Mark O. Hatfield Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Act of 2008 - Establishes as an independent executive branch entity the Mark O. Hatfield Scholarship and Excellence in Tribal Governance Foundation, to be located in Portland, Oregon. Requires the Foundation to: (1) develop resources to train Native American and Alaska Native tribal council members in self-government and related fields; (2) foster greater recognition and understanding of the role of tribal self-government in the development of the United States; (3) identify critical issues facing tribal governments; (4) establish a program for tribal governance research at the Institute for Tribal Government at Portland State University; and (5) provide educational outreach regarding tribal self-government.
Authorizes the Foundation to award: (1) scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers relating to tribal governance and to Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate students intending to pursue careers in tribal public policy; (2) fellowships to outstanding graduate students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in fields relating to tribal governance, to Native American and Alaska Native graduate students intending to pursue advanced degrees in tribal public policy, law, or medicine, and to faculty from a variety of disciplines to bring their expertise to the Foundation; and (3) internships to individuals to work in government agencies or in offices of major tribal governance organizations and to Native American and Alaska Native individuals to work in agencies or in offices of major public health or public policy organizations.
Directs the Foundation to award grants to the Institute to: (1) provide for an annual panel of experts to discuss contemporary tribal governance issues; (2) conduct research in tribal governance policy and on Native American and Alaska Native tribal public policy issues; and (3) invite visiting policymakers to share practical experiences with the Foundation.
Requires the Foundation to assist in the development and implementation of a program for tribal governance research to be located at the Institute.