Our key partner in our work to support the 23 nations is the Native Nations Institute (NNI) at the University of Arizona’s Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy.

Founded in 2001, NNI’s mission is to “assist in the building of capable Native nations that can effectively pursue and ultimately realize their own political, economic, and community objectives.” This effort, referred to as nation-building, is the central focus of NNI's programs.

Our partnership with NNI also identifies their relationship with the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development (HP). Together, NNI and HP provide experts, tools, training materials, and logistics support for the Foundation and our tribal partners.

In 2010, the National Congress of American Indians, which represents tribal governments and leaders across Indian Country, recognized the Native Nations Institute with its Public Sector Leadership Award.