The Native Nations Center for Tribal Policy Research at the University of Oklahoma is launching its first Sovereign Policy Intensive (SPI), taking place on September 25, 2026. Geared primarily toward newly elected Tribal officials, SPI offers an objective, nonpartisan orientation designed to build federal systems literacy. This unique program helps clarify how the structures, processes, and institutional dynamics of the federal government interact with Tribal governance and Tribal sovereignty.
The Sovereign Policy Intensive is a fast-paced, information-dense program structured around high-level legal and policy briefings. It is designed to support informed sovereign decision-making without advocating or prescribing specific policy outcomes.
What the Program Covers:
Foundational Frameworks: Sovereign authority, jurisdiction, the federal budget process, and legislative operations.
Core Federal & Social Systems: High-impact breakdowns of healthcare, land & natural resources, energy, housing, public safety, education, and agriculture.
Peer Connection: Valuable networking opportunities to share insights with fellow tribal leaders navigating similar governance challenges.
Event Details:
Cost: $450 per participant (due upon acceptance)
Location: Fully in person at the University of Oklahoma Norman campus (Copeland Hall, Room 233)
Cohort Size: Strictly limited to 25 participants
Travel/Lodging: Participant-covered
