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By Tribal Business News Staff
Policy and Law
July 12, 2026
The University of Oklahoma will launch a one-day program in September aimed at helping tribal leaders navigate federal agencies, laws, appropriations and policy processes
The Sovereign Policy Intensive, set for Sept. 25 in Norman, will be limited to 25 participants for its pilot cohort. The program is designed primarily for newly elected tribal officials but is open to other tribal leaders
The Native Nations Center for Tribal Policy Research developed the program to fill what it sees as a gap between existing leadership training and the practical knowledge needed to understand how federal systems affect tribal governments
“Important tribal leadership trainings and technical certifications already exist across the United States,” said Tana Fitzpatrick, associate vice president in OU’s Office of Tribal Relations. “Our intent is to complement these efforts by addressing a gap that has not been covered before, at least not in this way.”
The program will cover 13 topics, including sovereign authority, jurisdiction, the federal budget process, health care, land and natural re. Six outside speakers, including representatives from national tribal organizations, have been confirmed
Fitzpatrick said the center provides nonpartisan research to support tribal decision-making rather than advocate for specific policies
Registration costs $450 per participant. Applications are available through the Native Nations Center
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