To create a strong local economy, the community needs a workforce. In Native communities, the workforce should be grounded in the local culture and values. On the North Slope of Alaska, this has long been a goal of leaders. To achieve this goal, North Slope leaders came together February 2010 in Barrow, Alaska, for the "Tumitchiat" Leadership Summit. (Tumitchiat means New Trail in the Inupiaq language.) The idea for the summit developed after the Ilisagvik College Board of Trustees directed the college administration several years ago to work with local organizations to develop a seamless transition plan for elementary, middle, and high school students for higher education, training, and meaningful career and employment opportunities. The 125 participants at Tumitchiat included people from all walks of life, including high school and college students, public service employers, educators, parents, grandparents, and leaders representing just about every business, education, healthcare, and tribal group on the North Slope. In addition, the Alaska Commissioner of Education, several of his administrators, and Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development administrators attended, as well as Alaska Sen. Donny Olson and Alaska Rep. Reggie Joule. The conference broke into small groups to address the issues. The groups noted that the family and community must be actively involved so the students understand that their academic success is critical to not only their future but also the future of their communities. Everyone on the North Slope has a stake in the success of its students because the Inupiaq culture is a culture of sharing; when any one member succeeds, all succeed. But equally, when any fail, all fail in some way. The summit ended with a commitment to work together to build the bridge from school to college and employment. They agreed that Inupiaq self-determination depends on education. Success will take efforts by every segment of the community, from parents to grandparents to employers, educators, and mentors.