The Trust Responsibility

Volume 38, No. 1 – Fall 2026

Features

Restoring Inaawendewin to the Trust Relationship

Matthew Fletcher

Relational accountability is at the heart of America’s duty of protection to tribal nations. Although the courts, Congress, and executive branch have vacillated wildly in attaining this objective, there are signs of hope for the future.
A Matter of Trust: American Indian Education and the Federal Trust Responsibility

Danelle Springer and Moriah O'Brien

The education of tribal citizens is a central component of the trust responsibility. Since its founding, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium has worked to secure passage of transformative legislation and key executive orders.

From Abject Failures to New Horizons

Bradley Shreve

The Cherokee experience during the 1830s showcased America’s epic failure to meet its trust responsibility. But it also offers a chance to learn from the past.

Stephen Wall on the Trust Responsibility

Bradley Shreve

The legal scholar, author, and IAIA provost explains the origins of the trust responsibility and how it pertains to tribal colleges.

The Trust Responsibility Is a Promise Best Kept

Deb Haaland

The United States has a moral, legal, and fiduciary obligation to meet its trust responsibility to tribes. Holding the federal government accountable requires advocacy, persistence, and innovative strategies.

Utilizing Neuromarketing Testing to Guide Effective Vaccine Messaging at Tribal Colleges

Allison Peltier

This original study at United Tribes Technical College shows how neuromarketing testing can improve our understanding of vaccine hesitancy in tribal communities and help in creating a culturally sensitive vaccine campaign.

Opportunities and Challenges in Collaborative Agriculture Extension Programs

Michael Kotutwa Johnson and Adrian Quijada

The implementation of equitable, culturally informed, and community-centered strategies in agriculture extension programs can improve collaboration between tribal colleges and mainstream institutions.

The Sovereign Act of Educating Ourselves

Ahniwake Rose

Ahniwake Rose, president and CEO of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, introduces the fall issue.