A group of Russian indigenous leaders embarked on a journey to Portland, Oregon, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albany, New York and the Akwesasne Reservation in upstate New York in late January to explore the topic of "Building Sustainable Communities with Indigenous People: Supporting Equitable Use of Common Resources." 

They are here as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program, which brings emerging leaders from around the world to the United States to meet with their professional counterparts and build mutual understanding.

The Russian group includes conservationists, educators, government officials, journalists, and hunters. They will examine sustainable land management practices and cooperation within nontraditional coalitions to preserve economic and cultural Native American traditions in the United States, sharing best practices and making professional connections with colleagues and counterparts in this country.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA) premier professional exchange program, which brings more than 5,000 International Visitors to the United States each year. Since 1972, IIE has been one of seven private, nonprofit organizations that design and implement the U.S. projects on behalf of the Department of State. IIE has implemented projects for more than 18,000 International Visitors to date.

Learn more at: www.iie.org/Who-We-Are/News-and-Events/Press-Center/Press-Releases/2013/02-12-2013-IVLP-Brings-Russian-Indigenous-Leaders-to-US