The American Indian Policy Institute at ASU Law announces new name: Tribal Nations Policy Institute

The American Indian Policy Institute has changed its name to the Tribal Nations Policy Institute (TNPI), reflecting the organization’s commitment to serving Tribal governments, strengthening nation-to-nation relationships and advancing Tribal interests across the policy landscape.

The new name more clearly represents the communities at the center of TNPI’s work: Tribal Nations and American Indian and Alaska Native citizens. While its name is changing, TNPI’s mission remains steadfast: to examine, explore and elevate issues impacting Native peoples and Indigenous communities.

“For 20 years, this institute has worked at the direction of Tribal Nations and communities and that work taught us that words carry legal weight. ‘American Indian’ names a people; ‘Tribal Nations’ names governments,” said Traci Morris, executive director of TNPI. “Our new name reflects what our work has always supported, sovereign Tribes and governments that exercise jurisdiction, hold treaty and trust relationships and meet the United States on a nation-to-nation basis.”

TNPI has long worked alongside Tribal communities to develop research-backed solutions that respond to the evolving realities of sovereignty and self-determination. Most recently, the institute has developed tools and frameworks that support Tribal digital sovereignty and help Nations navigate an increasingly complex federal policy environment.

Grounded in community needs, TNPI has also expanded its Indigenous Leadership Academy to address some of the most pressing issues facing Tribal Nations today and to develop leaders prepared to serve their communities. The academy equips participants to engage with issues including health care, education, sustainability and water sovereignty.

“As Tribal Nations confront new opportunities and increasingly complex challenges, sovereignty must remain the foundation for how we move forward,” said Gov. Stephen R. Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community and a member of the advisory board. “TNPI provides a space where research, policy and Tribal leadership come together to help Nations build solutions that reflect their own priorities and visions for the future.”

As part of this next chapter, TNPI is also introducing new advisory board members that will help guide the institute’s future and ensure its work continues to respond to the evolving needs and priorities of Tribal Nations.

New board members include Larry Wright Jr., executive director of the National Congress of American Indians; Felix McGowan, director of AMERIND Critical Infrastructure; Mac Quig, director at Microsoft; Dawson Her Many Horses, managing director at Wells Fargo; and Chris Shilling, under secretary of the Chickasaw Nation.

Continuing board members include Governor Stephen R. Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community; Sarah Echohawk, president of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society; Maria Dadgar, executive director of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona; Dallin Maybee, assistant director of development at the Native American Rights Fund; Jacob Moore, vice president of ASU’s Office of University Affairs; Karen Mossberger, professor emerita at ASU’s School of Public Affairs; Kate Rosier, assistant dean and executive director of ASU’s Indian Legal Program; and Sherry Treppa, president of Habemco.

“The Tribal Nations Policy Institute creates a pivotal opportunity for Tribal Nations to shape, rather than react, to a rapidly changing national and local policy landscape,” said Maria Dadgar, a continuing board member. “TNPI supports Tribes with information and tools to strengthen self-determination and self-governance during an ever changing federacy policy environment.” 

From its founding vision to the present day, TNPI’s evolution reflects both continuity and transformation. Its core mission remains the same: to support and advance Tribal sovereignty. How the institute fulfills that mission will continue to evolve alongside the needs and priorities of Tribal Nations.

Looking ahead, TNPI will continue to bring together research, policy expertise, leadership development and community knowledge to address emerging challenges. Through this work, the institute will help shape policy, strengthen Indigenous leadership and support Tribal Nations in defining and achieving their own futures.

Learn about the history of TNPI: tnpi.asu.edu/20years