Register Now for the NCAI Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser!

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a proposed rule for the federal tax status of tribally chartered entities, clarifying that wholly-owned tribal entities are not subject to federal income tax. This rule would also affect eligibility for certain clean energy tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act reserved for entities without federal tax liability. This is the second set of proposed rules coming from the Treasury over the past few weeks regarding the sovereignty and self-determination of Tribal Nations and their economies.

"Sovereigns do not tax other sovereigns; governments do not tax other governments. This second tranche of new draft regulations respects tribal sovereignty as a foundation and puts a premium on tribal self-determination. The federal government understands that tribal revenue generation should not be taxed," said NCAI President Mark Macarro. "These draft rules make clear that the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS value the input of Tribal Nations and tribal leadership it has received through the years. This tilt toward embracing tribal sovereignty in federal rulemaking should not be anomalous. With the leadership Treasury has shown, now other agencies' leadership will see that the primacy of tribal government decision-making is valued."

This proposed rule comes after 30 years of Tribal Nations requesting clarification and consultations with Tribal Nations and the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will hold virtual tribal consultations on 

, and we urge Tribal Nations to participate in these historic conversations. 

The Treasury is accepting public comments in writing or electronically until 

Treasury Proposes Rule Regarding Federal Tax Status of Tribally Chartered Entities

In this episode of The Sentinel, we examine the ongoing barriers and obstacles that Native voters face when accessing the polls. As we approach the 2024 elections, we examine NCAI’s legacy of advocacy on this subject. We also take a look at current advocacy and initiatives that will increase Native civic participation in the political process. We are joined by Dr. Aaron Payment (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), the campaign manager for NCAI’s nonpartisan, national 

 campaign. Dr. Payment examines the barriers that Native voters continue to face to this day, one hundred years after The Snyder Act granted their long overdue right to citizenship. Join us to learn why this is an issue of critical importance not only today but also in the future.

Native Vote: Supporting a Sovereignty Ticket in 2024 and Beyond

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) commends the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) for releasing new proposed rules under the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014. These proposed regulations mark a critical step forward in recognizing and reinforcing Tribal Nations' sovereignty, allowing us to best meet the needs of our communities. For decades, NCAI has advocated for policies that honor this unique government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States.

The proposed regulations, developed through extensive consultation with Tribal leaders, assert the primacy of Tribal prerogative. They uphold the principles of self-determination by recognizing that Tribal Nations are best equipped to meet their citizens' needs. By ensuring that vital funding for housing, education, and cultural preservation remains exempt from federal taxation, the rules enhance tribal governments' ability to serve their communities effectively and without unnecessary federal oversight, strengthening their capacity to fulfill their responsibilities.

Moreover, these proposed regulations demonstrate a profound respect for cultural diversity and preservation by empowering Native communities to define our cultural and ceremonial activities– a long-standing priority for NCAI. By acknowledging Tribal Nations’ authority to shape the scope and structure of our welfare programs, the Treasury affirms the importance of upholding tribal sovereignty.


NCAI urges leaders to actively participate in the ongoing consultation process to ensure the rules fully reflect the needs of Indian Country. Moving forward, NCAI remains committed to advocating for regulations that protect the intrinsic rights, economic opportunities, and cultural values of our Native communities.

Read the Treasury and IRS's press statement 

NCAI Statement on the U.S. Treasury's Proposed Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Rules


The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) strongly condemns the remarks made by Montana GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, in which he used offensive language to stereotype Native people. Such harmful rhetoric has no place in public discourse, especially from those seeking elected office. These derogatory comments are a stark reminder of the persistent racism that Native communities continue to face.

For over 80 years, NCAI has stood at the forefront of advocating for justice and equality for Tribal Nations. The casual use of racist stereotypes not only degrades the dignity of Native people but perpetuates systemic issues of discrimination in areas such as healthcare, education, and justice. This kind of language undermines the work we do every day to protect tribal sovereignty, promote self-determination, and ensure the well-being of future generations.

