Analysis and solutions

TNPI blog

Ideas that inform action.

Stay informed with the latest insights from the Tribal Nations Policy Institute. The TNPI Blog shares research, policy analysis and thought leadership on the issues affecting Tribal Nations, offering practical perspectives on Tribal sovereignty, governance, digital innovation and the evolving policy landscape.

Explainer

2026 elections mark historic milestones for Indigenous representation

  /  Kennedy Satterfield

  Native candidates secured historic victories in federal and state offices, while Tribal Nations selected leaders through their own…

Leadership

Explainer

Fifty years after self-determination: Two federal education bills that could shape the Native student success continuum

  /  Brooke Curleyhair

  Executive summary As Tribal Nations commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (…

Education Policy

Explainer

Explainer: Access, preservation and Tribal records: Two federal developments to watch

  /  Kennedy Satterfield

Federal actions affecting Tribal records are raising related concerns about long-term preservation and access. Plans to close National Archives…

Call To Action  Indian Country  Governance

Call to Action

Call to action: Proposed changes would make certain ICWA, adoption, trust and investigation records eligible for destruction

  /  Kennedy Satterfield

The Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) is proposing changes to the Indian Affairs records schedule covering its records and those of…

Call To Action

Explainer

Call to action: Proposed 2030 census changes raise concerns for Native representation, voting maps and funding

  /  Kennedy Satterfield

 Quick summary A proposed rule published by the Census Bureau on Sept. 10 in the Federal Register would create two new regulatory…

Census

Explainer

Explainer: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) closing facilities without meaningful Tribal consultation

  /  Kennedy Satterfield

SummaryNational Archives public research facilities in Chicago and the Bay Area are set to close as soon as Oct. 1, raising concerns about where…

Indian Country  Governance

Quarterly Legislative Update

Tribal Policy Pulse Episode 2: Updates in federal policy and legislation that impacts Tribal Nations

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  In this episode of the Tribal Policy Pulse we cover:2027 federal budget proposal (0:00:54)OMB's proposed overhaul…

Explainer

Explainer: Prediction markets and the future of Indian gaming

  /  Morgan Gray

On Aug. 4, 2026, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) hosted a roundtable titled “Tracking Prediction Markets’ Exponential Growth:…

Fact Sheet

Fact sheet: FCC notice of proposed rulemaking questions E-Rate program’s future

  /  Morgan Gray

On June 25, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) seeking public comment on potential…

Broadband