ASU Law’s Indian Legal Program awarded $50,000 grant to advance Tribal sovereignty in the age of AI

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law's Indian Legal Program (ILP), in partnership with the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) and the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty (CTDS), has received a $50,000 grant from ASU Women and Philanthropy. After several rounds of competition, ILP’s “Exploring AI in Indian Country” is the only non-medical proposal selected, beating out more than 45 applicants to become one of the six funded projects.

"Exploring AI in Indian Country" is an initiative that will help Tribal Nations explore how emerging AI technologies can be used while protecting Tribal sovereignty, cultural knowledge and community values. The funding will support the first phase of a multi-year effort designed to ensure Native communities have a leading voice in shaping the future of AI.

As AI rapidly transforms government, business, education and the legal profession, Tribal leaders across the country are seeking trusted partners to help them understand the opportunities and risks these technologies present. Bringing together Tribal leaders, policymakers, legal scholars, technologists and AI experts, this initiative will develop educational resources and governance frameworks tailored specifically to the needs of Tribal Nations.

"Native communities have a unique opportunity to help shape how AI is developed and used," said Kate Rosier, assistant dean of Institutional Advancement and Public Engagement and executive director of ILP. "This project ensures that Tribal Nations are not simply adapting to new technologies but are helping define how those technologies can support self-determination, protect cultural knowledge and strengthen communities."

A key component of the project will be an incubator focused on community-based participatory research. Through a series of convenings, Tribal leaders and experts will identify both the opportunities and challenges AI presents in Indian Country. Together, they will create guiding principles for ethical and sovereign AI use, with special attention to protecting sensitive cultural information, Indigenous languages and Tribal data.

The initiative also creates valuable opportunities for students. Law students will serve as paid research aides, working directly with Tribal leaders and experts while conducting research on AI governance, privacy, intellectual property and federal Indian law. Students will help develop educational materials, training programs and model policies that can be used by Tribal Nations nationwide.

The grant's support from ASU Women and Philanthropy highlights the importance of ensuring that Native communities are actively involved in shaping the ethical use of AI. By creating opportunities for participation, education and leadership, the project will empower this community to guide technological innovation in ways that emphasize Tribal values and priorities.
The initiative builds on decades of leadership by the Indian Legal Program and its partners in advancing Tribal governance and self-determination. By bringing together expertise in law, technology and public policy, the project will help Tribal Nations develop the tools needed to navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape while maintaining control over their data, resources and future. As the first phase of the project begins, so does bridging the gap between Native communities and AI knowledge in a way that ensures the protection of Tribal sovereignty and culture.