We call on Mr. Sheehy to publicly retract and apologize for his remarks and to take meaningful steps to educate himself on the long and rich history of Native Peoples in Montana and across this country. We expect our elected leaders and those who seek public office to uphold the highest standards of respect and integrity, particularly when discussing historically marginalized communities.

NCAI remains committed to holding public officials accountable when they engage in rhetoric that seeks to divide rather than unify. We will not stand idly by while Native communities are targeted with racism and bigotry. We urge all Americans to join us in demanding accountability and respect for all Tribal Nations and to work towards a future where all voices are heard and valued equally.



For further information or inquiries, please contact ncaipress@ncai.org


NCAI Denounces Offensive Remarks by Montana Senate Candidate Tim Sheehy

In this episode of The Sentinel, we uncover the devastating effects that dams have on Indian Country. The construction and maintenance of dams cause flooding of sacred sites, displacement of people from their ancestral lands, and permanent disruption of the ecosystem and fish populations. These irreparable consequences result in the loss of traditional ways, vital resources, and quality of life in tribal communities. Join us and take a look back at the history of NCAI’s advocacy efforts against dam construction on tribal lands, which began shortly after the organization’s founding in 1944 and has continued through today. 

This episode also features an interview with Corrine Sams, elected Board of Trustees Member for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and Treasurer of the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission. Sams discusses recent progress in the Pacific Northwest as Tribal Nations defend their sovereignty and advocate for the removal of dams and restoration of salmon populations in the region. She also sheds light on the Biden administration’s recent report on the detrimental effects of dams in the Columbia River Basin, marking the first time the federal government has acknowledged the decades of harm tribal communities have endured. Listen now to learn more about the impacts of dams on Native people, the environment, and their intrinsic rights.

Eroding Sovereignty: The Devastating Impacts of Dams on Tribal Communities

Washington, DC—The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announces the launch of a coordinated, non-partisan, national Native Get Out the Vote Campaign (GOTV). Native voices are essential in every political race. We have seen the impact of the Native Vote on local, state, and national levels. Hence, NCAI is producing a comprehensive GOTV strategy for Tribal Nations to help ensure active engagement in the upcoming federal elections.

NCAI’s GOTV work is intentionally non-partisan. As former NCAI President Jefferson Keel (Chickasaw) used to say, "The work we do is not 'D' for Democrat or 'R' for Republican but 'I' for Indian."

“Our goal is to excite our fellow American Indian and Alaska Native people to vote and to support a "Sovereignty Ticket" of key issues vital to Tribal Nations and their citizens,” explains current NCAI President Mark Macarro (Pechanga Band of Indians).

NCAI is concentrating its efforts across three distinct phases, including various activities to encourage election participation; mobilization and engagement exercises leading up to election day; and, ultimately, technical support for the incoming administration, whomever that may be. Additionally, during the week of August 26, NCAI will host webinars on 

Recognizing the Snyder Act 100th Anniversary—Honoring the Past; Preparing for Our Future.



The Fifteenth Amendment—passed in 1870—granted all U.S. citizens the right to vote regardless of race. However, it wasn't until June 2, 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge signed into law the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924–also known as The Snyder Act– that American Indians and Alaska Natives could enjoy the rights granted by this amendment.

“We want all Natives, young and old, to vote,” says Dr. Aaron Payment (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa), member of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. “We stand to be the margin of victory in key battleground states. We intend to play a role in shaping policy that relates to us. While we recognize the 100th anniversary of the passage of the so-called ‘Indian Citizenship Act,’ we still have challenges with voter participation and voter suppression.”

Founded in 1944, NCAI is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities. A nonprofit organization, NCAI advocates for a bright future for generations to come by taking the lead in gaining consensus on a constructive and promising vision for Indian Country. For more information, contact 

NCAI Launches 2024 Native Get Out the Vote Campaign: “Honoring the Past; Preparing for Our Future”

August 7, 2024

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds President Biden’s nomination of Patrice H. Kunesh as the Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). Kunesh, who is of Standing Rock Lakota descent, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to public service and a profound commitment to advancing the interests and well-being of Tribal Nations and communities.

