Explainer
History of Advocacy in Tribal Telephony and Telecommunications, 1980–2020
AbstractThe history of Tribal advocacy in telecommunications policy is remarkable, yet many people are unaware of it. On Tribal lands, the connectivity gap extends beyond…
Explainer
At the intersection of Law & Policy in Indian Education
IntroIn the governance and regulation of society, law and policy play distinct yet essential roles. While both maintain order and guide behavior, they function differently…
Explainer
Proactive Solutions in Implementing Tribal Digital Sovereignty
AbstractThis article argues that Tribal Nations must move rapidly from ad hoc digital practices to comprehensive legal and governance frameworks that fully implement Tribal…
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Summary of Congressional Oversight Hearing to “Examine Native Communities’ Priorities for the 119th Congress”
On February 12, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held an oversight hearing, Examining Native Communities' Priorities for the 119th Congress. Chaired by…
Explainer
Policy Explainer: The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Upholding the Federal Trust Responsibility as Applied by Arizona State University
This brief follows up on the recent AIPI Policy Explainer: Federal Trust Responsibility and Higher Education, which clarified the status of programs supporting American…
Explainer
Explainer: Competing House and Senate Wireless Spectrum Provisions in the Budget Act Could Affect Tribal Broadband Access
Congress is actively working to finalize this year’s federal budget bill, referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the Act). The Act reflects the Trump Administration’s…
Explainer
Tribal Sovereignty in the Age of AI: Exploring Opportunities and Risks 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…
Analysis
Where are they now? With Mikah Carlos, ILA Cohort 1
The American Indian Policy Institute’s Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is currently running its second cohort! Sign up here to follow along and receive ILA updates.I…
Fact Sheet
Tribal Digital Sovereignty Defined
Since at least the early 1990s, Tribal nations have been actively working to have a seat at the policy table as this new utility (for lack of a better word, though it will…
Explainer
Explainer: Tribal Nations Criticize FCC’s Tribal Consultation Efforts on Proposed NEPA and NHPA Rule Updates
BackgroundOn August 14, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Modernizing the Commission’s National…
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: NTIA Issues Press Release Announcing Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Reforms
The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) issued a new press release on November 12, 2025 announcing reforms to the Tribal Broadband…