Indian Health Service Solicits Tribal Consultation on Proposed Community Health Aide Program Expansion

Washington, DC – In a teleconference meeting today, Indian Health Service (IHS) Principal Deputy Director Mary Smith called on tribal leaders to provide feedback and input on an IHS draft policy statement that could expand the innovative Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) beyond Alaska. The CHAP program funds nursing aides, behavioral health aides, and in some cases, mid-level dental providers called Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHAT), along with other types of community health workers, to ensure residents of rural communities have access to health services. Currently, Alaska is the only IHS service area that has the program in place.

Tribal communities in Alaska have embraced the CHAP and DHAT programs, and tribal leaders outside the state have long advocated for expansion of the programs as part of an overall strategy to improve access to care, especially in remote and rural areas facing provider shortages. The proposed new IHS policy underscores the Agency’s recognition of the CHAP and DHAT programs as effective, efficient, and culturally competent mechanisms for increasing access to high-quality health and dental care by American Indian and Alaska Native people across the nation.

“Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward in creating the health care systems our citizens need and deserve,” stated NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “The CHAP and DHAT programs are common sense approaches that deliver excellent care. Every tribe should be able to determine what care model works for citizens, and every tribe should be able to set up these innovative models.”

In the draft policy statement, IHS also notes Congressional support for the program as demonstrated in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which authorized creation of a national CHAP program.

DHATs not only provide high quality care to their patients, but also bring high levels of cultural competence to their practice settings – as most DHATs are from the communities they serve. (Nearly 80 percent of DHATs returned to their home villages to practice and the program has an 81 percent retention rate.) The Alaska program has allowed for more than 40,000 patients to be treated for the first time. A study conducted by Community Catalyst demonstrated that mid-level dental providers cost less than 30 cents for every dollar of revenue they generated.

While both DHAT and CHAP programs have won many awards since 2005 for their impact on remote and rural health, some of the most impressive accolades come from the populations being served by DHATs and CHAPs. “Children and adults too would be so scared. Every time they thought of dental, they thought of pain. I was able to build trust with them,” shared DHAT Bonnie Johnson. “Now they are excited to see me… I’m not only here to fix pain; I’m here to prevent it.”

NCAI Executive Director Jaqueline Pata stated, “Tribal leaders have shown tremendous support for and interest in both the CHAP and DHAT programs. These are model programs that have been incredibly successful. We applaud IHS for exploring ways to scale up these programs nationally so that they can benefit all of Indian Country.”

About The National Congress of American Indians:

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information visit www.ncai.org.

IHS Solicits Tribal Consultation on Proposed CHAP Expansion

Native American Agricultural Fast Track Fund (NAAFTF) Announces Eligibility for $38 Million Keepseagle Grants Distribution

WASHINGTON DC, May 17, 2016 | Today, the class counsel in the Keepseagle v. Vilsack case announced a one-time distribution of $38 million from the remaining settlement funds through the Native American Agricultural Fast Track Fund (NAAFTF).

This will be the first distribution of $380 million left in the Keepseagle cy pres fund for the benefit of Native American farming and ranching.

“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era in Indian agriculture,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians. “The initial $38 million from the remaining Keepseagle settlement fund will go a long way to furthering the reach and capacity of organizations which have always supported our Native farmers and ranchers. By increasing our ability to feed ourselves, we can strengthen our sovereignty.”

The fast-track registration opens May 25, 2016, and closes applications June 24, 2016. According to a press release by Echo Hawk Consulting today, the awards from NAAFTF are to be made on a competitive basis. Echo Hawk Consulting will be managing this process under the supervision of class counsel.



Interested organizations must provide documentation of agricultural, business, technical or advocacy services to Native American farmers or ranchers between January 1, 1981, and November 1, 2010;

The organizations must be based in the United States, and meet one of the following criteria:

7871 designation as a non-profit organization chartered under the tribal law of a state or federally recognized tribe;

An educational institution described in 170(b)(1)(A)(ii); OR

An instrumentality of a state or federally recognized tribe, designated under 7701(a)(40).

Step 1: One-month period for letters of intent (5/25/2016-06/24/2016)

May 25 at 12:00 p.m. MDT – Letter of Intent registration, application materials, process details, and timeline is available at www.indianfarmclass.com/NAAFTF.aspx.

Friday, June 24, 2016, by 5:00 p.m. MDT – Letter of Intent application closes.

Technical assistance for the application process will be available by dedicated phone and email.

Step 2: After the one-month period closes, an Advisory Committee will issue an invitation to eligible candidates on July 28, 2016 to submit complete proposals. The Advisory Committee includes six experts in the areas of Native American farming, ranching, and philanthropy.

Step 3: All awards are subject to court approval. Advised by the Advisory Committee, the class counsel will make recommendations to the Court on awards.

NAAFTF letter of intent application must include:

Demonstrate eligibility through the criteria described above;

Explanation of purpose for seeking NAAFTF funds;

Interested organization’s total annual operating budget, and total project costs (if applicable);

Proposed use of award funds to provide assistance to Native American farming or ranching activities. Lobbying, political activities, and/or litigation is NOT eligible for funding.

The size of awards will vary depending on the interested organization’s focus and scope. NAAFTF will also consider applications from intermediary organizations having existing, relevant grant programs which can be expanded through awards.


Questions about NAAFTF? Contact Crystal Echo Hawk at Echo Hawk Consulting via email (crystal@echohawkconsulting.com) or phone (720.891.9118).



