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.

The Tribal Policy Pulse, episode 1

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   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

How to track federal legislation affecting tribal nations (complete guide)

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IntroductionTracking federal legislation, executive orders and regulatory actions is critical for Tribal Nations, organizations, and policy…

Explainer

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

  /  Kennedy Satterfield

On paper, a recent wave of federal legislation aimed at Tribal Nations suggests unprecedented attention to Indigenous issues. On the ground, Tribal…

Legislation

Report

Avoiding the next digital divide: Defining digital sovereignty for Tribal Nations in the AI age

  /  Morgan Gray, Kennedy Satterfield, Traci Morris, and Nicol Turner Lee

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a unique opportunity to transform core governmental functions in the face of constrained…

Artificial Intelligence  Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Digital Divide

Explainer

Proactive solutions in implementing tribal digital sovereignty

  /  Stacy Leeds, Samantha Phillips, Mikaela Bledsoe Downes

AbstractThis article argues that Tribal Nations must move rapidly from ad hoc digital practices to comprehensive legal and governance frameworks that…

Digital Divide  Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Broadband

Explainer

Defining and putting into practice tribal digital sovereignty

  /  Dr. Traci Morris

AbstractThis article advances the concept of Tribal Digital Sovereignty (TDS) as a critical framework for understanding and governing the digital…

Digital Divide  Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Broadband

Explainer

An examination of federal tribal broadband funding post-COVID

  /  EJ John

AbstractThis article examines federal investment in Tribal broadband deployment, from the COVID-19 era to the present day. It discusses how…

Digital Divide  Tribal Digital Sovereignty  Broadband

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