Patrice Kunesh brings an extensive background in tribal, state, and federal service. Currently, she serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs and as the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans within the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Her career includes significant contributions to the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and in academia as a faculty member at the University of South Dakota School of Law.

Kunesh’s experience is further highlighted by her roles as the Deputy Under the Secretary for Rural Development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Deputy Solicitor for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, and as a member of the U.S. Treasury Community Development Advisory Board (CDFI Fund) representing Native communities. She also established the Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and founded Peȟíŋ Haha Consulting, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting culturally centered Native economic development.

Patrice Kunesh’s confirmation as Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission will mark a significant step forward in strengthening the governance and oversight of Indian gaming, fostering economic development, and enhancing the sovereignty and self-determination of Tribal Nations.

For further information or inquiries, please contact ncaipress@ncai.org

NCAI Supports President Biden’s Nomination of Patrice Kunesh as Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission

As the growth of technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the issue of Tribal Digital Sovereignty is of crucial importance now more than ever. Join us on this episode of The Sentinel as we hear from experts who will help shed light on this subject.

Listeners will learn about the recently launched Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty, a partnership between NCAI and Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute, the first of its kind in Indian Country. We hear from Geoff Blackwell and Matt Rantanen, experts in the field of Tribal Digital Sovereignty, who help us examine the unique challenges that Native communities face with governing their own data, information, and technology.

This episode provides a deeper understanding of the intersection of technology and Tribal sovereignty, why it matters so much now, and why it is one of the most significant challenges facing the future of Indian Country.

Empowering Tribal Nations in the 21st Century: NCAI and the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty

“The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) strongly condemns the violence that occurred against former U.S. President Donald Trump. We extend our deepest condolences to those affected. Our ancestors have fought for and upheld the right to resolve differences through peaceful and rational discourse. It is through this legacy that we advocate for the use of rational dialogue and the democratic process, including the power of our vote, to address conflicts and shape our nation’s future.”

- Mark Macarro - President, National Congress of American Indians

Jantzen Hale, NCAI Media Relations Associate

NCAI Condemns Violence, Calls for Peaceful Resolution of Differences Through Democratic Processes



The survival of American Indian and Alaska Native languages is essential to the success of tribal communities and Native ways of life. However, without urgent and sustained intervention, far too many Native languages risk extinction within the coming decades. In this episode of The Sentinel, we highlight the urgency of this issue, and examine the creative and innovative solutions that many tribal communities are undertaking to counteract language loss.

First, we hear from Daniel Golding (Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe), producer of the documentary “

,” which aired on the PBS network as part of the “Native America” series. Golding sheds light on the inherent challenges of revitalizing Native languages and his own unique personal perspective as he embarked upon learning the Quechan language.

Next, we present segments from the “Native Language Preservation” panel discussion held at the 2024 NCAI Mid Year Convention & Marketplace in Cherokee, North Carolina. Representatives from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe participated in a lively discussion at the Third General Assembly. Panelists recounted the challenges of language preservation, but also shared strategies, projects and techniques that have resulted in successful outcomes for their tribal communities.

Historically, indigenous communities across the globe have passed down their languages from generation to generation. However, colonization and cultural assimilation have jeopardized these languages, pushing them to the brink of extinction. When a language fades, identity

is lost. Preserving languages is critical if we want to promote cultural diversity and richness. Many Native communities rely on oral transmission, rather than written, to pass on knowledge, customs and traditions. As language becomes jeopardized, so does the cultural transmission that goes with it.

Throughout its history, NCAI has been instrumental in the effort to preserve Native languages. The organization’s advocacy has taken on a number of forms including: supporting legislation to protect traditional ways of speaking, calling for increased funding for language education and immersion programs, and formally recognizing that native languages are in a state of emergency.

