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 socioeconomic challenges in health related issues 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 aims to enhance tribal governing structures by increasing effective functioning, regulatory authority and self-governing abilities, and further tribal leaders’ efforts to strengthen their economies while building individual and community health and prosperity.

AIGPI is housed within the Office of Research and Creative Scholarship 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, Native American Studies Department, 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.

Land Acknowledgement

The University of Montana acknowledges that we are in the aboriginal territories of the Séliš (Salish) and Ql ̓ ispé (Kalispel) people. Today, we honor the path they have always shown us in caring for this place and AIGPI is dedicated to the work that promotes tribal sovereignty for generations to come.

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