“We stand together, raising the shared voice of Indian Country, and as a result every nation becomes stronger.” - NCAI President Jefferson Keel
Protecting Sovereignty
Nearly seventy years ago, when NCAI was founded, the new organization brought together tribal leaders and tribal citizens, to speak with one voice to protect tribal sovereignty.
Today we honor that legacy by doing what no other organization, group, or lobbying effort is able to do: unify the interests of American Indian and Alaska Native nations and our people. We ask you to join us and raise your voice for all of Indian Country. It is our legacy as Native people.
Membership Driven
NCAI is a membership-driven organization. Our membership is a strong representation of the many nations, villages, communities, and individuals that constitute the whole of Indian Country.
The organization engages in both legislative and administrative advocacy on behalf of its membership. Moreover, the NCAI strives to ensure that all member tribes and individuals are informed and educated about all such issues affecting the well-being of Indian nations.
NCAI membership is made up of tribes and individuals who have met the eligibility criteria and paid dues as outlined in the Article III of the NCAI By-Laws.
Members are determined to be in good standing upon full payment of dues and having fulfilled the requirements of the Credentials Committee.
Membership Categories & Benefits
NCAI’s membership consists of six categories:
1. Tribal Membership
For further membership information, contact:
Bernida Humetewa, NCAI Director of Membership
(505) 867-0203 or bhumetewa[at]ncai.org
Recognized as a tribe or other identifiable group of American Indians by the Department of the Interior, Court of Claims, the Indian Claims Commission or a State.
Detailed information on Tribal Membership benefits and dues
2. Individual Indian Membership
Recognized as a member by an Indian tribe or band, or combination of tribes and bands, recognized by the Department of the Interior, the Indian Claims Commission, Court of Claims, or a State.
Benefits: One Vote, NCAI Broadcasts and Alerts sent to One E-Mail - OR - to One Fax Number,The Sentinel, Reduced Conferences Rates and a Membership Card.
Dues: Membership Dues - Individual Indian [Voting] - $40.00
3. Individual Associate Membership
Individuals that do not qualify for membership for lack of Indian ancestry. Non-Indian applicants are admitted as non-voting associate members.
Benefits: Non-Voting, NCAI Broadcasts and Alerts sent to One E-Mail - OR - to One Fax Number, The Sentinel, Reduced Conference Rates and a Membership Card.
Dues: Membership Dues - Individual Indian [Non-Voting] - $40.00
4. Individual Indian Lifetime Membership
Recognized as a member by an Indian tribe or band, or combination of tribes and bands, recognized by the Department of the Interior, the Indian Claims Commission, Court of Claims, or a State.
Benefits: Lifetime Voting, NCAI Broadcasts and Alerts sent to One E-Mail - OR - to One Fax Number, The Sentinel, Reduced Conference Rates and a Lifetime Membership Card
Dues: Individual Indian Lifetime [Voting] - $1000.00
5. Individual Associate Lifetime Membership
Individuals that do not qualify for membership for lack of Indian ancestry. Non-Indian applicants are admitted as non-voting associate members.
Benefits: Non-Voting, NCAI Broadcasts and Alerts sent to One E-Mail - OR - to One Fax Number, The Sentinel, Reduced Conference Rates and a Lifetime Membership Card
Dues: Individual Associate Lifetime [Non-Voting] - $1000.00
6. Associate Organization Membership
Organizations have the same rights and privileges afforded to Individual Associate members.
Benefits: Associate Organization Member (Non-Voting, NCAI Broadcasts and Alerts sent to Two E-Mails - OR - to One Fax Number and The Sentinel)
Associate Organization [Non-Voting] - $500.00
Details About Membership Dues
Pursuant to the National Congress of American Indians By-Laws, Article III – Members, Section C - Dues: “Annual membership dues shall be due and payable at the Annual Convention of each year for the following year until the next Annual Convention …”
2012 Membership Dues Cycle
NCAI membership dues cycle is from each Annual Convention to the next. The 2011-2012 membership dues will expire October 2012.
Become a new member or renew your membership today!