For example, in 1990, NCAI endorsed the Native American Languages Act, the first major piece of legislation to preserve, promote, and protect Native languages. By the mid-1990s, NCAI began using the resolutions process to further this mission. At the Mid Year Conference in Spokane, Washington, NCAI leaders stated that “the United States government actively suppressed our native languages, directly contributing to their dramatic decline.”

Then, NCAI called upon the federal government to increase funding for Tribal Nations for language recovery and teaching programs. The membership also adopted a resolution addressing Native youth and calling for development and funding of Native language immersion programs in pre-schools, elementary schools, and secondary schools throughout Indian Country. NCAI also established a Native Language Task Force that meets twice annually.

More recently, at the 2024 NCAI Mid Year Convention and Marketplace held in Cherokee, North Carolina, attendees heard from Native language speakers and advocates throughout the meeting sessions. They were able to watch a screening of the documentary “

”, which aired on PBS as part of the highly acclaimed “Native America” series. Then, a breakout session conducted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians delved into their efforts to preserve and revitalize their language. Lastly, the Third General Assembly hosted a panel on Native Language Preservation featuring a lineup of speakers from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe.

Out of these discussions came a common theme. While significant progress has been made towards preserving Native languages in recent years, there are still challenges associated with maintaining languages across generations. As younger generations are exposed to other languages through the Western education system and media, the usage of native languages declines. And when communities have limited resources, support and funding for language revitalization efforts, these challenges become even more difficult to overcome.

NCAI recognizes that the preservation of Native languages is not just a linguistic issue, but a basic need to uphold cultural diversity and respect the rights of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples. When a language fades away, it is not only words that are lost, but an entire way of life and understanding of the world.

Beyond Words: The Power Of Native Language Revitalization


Jantzen Hale, National Congress of American Indians, 

Amy M. Echo-Hawk, Native American Rights Fund, 

WASHINGTON, D.C. | Today, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the 1975 Indian Self-Determination Act (ISDA) mandates the Indian Health Service (IHS) to reimburse Tribal Nations for the expenditures of revenues collected from third-party payors such as Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. This ensures that Tribal Nation healthcare programs operate on equal footing with IHS-run programs, as intended by the ISDA. The Court consolidated 

 and held that the ISDA and the ISDA contracts require the Tribal Nations to collect revenues from third-party payors and spend that revenue to further their respective healthcare programs. As a result, the costs to Tribal Nations of spending these revenues on further healthcare services must also be eligible for contract support cost reimbursement from IHS.

“Today’s decision is a victory for tribal self-determination and tribal sovereignty,” said National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Mark Macarro. “This ruling ensures that Tribal Nations administering healthcare services to their citizens and communities do so with the full funding to which they are entitled under federal law and contracts with the Indian Health Service.”

John Echohawk, Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), agreed. “Congress passed the Indian Self-Determination Act with the purpose of empowering Tribal Nations and ensuring that tribally-run healthcare programs would be on equal footing with those run by the Indian Health Service. This decision honors the commitment Congress made to Tribal Nations’ rights to self-determination.”

affirm the Ninth and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals’ wins by the tribes, making these victories applicable nationwide. Both Tribal Nations sued to ensure full contract support cost reimbursement from IHS related to the direct healthcare services they provide on their respective reservations. Today’s decision follows two previous rulings by the Court that under ISDA, Tribal Nations are eligible for contract support costs because they incur overhead and other costs to run their healthcare programs that IHS-run programs do not.

About the National Congress of American Indians:

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the United States. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies. NCAI promotes an understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights. For more information, visit 

NARF is a non-profit 501c(3) organization focused on applying existing laws and treaties to guarantee that federal and state governments live up to their legal obligations to Native Americans. Since 1970, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has provided specialized legal assistance to Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide to assert and defend the most important Native rights in hundreds of major cases. NARF has achieved significant results in critical areas such as tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resource protection, voting rights, and Indian education. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @NDNrights to learn about the latest fights to promote justice and protect Native American rights. Visit 

In a Victory for Tribal Nations, Supreme Court Affirms that Federal Support for Tribally Run Healthcare Programs Must Be on Equal Footing with IHS Run Programs

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

 | Today, the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announced the launch of the 

, the first and only center in the nation dedicated to providing tribal governments, leadership, and communities with the resources and support needed to establish a digital sovereignty plan. This groundbreaking partnership, revealed during the 

NCAI 2024 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace

, marks a significant milestone in supporting Tribal Nations in navigating the complexities of digital sovereignty.

