries, applicants can reach out to First Nations Development Institute via their main office or email at info@firstnations.org.