Indigenous Governance Database

Perspectives From Tribal Leaders: Laurena Bolden, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Producer
Native Nations Institute
Year
Laurena Bolden, Second Governing Council Member for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, joined the Native Nations Institute on the lands of the Salt River Pima - Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale, Arizona for the 2023 Emerging Leaders Seminar to offer some perspectives on topics she wished she had learned more about before taking office. Bolden was elected to the Tribal Council for her tribe in 2022. She previously served three terms as a member of the San Manuel Band Education Board, where she currently serves as Vice Chair. 
 
Bolden is also Co-lead of the Cultural Pillar for her Council. Bolden brings a passion for priortizing the needs of Tribal Youth in everything she does and is always focused on planning for seven generations ahead. Bolden is also active in several citizen-led working groups, including the Cultural Advisory and Reservation Master Plan working groups. 
 
Bolden has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State San Bernadino and in 2023 was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as a commissioner for the statewide Native American Heritage Commission.

 

leadership transition
cultural identity
leadership challenges
governmental accountability
governance structure
community input
Native Nations
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Resource Type
Testimony and Speeches
Topics
Leadership
Citation

Native Nations Institute. "Perspectives From Tribal Leaders: Laurena Bolden, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians" (2025). Native Nations Institute's Emerging Leaders Seminar 2023. Scottsdale, Arizona. Youtube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFnP-G1dsV8. Accessed Oct. 8, 2025.

Transcripts for all videos are available by request. Please email us: nni@arizona.edu.

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