"Tribal Digital Sovereignty includes both the information and the physical means by which it transfers— it is governance, it is economic, it is self-determination. We're looking forward to working with our partners at NCAI in serving Tribal Nations as we navigate this new platform together,” said Dr. Traci Morris, executive director of the American Indian Policy Institute and research professor at ASU Law. “With the launch of the center, Tribal Nations will have the resources they need to build their own individual proactive digital sovereignty plans.”

Digital sovereignty encompasses all aspects of a Tribal Nation's digital plan and footprint, such as Tribal codes, managing data protection, digital equity, network infrastructure, development of funding sources, and capacity building.

“Broadband and other communications technologies are the 21st Century platform for Tribal self-determination. The establishment of the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty is a major turning point,” said Geoffrey Blackwell, NCAI general counsel and chief of staff. “Tribal livelihood is either empowered or ignored every day by various technologies and the related laws and policies. We are excited to partner with ASU to empower Tribal Nations with the analysis, scholarship, advocacy, and resources needed to develop their digital environments and exercise their sovereign rights while embracing technological advancements.”

There is no single Tribal Digital Sovereignty plan that fits the unique needs of all 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations and no central resource network for managing their digital footprint. The Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty will offer comprehensive expertise and a clearinghouse of information to support Tribal Nations in developing personalized digital sovereignty plans with long-term solutions.

"This is a landmark moment. Digital sovereignty is essential for advancing the priorities of Tribal Nations and their cultural integrity in the digital age," said NCAI President Mark Macarro. "This partnership represents a powerful alliance that will allow Tribal Nations to navigate and shape our futures with confidence and autonomy. The Center will also provide the basis for building a new coalition of trusted organizations with proven track records to provide additional services and support to Tribal Nations. This initiative offers us the necessary tools and knowledge to secure our digital self-determination and ensure that our sovereignty is respected.”

The Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty provides research and scholarship, capacity-building support, and will form a coalition of expert community-serving organizations with long histories of working in this space, creating a gravitas of service as an open-source information resource and clearinghouse for Tribal Nations on Tribal Digital Sovereignty planning. With initial seed funding from the Ford Foundation and Google.org, the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty will form a coalition of organizations and entities that have been invited through a review process. Membership in the coalition will be determined based on alignment with the core values of the American Indian Policy Institute and the National Congress of American Indians – which are to serve Tribal Nations, advance Tribal sovereignty, and remain neutral with regard to Tribal network and technology choices.

“At ASU Law, we're excited to amplify the work of the American Indian Policy Institute and the National Congress of American Indians as we launch the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty,” said ASU Law Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents Professor of Law Stacy Leeds. “This initiative not only exemplifies our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities but also underscores our belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. Together, we're forging a path forward that empowers Tribal Nations to navigate the digital frontier with confidence, ensuring their sovereignty and cultural integrity endure and thrive in the digital age.”

The Center will serve as the coalition’s administrative hub and central point of contact, in addition to providing advocacy support and service to Indian Country that is free and accurate, convening coalitions and hosting conferences. The coalition will include Tribal organizations, policymakers, researchers, educators, and leaders with long-term engagement in Tribal digital sovereignty-related matters. NCAI's involvement will include advancing policies through its 80 years of advocacy, providing foundational funding, and developing sustainable funding models.

To further bolster its mission and impact, the Center is actively seeking support from foundations and partners committed to advancing Tribal sovereignty and digital equity. Interested philanthropic partners are invited to reach out to the NCAI Foundation or the ASU Foundation.

