Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute

The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute, located at Club Loop in Cherokee, North Carolina, is a secondary school dedicated to preparing new Cherokee leaders by emphasizing traditional tribal values. With the growth of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' casino and other tribal organizations, the need for strong leadership skills has become crucial. In response, the Cherokee Preservation Foundation collaborated with the Cherokee Boys Club to establish the Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute in 2016.

Named after Mr. Raymond E. Kinsland, a respected figure in the Cherokee community, the institute aims to instill selfless leadership qualities in its students. The institute offers three culturally-based leadership programs: the Cherokee Youth Council for grades 7-12, the Jones-Bowman Leadership Award Program for college undergraduates, and the Right Path Adult Leadership Program.

At the Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute, students are taught the importance of working together for the common good (ga-du-gi) and the value of inclusive decision-making through Grand Council traditions. The institute's goal is to produce a generation of leaders who are rooted in Cherokee values while equipped with modern leadership skills.

Fully staffed since August 2017, the institute is actively engaged in strategic planning, public relations, marketing, and community relationship building. Through its programs, the Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute aims to empower Cherokee individuals to become effective, selfless leaders who uphold the tribe's rich cultural heritage.