Research and solutions toward sovereignty

Tribal Nations Policy Institute

Strengthening Tribal sovereignty by examining, exploring and elevating issues impacting American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.

20 years of dedication to Tribal Nations. 

For two decades, the Tribal Nations Policy Institute (TNPI) has remained steadfast in its commitment to examining, exploring and elevating the issues affecting American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.

A college-level unit within ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, TNPI works to strengthen the position of Tribal Nations in law and policy through research, innovative policy solutions and community building. TNPI's work addresses the complex challenges facing Native communities while advancing Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

Our history

 


Solutions

Defining sovereignty in a digital age with the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty.

In partnership with the National Congress of American Indians, TNPI launched the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty in 2024 to advance research, policy and practical community-based solutions. The center works toward a future in which every Tribal Nation achieves digital self-determination and Tribal digital sovereignty. 

Tracking federal actions that affect Tribal Nations.

TNPI closely tracks federal policy and its effects on Tribal Nations, providing an interactive dashboard that transforms how Tribal leaders, policymakers and citizens engage with Washington. The platform reduces barriers to accessing federal policy information relevant to Tribal communities and supports informed decision-making on issues affecting sovereignty, funding and governance.

Empowering the next generation of Tribal leaders through the Indigenous Leadership Academy. 

Since 2022, the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) has been a nationally recognized program that prepares Tribal citizens to address the complex challenges facing Tribal Nations. Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and leading, the program equips emerging leaders and working professionals with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to lead effectively in their communities and beyond.

 


Community engagement

TNPI serves Tribal communities through capacity-building programs and initiatives that strengthen leadership, governance and community development. By collaborating with partners across ASU and beyond, TNPI creates innovative opportunities for Tribal leaders, government staff, Tribal citizens, students and organizations working with Tribal governments and communities.

Get involved

 


Research

TNPI's research and expertise have focused primarily on broadband, technology and Tribal digital sovereignty. Over the past two decades, TNPI has examined how technological advances have affected Tribal communities, documented progress in closing the digital divide and explored the evolution of Tribal sovereignty in the digital age.

Learn more

 





Donate

To our programs and policy research. 

Your gift to the Tribal Nations Policy Institute at ASU will support a unified, systematic approach to these multi-faceted issues and develop practical solutions with Native communities.

Donate

 Your financial contribution is tax-deductible, and will be processed by the ASU Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Arizona State University. 

Please send a check or money order payable to the ASU Foundation or use your credit card and call in your gift over the phone.

Contact Information:
ASU Fulton Center
300 E. University Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281-2033
Phone: 480-965-3759
Fax: 480-965-2484

Mailing Address:

ASU Foundation
P.O. Box 2260
Tempe, Arizona 85280-2260
 

Contact the executive director today for more information about how to support the American Indian Policy Institute

Contact:
Traci Morris, Executive Director
American Indian Policy Institute, ASU

TNPI in the news

The Indigenous Leadership Academy launches cohort for Tribal water sovereignty and the Colorado River Basin



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AIPI launches first-of-its-kind Federal Policy Tracking Dashboard for Tribal Nations



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How are Tribal Nations preparing for rapid changes in federal policy?



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Wiring the Rez: Tribal Nations claim their digital futures



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Latest blog posts

Fact Sheet

Funding announcement: The Administration for Native Americans announces new funding opportunity for AI3 Action Institute

  /  Morgan Gray

On July 31, 2025, the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announced a new funding opportunity for Tribal Nations that will support the…

NOFO/Funding

Explainer

Explainer & Analysis: OMB Proposes Significant Updates to Federal Financial Assistance Guidance

  /  Morgan Gray

Introduction On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register…

NOFO/Funding

The Tribal Policy Pulse, Episode 1

  /  

   In this episode, we cover:A Q1 policy recap and updates out of Washington, D.C.Education policy changes since the start of the…

Education Policy  Artificial Intelligence  Legislation


TNPI acknowledges that the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU sits on the ancestral homelands the Akimel O’odham (Pima).