About the National Congress of American Indians

About the American Indian Policy Institute

The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) is an Indigenous-led and staffed research institute at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University whose work supports Tribal communities and Indigenous peoples nationwide. We do this by creating academic research focused on key issues in Indian Country, by analyzing and developing policy research and recommendations on those issues, and by building capacity within an ecosystem of lifelong learning. AIPI’s research expertise and focus are substantively on broadband technology and digital equity, with expertise in tribal telecommunications, communications policy, and newly emerging systems as they impact sovereign Tribal nations.

About the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is a leading institution at the forefront of legal education, research and service. Located in Phoenix, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., ASU Law provides a dynamic learning environment enriched by its proximity to legal, governmental and business communities. With a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, ASU Law offers a diverse range of degree programs, including the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Master of Legal Studies, and Master of Sports, Law and Business. ASU Law is dedicated to creating the next generation of legal professionals. Honoring the legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and charged with upholding her namesake, graduates are well-prepared to shape all aspects of the legal field from public service to private practice, to fields that work in and around the law. For more information, visit 

American Indian Policy Institute and National Congress of American Indians launch the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty 

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends its condolences to the families and community members affected by the tragic shooting in the Gila River Indian Community.

“We are heartbroken to learn of this tragedy at the Gila River Indian Community,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of Officer Joshua Briese and the Gila River Indian Community member who were killed. This terrible loss is felt deeply across Indian Country, and we send our benevolent prayers to those injured for recovery and healing.”

NCAI Statement on Gila River Indian Community Tragedy

2024 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace

Washington, D.C. - On April 24, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden nominated Danna Jackson to serve as a federal judge in the United States District Court for the District of Montana. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Jackson would be the first American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian to serve as a federal judge in Montana.

Jackson has had a long career in public service. She has worked as a tribal attorney for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Montana in the Indian Country Crime Unit, and in legal advisory roles for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and the United States Department of the Interior.

“NCAI is proud to support President Biden’s nomination of Danna Jackson to be the first-ever Native American to sit on the federal bench in the State of Montana,”‘ said National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Ms. Jackson will bring deep Indian law and policy expertise to the federal bench. NCAI urges her swift confirmation in the U.S. Senate.”

“Danna Jackson has a long track record of public service, extensive federal legal experience, and is well qualified to be a federal judge,” said Native American Rights Fund (NARF) Executive Director John Echohawk. “We commend the Biden Administration’s selection of this historic nominee and exhort her confirmation. She will be a strong addition to the federal judiciary in Montana.”

“Inclusion of Native Americans in the courts that preside over matters in Montana is critically important to advancing trust in the judicial system and the rule of law. Danna Jackson’s deep experience in Montana in criminal and civil matters and her connections to the communities she has served her whole career will be a great asset to the court,” said Matthew Archer-Beck, President of the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA).

Jackson is the fifth judicial nomination by President Biden of a Native American to the federal bench. NARF, NCAI, and NNABA have long advocated for increasing Native representation in the federal court system. It is imperative to have federal judges who understand the unique relationship between the United States and Tribal Nations and who reflect the diversity within the districts that they serve.

About the National Congress of American Indians: 

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the United States. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies. NCAI promotes an understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights. For more information, 

NCAI, NARF, and NNABA Applaud Historic Nomination of the First Native American to the Federal Bench in Montana

Jantzen Hale, National Congress of American Indians,


Mauda Moran, Native American Rights Fund, 

On April 12, 2024, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), represented by the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), 

filed an amicus brief supporting the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation v. United States Department of the Interior

 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The brief emphasizes the importance of the trust relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States, which requires the federal government to act in good faith and fully honor its promises to Tribal Nations.

“The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes ceded vast tracts of their homelands to the United States, but they did so pursuant to an agreement that reserved crucial rights for the Tribal Nations and their citizens,” 

said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.

 “Congress ratified that agreement and defined limited ways that the land could be removed from their use. It is imperative that the United States honors its legal and moral obligations by upholding the terms of this agreement.”

