Research & Publications

Tallgrass Institute engages in Indigenous-led, values-driven research.

Our research centers and amplifies Indigenous solutions to systemic economic exclusion and traditionally inaccessible capital, and advances respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights in enterprise and business operations. Our publications highlight the voices of Indigenous leaders and provide actionable insights and recommendations rooted in Indigenous expertise.

Through our research, publications, and tools, we provide data to support and amplify Indigenous power and economic priorities, give insight as to how to integrate Indigenous Rights Risk due diligence into business operations, and move the market to integrate Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) in standards and comprehensive policy. We ensure our research resources have a cumulative effect on centering Indigenous perspectives and furthering Indigenous economic innovations.

Learn more about our research work below.

Our Research Values

Whenever possible, Tallgrass Institute develops research projects in partnership with Indigenous leaders, Indigenous individuals, and other Indigenous organizations with whom we have relationships. Our focus is on elevating the expertise, lived experiences, and ground truth of the Indigenous individuals we work with, and on highlighting how Indigenous leaders and communities are creating Indigenous solutions to both local and global challenges. Tallgrass Institute makes our research publicly available to elevate the voices of Indigenous leaders and advance Indigenous power-building. Via our view of storytelling through research, we communicate our findings to diverse stakeholders within the fields of business, law, finance, and human rights. Our goal is to bring Indigenous solutions into the global discourse, to demonstrate how Indigenous Peoples are leading the way towards a sustainable future for all.

Tallgrass Institute is committed to respecting and protecting Indigenous knowledge, and to conducting Indigenous-led research guided by Indigenous values. Our research values fall into three key areas: centering Indigenous Peoples, creating applied research, and engaging in right relationship.

Values for Centering Indigenous Peoples

Center Indigenous leadership and decision-making
Emphasize Indigenous priorities, interests, and goals
Work to advance Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination
Ensure Indigenous self-representation and highlight Indigenous voices
Elevate Indigenous values, expertise, and solutions

Values for Creating Relevant and Impactful Applied Research

Create robust applied research that is beneficial for Indigenous Peoples
Focus on investor audiences where relevant, in service of Indigenous priorities and our mission
Share our research with broad audiences to elevate Indigenous solutions