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

Policy Explainer: Federal Trust Responsibility and Higher Education

  /  Dr. Traci Morris, PhD and Brooke Curleyhair, Research Analyst

 This explainer clarifies the status of programs supporting American Indian students in higher education in response to recent legal and policy…

Legislation  Governance  Sovereignty  Education Policy

Podcast

Dr. Morris interview on Native Edge Podcast

  /  

 Dr. Traci Morris spoke on the National Center's Native Edge podcast, hosted by Chris James and Nicole Watson. Dr. Morris is the Executive…

Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: Summary of Congressional Oversight Hearing to “Examine Native Communities’ Priorities for the 119th Congress”

  /  Brooke Curleyhair

On February 12, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held an oversight hearing, Examining Native Communities' Priorities for the 119th…

Legislation  Leadership

Fact Sheet

Policy Snapshot: Key Developments in American Indian Education 2024

  /  Brooke Curleyhair

Read our recent infographic one-pager on American Indian Education. It offers a concise overview of significant legislative and policy advancements…

Education Policy  Boarding Schools  Legislation  Federal Register Notices

Fact Sheet

NTIA Announces Expanded Investment in Internet on Tribal Lands

  /  Mikaela Bledsoe Downes

On December 16, 2024, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recommended that 44 tribal…

Broadband

Fact Sheet

FAQ Guide: How to Read and Evaluate Education Policy

  /  Brooke Curleyhair

Understanding and navigating education policy is essential for all who engage in the educational sector, as these policies shape the experiences of…

Education Policy

Broadband

Overview: Tribal Eligibility in the Digital Equity Act Grant Programs

  /  EJ John

 Despite many advancements in broadband connectivity over the past three years, Native American communities still lack critical internet…

Broadband  Digital Divide

Explainer

At the intersection of Law & Policy in Indian Education

  /  Brooke Curleyhair

IntroIn the governance and regulation of society, law and policy play distinct yet essential roles. While both maintain order and guide behavior,…

Education Policy

Explainer

Unrelenting Litigation? The Supreme Court’s Overruling of Chevron in Loper Bright Enterprises & Relentless, Inc. and What’s Next for Tribes

  /  Tim Evans

The decision in  Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. is just as impactful as the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade,  its ruling…

Indian Country  Legislation  Governance  Sovereignty