“The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have long fought to protect their homelands and their treaty rights,” 

. “NARF is proud to stand with them and to echo their call that the United States must respect the sovereign-to-sovereign trust relationship that exists between the government and all federally recognized Tribal Nations. The United States is not allowed to change or reinterpret the terms of federal law and its agreement with the Shoshone-Bannock just because it is convenient for them.”

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes brought suit in 2020 to stop the federal government’s illegal exchange of their homelands. The Shoshone-Bannock’s right to use those lands is protected under an 1898 agreement and codified in law under what is known as the 1900 Act. In 2023, the U.S. District Court rightfully found that the federal government had failed to comply with federal law, including the 1900 Act, and breached its trust responsibilities to the Shoshone-Bannock.

The federal government and the J.R. Simplot Company, the business seeking to acquire the lands, appealed that decision to the Ninth Circuit Court in 2023.

About the Native American Rights Fund (NARF): 

NARF is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization focused on applying existing laws and treaties to guarantee that federal and state governments live up to their legal obligations to Native Americans. Since 1970, 

 has provided specialized legal assistance to Native American Tribal Nations, organizations, and individuals nationwide to assert and defend the most important Native rights. In hundreds of major cases. NARF has achieved significant results in critical areas such as tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resource protection, voting rights, and Indian education. Like us 

 to learn about the latest fights to promote justice and protect Native American rights.

NCAI Supports Shoshone-Bannock Fight to Protect Treaty Rights and Homelands

The Native American Graves Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) addresses the treatment and repatriation of cultural items, objects of cultural patrimony, sacred objects, and human remains. Passed into law in 1990 as a result of decades of NCAI advocacy, this legislation goes a long way towards recognizing and respecting the sacred, religious, and cultural rights of American Indian and Alaska Native people. It was considered long overdue at the time of its passage and has faced significant hurdles since then.



One of the key provisions of NAGPRA establishes requirements that federal agencies and any institutions that receive federal funding, make account of any human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony that they have in their possession. The law states that they must be then repatriated to the appropriate Tribal Nations, to be cared for, and to be honored according to tribal religious practices. 



Of critical importance is that NAGPRA also includes steps for consultation and collaboration between federal agencies, museums, and Tribal representatives and communities. One of its goals is to foster communication based on respect for culture and cultural sensitivity. This process is meant to bring healing and reconciliation to Native communities. Likewise, it calls for both museums and cultural institutions to address and take stock of the historical trauma associated with the exploitation and desecration of sacred objects, burial sites, and human remains that were stolen for their own benefit.



Delving back into the NCAI archival records, we learn that the organization was a key advocate for repatriation legislation long before NAGPRA was adopted. For example, In 1986 at the Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, NCAI condemned the Department of Interior policy on human remains and sacred objects that they had developed without any tribal consultation or input. Organization leaders called on Congress to create tribally focused legislation, and to “hold hearings to allow the Indian Community to present its views and recommendations.”



Then, immediately prior to the passage of NAGPRA, NCAI adopted a Resolution at the 1990 Executive Council Winter Session calling upon Congress to adopt repatriation legislation because, “the sanctity of the dead for American Indians and Alaska Natives has never been respected by the dominant, non-Indian society as evidenced by the untold thousands of deceased Native Americans that have been dug up from their final resting places and because respect for the dead is a basic human right that is fundamental to all cultures, societies and religions…”.



Working in coalition with its partners such as the Native American Rights Fund and Association on American Indian Affairs, NCAI continued its unwavering advocacy until NAGPRA was finally passed into law in November 1990. Unfortunately, despite its historic significance, NAGPRA has faced major challenges in its implementation. Many claim that the original legislation does not go far enough to address past wrongdoings, nor does it take into account the challenges of the repatriation process both in terms of legal and ethical considerations. The quest for successful implementation of NAGPRA has dragged on for 34 years.



