After hundreds of years of control by the United States government, native nations are currently experiencing a political resurgence. This newfound power and authority, however, is neither secure nor absolute. As such, these native nations have powers of sovereignty that place the keys to economic and social development in the hands of indigenous leadership. Current native leaders have been determined to be those who are most likely to affect the socio-economic and political conditions of their people. Therefore, at least with respect to those issues that are under potential native control, the problems of native nations are, at their core, problems of self-governance and leadership. With self-governance come responsibilities and challenges never before seen by native leaders. What are these responsibilities and challenges? How should native leaders address these responsibilities and challenges? Are there lessons for Australia and Northern Territory?