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

History of Advocacy in Tribal Telephony and Telecommunications, 1980–2020

  /  Dr. Traci Morris

AbstractThe history of Tribal advocacy in telecommunications policy is remarkable, yet many people are unaware of it. On Tribal lands, the…

Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Digital Divide  Broadband

Explainer

Journal of Community Informatics Special Issue: Charting Sovereignty in the Digital Age: Tribal Leadership, Broadband, and the Rise of Tribal Digital Sovereignty

  /  Dr. Traci Morris

Abstract This special issue of the Journal of Community Informatics presents a collection of articles exploring the historical trajectory and…

Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Digital Divide  Broadband

Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: NTIA Issues Press Release Announcing Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Reforms

  /  Morgan Gray

The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) issued a new press release on November 12, 2025 announcing reforms to the…

Broadband  Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Spectrum Sovereignty

Report

Tribal Digital Sovereignty Guidebook

  /  Kennedy Satterfield

This guidebook is designed to provide a strong foundation for understanding digital sovereignty and Tribal Nations in the United States. It…

Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Spectrum Sovereignty  Sovereignty  Broadband

Explainer

Explainer: Tribal Nations Criticize FCC’s Tribal Consultation Efforts on Proposed NEPA and NHPA Rule Updates

  /  Morgan Gray

BackgroundOn August 14, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Modernizing the…

Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Digital Divide  Indian Country

Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: Bureau of Indian Affairs Publishes Framework for Processing Rights-of-Way Applications for Broadband Infrastructure Projects

  /  Morgan Gray

On September 3, 2025 the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) issued a new National Policy Memorandum establishing a comprehensive framework for processing…

Broadband  Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Digital Divide  Indian Country

Explainer

AI in Federal Policy: Implications for Tribal Nations

  /  Kennedy Satterfield

Federal policy and directive around artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted considerably in recent years. In 2023, President Biden issued  EO…

Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Digital Divide  Indian Country

Capacity Building

ILA Alumni Marcus Benally: Building Confidence and Connections Through Leadership

  /  Kristen Talbert

The American Indian Policy Institute’s Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) continues to highlight the journeys of its alumni through the “Where Are…

ILA  Leadership  NDNLed  Indian Country  Sovereignty

Fact Sheet

New FCC Report on Internet Usage Excludes Tribal Data

  /  Morgan Gray

Read the fact sheet to learn more.Summary: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released Internet Access Services: Status as of…

Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Spectrum Sovereignty  Sovereignty