In recent months, however, there have been some promising developments. In an April 2023 press release, NCAI commended the ongoing bipartisan effort of the U.S. Senate that was underway at the time for ensuring that, “Native American ancestral remains and cultural items are returned to their rightful owners as an essential first step towards acknowledging the historic and ongoing wrongs inflicted upon the American Indian and Alaska Native community.” In August 2023, the National Park Service announced $3.4 million in grants to 16 Tribal Nations and 28 museums to assist in the consultation, documentation, and repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural items. This is the largest amount since the grant program began.



Lastly, on December 6, 2023, the Department of the Interior announced the outcome of that work—a series of new, stricter regulations concerning the implementation of NAGPRA. The new rules are considered long overdue and are a result of Nation-to-Nation consultation. They strengthen the force of the law and include systematic processes for returning human remains, funerary objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, setting the timeline for compliance at 5 years. The goal of the regulations is to give Tribal Nations more authority in the repatriation process. Museums and federal agencies now must obtain free, prior, and informed consent from Tribal Nations and descendants before displaying or conducting research on any human remains or cultural items. In addition, museums must now be more publicly transparent about their collection holdings that are subject to NAGPRA.



News coverage across the country has reported on the response to the new NAGPRA changes announcing that museums and cultural institutions have either covered or removed their exhibits relating to Native history. For example, The American Museum of Natural History in New York closed two halls dedicated to the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains tribal cultures. Sean Decatur, President of the Museum, explained, “The Halls we are closing are vestiges of an era when museums did not respect values, perspectives and indeed the shared humanity of indigenous peoples.”



Other institutions have responded accordingly and have removed objects on display as they await consultation with Tribal Nations. We have yet to completely see how these new regulations will play out. But the hope is they will fulfill the original intent of the legislation and not result in further delays. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland stated, “The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act is an essential tool for the safe return of sacred objects to the communities from which they were stolen. Among the updates we are implementing are critical steps to strengthen the authority and role of Indigenous communities in the repatriation process…. Finalizing these changes are an important part of laying the groundwork for the healing of our people.”



As time goes on, NCAI will continue to advocate for the complete implementation of NAGPRA and repatriation of ancestral remains, and sacred and cultural objects, so that wrongdoings inflicted upon American Indian and Alaska Native communities are recognized and healing can begin.

 signals a rebirth of NCAI’s oldest and most continuously published membership newsletter, 

. Published for the first time in the 1940s, 

 focused on NCAI membership matters, events, people and policy issues. This newly conceived version will, instead, take a look backwards with a nod to the present. Each post will feature stories about past events, programs, and people, as well as articles on NCAI leaders throughout the years and new developments and discoveries in the archival collections.

Drawing on NCAI’s rich digital and physical archival collections, it is our hope that you will return each month to learn more about the organization’s 80 years of advocacy for Indian Country and, as a result, will also remain informed about what is happening at NCAI today.

Healing Through Restoration: The Native American Graves Repatriation Act

The NCAI 2024 Executive Council Winter Session Wrap-Up Report is Now Available!

Last month, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) brought together Tribal Nations from across the United States for the prestigious 2024 State of Indian Nations Address and its legislative conference, the 2024 Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS).

A standout moment of this year's conference was the 2024 State of Indian Nations address, delivered by newly elected NCAI President Mark Macarro. In his visionary speech, President Macarro outlined priorities aimed at advancing Tribal Nations' interests and strengthening nation-to-nation relationships with the United States. Throughout the week, tribal delegates also had the invaluable opportunity to hear from members of Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration, gaining insights into their strategies for addressing key challenges facing tribal communities. Read the Wrap-Up Report below to dive into the enriching discussions, impactful initiatives, and collaborative efforts that shaped this year’s ECWS.

 NCAI 2024 Executive Council Winter Session Wrap-Up Report Now Available!

On Friday, March 22, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed six appropriations bills, with the U.S. Senate following suit shortly thereafter. The appropriations bills passed were:

Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024

Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2024

State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024

The six bills will now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law sometime this weekend.

In the upcoming weeks, NCAI will provide additional analysis of all 12 appropriations bills and the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. Below is a brief summary of some of the wins and losses for Indian Country that came out of this week’s legislation:

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