Supporting Tribal sovereignty through examination, exploration and elevation
The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) is a college-level unit within ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law that focuses on strengthening relationships with urban and rural Tribal governments and communities by promoting emerging trends and innovative democratic practices driven by Tribal Nations.
The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announced the launch of the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty, the first and only center in the nation dedicated to providing Tribal governments leadership and communities with the resources and support needed to establish a digital sovereignty plan. This groundbreaking partnership, revealed during the NCAI 2024 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace, marks a significant milestone in supporting Tribal Nations in navigating the complexities of digital sovereignty.
The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) is pleased to announce the addition of four top tier Tribal and community leaders to the AIPI Advisory Board as the organization continues to evolve and expand.
Sherry Treppa, Dallin Maybee, Angela Gonzales, and Denise E. Bates have joined the board, bringing with them extensive experience and innovative perspectives at a pivotal moment in AIPI’s history, particularly following the establishment of the new Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty in collaboration with the National Congress of American Indians. Notably, AIPI became a part of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University earlier this year.
Treppa, Maybee, Gonzales and Bates join a board with members from esteemed organizations like the National Congress of American Indians, the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Tribal Broadband Bootcamp and many more.
AIPI is dedicated to cultivating emerging leaders to benefit Tribal Nations and communities. Feedback from both program participants and Tribal leaders affirms AIPI’s view that the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is not merely a local initiative; it is a national program for leadership development. AIPI has successfully hosted seven cohorts so far, with two additional cohorts already launched for the Fall of 2025. Watch for the Spring 2026 announcement coming in November.
Participants consistently report that one of the most valuable skills they gain is increased confidence in presenting their ideas in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous settings. The tools provided at the ILA help establish a foundation for participants to serve as community advocates, enabling them to implement projects that utilize Indigenous knowledge and techniques derived from cultural frameworks that prioritize connectedness and sustainability.
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