Wiring the Rez: Innovation across Indian Country

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Background

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

On September 3, 2025 the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) issued a new National Policy Memorandum establishing a comprehensive framework for processing Rights-of-Way applications for broadband infrastructure deployment projects on Indian trust or restricted lan

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

Federal policy and directive around artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted considerably in recent years. In 2023, President Biden issued  EO 14110, Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, which emphasized safety, equity, worker protections, and privacy in federal AI policy.

  • Read more about AI in Federal Policy: Implications for Tribal Nations

For Tribal Nations, the rise of AI represents a critical juncture. This technology holds potential to expand resources and enhance access across key industries such as healthcare, law and finance. With intentional policy frameworks and proactive Tribal governance, AI could strengthen self-determination and sovereignty. But without strategic oversight and culturally-informed design, it also risks deepening existing disparities; exacerbating employment displacement, cultural misrepresentation and worsening gaps in digital access.

  • Read more about Tribal Sovereignty in the Age of AI: Exploring Opportunities and Risks for Tribal Nations
Despite many advancements in broadband connectivity over the past three years, Native American communities still lack critical internet infrastructure development to achieve meaningful internet access. Federal programs like the BEAD Program and the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program are focused on addressing the need for internet infrastructure; however, meaningful internet access means more than just need.  The true extent of “meaningful” considers both need and how people are able to benefit and participate in work, school fully, and all the other aspects of online life.
  • Read more about Overview: Tribal Eligibility in the Digital Equity Act Grant Programs

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or BIL) created several new programs to expand broadband access.

  • Read more about Policy Explainer: Digital Equity Act Programs Update
It is imperative that communities review the accuracy of the data, as there will be no other opportunity to correct data in the future. The BEAD program is based on connecting Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL), such as houses and apartment buildings, and Community Anchor Institutions (CAI), such as schools and libraries. Therefore, it is crucial that data on a BSL in a given area is accurate so that connectivity needs are addressed. Arizona’s BEAD challenge map is an interactive map that shows individual BSLs and CAIs and the information associated with those locations. This map should be reviewed to see if the state’s information on a given location is accurate.
  • Read more about Explainer: BEAD Challenge Process: AZ BEAD Program Update
Tribal Digital Sovereignty is the overarching term that encompasses both Tribal Network Sovereignty and Tribal Data Sovereignty. It includes both the information and the physical means by which that information is transmitted, governed by a community's policies and codes that regulate the data, infrastructure, and networks.
  • Read more about Tribal Digital Sovereignty Defined

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) created in 2021 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

  • Read more about The Affordable Connectivity Program: Sustaining Individuals and Tribal Networks
  • Read more about FCC Broadband Map Challenges: Improving Tribal Broadband Data
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Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU
American Indian Policy Institute

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