Broadband

Following Through on Policy with Meaningful Action

Coming from Minnesota, I never gave a second thought to wearing traditional regalia and an eagle feather at my graduation ceremony. In fact, it was encouraged. It wasn’t…

Explainer

The Affordable Connectivity Program: Sustaining Individuals and Tribal Networks

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) created in 2021 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, assists qualifying households with their monthly internet bills…

Fact Sheet

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

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…

Report

Tribal Digital Sovereignty Guidebook

This guidebook is designed to provide a strong foundation for understanding digital sovereignty and Tribal Nations in the United States. It introduces key concepts,…

Legislation

Reauthorization of H.R. 7888 carries substantial implications for Tribal Sovereignty

Earlier this month, H.R. 7888 was introduced to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA). This bill includes an amendment that expands FISA’s…

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…