Report

Avoiding the Next Digital Divide: Defining Digital Sovereignty for Tribal Nations in the AI Age

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a unique opportunity to transform core governmental functions in the face of constrained resources and increased public…

Fact Sheet

NTIA Announces Expanded Investment in Internet on Tribal Lands

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

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 Director of the Center for…

Explainer

Cultural Sovereignty in Practice: Recognizing the Right to Wear Regalia at Graduation

Across the country, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students, citizens of sovereign Tribal Nations, are reaching an incredible milestone: graduation. For…

Explainer

Explainer: Annual Appropriations Process for the Executive Branch Budget

The federal budget consists of both mandatory and discretionary spending. Mandatory spending, such as the annual costs of programs like Social Security, Medicare, and…

Explainer

NTIA Updates BEAD Program Rules in New Policy Notice

On June 6, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a policy notice amending the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD)…

Explainer

AI in Federal Policy: Implications for Tribal Nations

Federal policy and directive around artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted considerably in recent years. In 2023, President Biden issued  EO 14110, Safe, Secure, and…

Explainer

Explainer: BEAD Challenge Process: AZ BEAD Program Update

On March 1, 2024, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) initiated Arizona’s challenge process as required by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). The…

Explainer

Journal of Community Informatics Special Issue: Charting Sovereignty in the Digital Age: Tribal Leadership, Broadband, and the Rise of Tribal Digital Sovereignty

Abstract This special issue of the Journal of Community Informatics presents a collection of articles exploring the historical trajectory and contemporary convergence of…

Explainer

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

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

Explainer

Defining and Putting into Practice Tribal Digital Sovereignty

AbstractThis article advances the concept of Tribal Digital Sovereignty (TDS) as a critical framework for understanding and governing the digital futures of Tribal Nations.…