The educational backbone of the Institute: ten curriculum tracks mirroring the book chapter architecture, from the foundations of tribal sovereignty through the machinery of federal consultation. Each module pairs plain-language instruction with validated-source case studies and live cross-links into Intelligence and the Consultation Calendar.
Foundations of Sovereignty & Rights
- Define tribal sovereignty and its historical and constitutional basis
- Summarize the holdings of Worcester, Santa Clara Pueblo, and Montana
- Explain the nation-to-nation legal relationship with the federal government
Tribal Rights: Business & Taxation
- Identify federal tax exemptions available to tribal governments and entities
- Locate the boundaries of state and local taxing authority on tribal lands
- Explain how sovereign immunity operates in commercial transactions
Corporate Structures
- Distinguish Section 16 governments from Section 17 federally chartered corporations
- Explain Section 3 OIWA and ANCSA regional and village corporations
- Compare tribally chartered corporations with federal charters
Federal Contracting
- Explain 8(a) entity-owned participation and sole-source authorities for tribal and ANC firms
- Identify ISBEE set-asides and GSA schedule opportunities
- Apply FAR and SBA compliance requirements to tribal contractors
Tribal Free Trade Zones
- Explain the FTZ structure and its legal basis on tribal trust land
- Walk the designation process through a regional port authority
- Identify duty-deferral and tariff-mitigation advantages for tenants
Energy Development & Arbitrage
- Compare renewable and traditional energy development pathways on tribal lands
- Explain TERA authority and what self-approval of leases changes
- Identify federal technical-assistance and funding channels for tribal energy
Biotech & Health Sectors
- Describe tribal healthcare system models under self-determination contracting
- Navigate FDA and CLIA requirements for tribal labs and biotech ventures
- Structure biotech and health-sector joint ventures under tribal ownership
Finance & Sovereign Wealth
- Explain the sovereign wealth fund model for revenue diversification
- Compare tribally owned banks, credit unions, and Native CDFIs
- Structure PE and VC partnerships that preserve tribal control
Tribal Super Corporations
- Define the tribal super corporation model and its governance demands
- Analyze diversification strategy across sectors and geographies
- Structure shareholder and citizen benefit distribution at scale
Working with IGA & Executive Orders
- Explain EO 13175 consultation obligations and how agencies implement them
- Map intergovernmental affairs contacts across the federal government
- Prepare and submit effective consultation positions