The American Indian Governance and Policy Institute (AIGPI) brings the Montana University System’s research and service resources to work with tribes in Montana to address the core causes of poor socioeconomic health on reservations by providing the necessary support for evidence-informed tribal policymaking. Recognizing that many tribal government officials lack access to the type of policy research and analysis services supplied to state and federal policymakers, AIGPI fills this void by providing tribal leaders with credible, in-depth research and analysis of tribal-level policies. This collaborative, data-backed approach will enhance tribal governing structures by increasing effective functioning, regulatory authority and self-governing abilities and further tribal leaders’ efforts to strengthen reservation economies and build individual and community health and prosperity.

AIGPI is housed within the Native American Studies Department at the University of Montana (UM) in partnership with UM's nationally-recognized Alexander Blewett III School of Law Margery Hunter Brown Indian Law Clinic and the Department of Public Administration and Policy's Master of Public Administration program, located within the Max Baucus Institute. All materials developed by AIGPI are stored in AIGPI’s free online database where they can be accessed by tribal leaders and the general public.

UM Land Acknowledgement Statement

The University of Montana acknowledges that we are in the aboriginal territories of the Salish and Kalispel people. Today, we honor the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for the generations to come.

Photo Credit: Marti de Alva, www.riversongphoto.com