Policy

President Barack Obama reaches around the head dress of Chief Joseph Medicine Crow to place a 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom around his neck during a ceremony Wednesday in the East Room of the White House. (AP PHOTO/ALEX BRANDON)

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The Public Policy Department works to promote initiatives at the local, state, and tribal government levels which will help lead to the creation and maintenance of sustainable rural communities in the Northern Plains. We hope to help create a region where all people have the opportunity to thrive in the community they choose, where diversity is cherished, the environment respected, and where community pride leads to rooted generations. 

Publications:

2008 Northern Plains Native American Policy Roundtable Document

Overview of Native American policy roundtable discussions held in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming in 2008. The discussions focused on the dynamics of state-tribal relations and opportunities to build sustainable communities in Indian Country.

Montana Children’s Financial Security Act White Paper

Overview of draft legislation which would create a system of universal children’s savings accounts for every newborn Montanan with an initial deposit from the state. This policy is designed to promote asset building and financial literacy.

L3C White Paper

Overview of legislation that would allow for the development of low profit limited liability companies (L3C). L3C organizations would promote increased partnerships between private and public organizations in pursuit of socially beneficial projects.

Predatory Lending White Paper

Overview of issues surrounding predatory lending practices in the Northern Plains