On April 20, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia approved a modification to the Keepseagle settlement agreement, which included a process for the distribution of funds to cy pres beneficiaries. The modification to the settlement also provides for additional damage awards to be paid to prevailing claimants. The remaining funds, approximately $265 million, will go to a Trust that will distribute funds at the direction of an independent board of trustees for up to 20 years. NAAFTF is separate from the Trust, and is designed to ensure that a substantial portion of the remaining funds are distributed to qualifying organizations more quickly than the Trust will be able to award grants.

NAAFTF was created to make awards to such organizations already involved in supporting Native American ranchers and farmers before the original Keepseagle settlement was agreed to in 2010.

The Court's order is open to appeal through June 20, 2016. If an appeal is filed, the grant process will be suspended until a decision on the appeal is rendered.

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information, visit www.ncai.org.

NAAFTF Announces Eligibility for $38 Million Keepseagle Grants Distribution

NCAI Applauds Alaska Governor’s Tribal Advisory Council

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Alaska Governor Bill Walker announced the members of the Governor’s Tribal Advisory Council. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds Governor Walker and the advisory council, calling it a great example of tribal-state collaboration.

In a 

, Governor Walker announced the appointment of 11 tribal leaders nominated by their tribes to the advisory council. Members appointed to the advisory council each represent issues of relevance to tribes including economic development, education, energy and natural resources, healthcare, housing, justice, language and culture, public safety, subsistence, transportation, and wildlife and fisheries. The advisory council met in Anchorage with Governor Walker and Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott (Tlingit) at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to set the advisory council agenda moving forward.

“Governor Walker’s creation of the Tribal Advisory Council in Alaska demonstrates a commitment to tribes and tribal input,” says NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “Communication and coordination between states and tribes is essential to effective governments that can benefit both Native peoples and all Alaskans. This move should become a model for other states to implement. I congratulate the 11 tribal leaders appointed to the advisory council to represent their communities and the interests of Alaska Native peoples to their state government.”


NCAI is an advocate for building and strengthening state-tribal relationships because tribal nations and states share a range of common interests. Both tribes and states share responsibility to use public resources effectively and efficiently. They both seek to provide comprehensive services such as education, health care, and law enforcement to their respective citizens. Additionally, both have interconnected interests in safeguarding the environment while maintaining healthy and diversified economies. More information and resources on state-tribal relations work is available 

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

NCAI and NPM Respond to FCC Commissioner Pai’s Criticism of Enhanced Tribal Lifeline Support

Washington, DC – In response to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Ajit Pai’s proposal to limit enhanced tribal support under the Lifeline program, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and Native Public Media (NPM) believe the Commissioner’s justification relies on an inaccurate understanding of tribal lands. Commissioner Pai’s proposal to reform enhanced tribal Lifeline support will negatively impact the program’s purpose of providing affordable phone services to low-income residents on tribal lands.

On March 29th, Commissioner Pai issued a 

 outlining his proposals to reform the Lifeline program. Currently, the program provides a monthly phone bill discount for low-income consumers and enhanced tribal support for residents of tribal lands. Commissioner Pai proposes to limit enhanced tribal support to counties with less than 50 people per square mile and proclaimed that Lifeline was, “intended to support the construction of [telecommunications] facilities in Indian Country, but has instead encouraged abuse of the program in large cities (like Tulsa, Oklahoma and Reno, Nevada) and suburban communities (like Chandler, Arizona).”

NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata and NPM Board Chair Matthew Rantanen issued a joint response stating, “We are supportive of sensible reforms to the Lifeline program to cut waste, fraud, and abuse. However, Commissioner Pai’s understanding of enhanced tribal support disregards the program’s purpose to provide affordable phone services for low-income residents on tribal lands. It is also important to note that areas like Chandler, AZ are not located within the legal boundaries of any tribal lands. These misinterpretations overshadow the needs of the over 40 percent of tribal lands lacking access to vital telecommunications services.”

NCAI and NPM assert that restricting enhanced tribal support to county level metrics—instead of the legal and historical boundaries of tribal lands—will further impede the build out and adoption of communications services in Indian Country. Additionally, Commissioner Pai’s statements regarding Lifeline’s purpose as an infrastructure program is greatly misguided as other programs regulated by the FCC are specifically designed to support infrastructure build out.

During the FCC’s initial rulemaking last year to reform the Lifeline program, Oklahoma was targeted as the center of ‘waste, fraud, and abuse’ because most of the state was recognized as ‘tribal land’. Since then, Commissioner Pai has specifically targeted the enhanced tribal support without recognizing the unique tenants of federal Indian law and the legal tribal lands status of Oklahoma and elsewhere. “Commissioner Pai’s remarks overall are unfair to Indian Country and its citizens who need these vital services for healthcare, emergencies, social services, and to provide contact information for job applications,” conclude Pata and Rantanen.

The FCC is set to make a final ruling on proposals to finalize reforms to the Lifeline Program during its 

Native Public Media is a national organization dedicated to bringing media opportunities to Native Americans across the United States on multiple platforms including radio, television and the Internet. There are currently 56 Native owned and licensed radio stations serving tribal communities. NPM provides programs and services to the Native media network in areas of regulatory compliance, digital literacy, community engagement and telecommunications and communications policymaking. For more information visit

NCAI and NPM Oppose FCC Commissioner Pai’s Lifeline Proposal

NCAI Supports Responsible, Informed Response to California ICWA Case

A number of media outlets recently reported on the placement of an American Indian child named Lexi with her relatives in Utah, instead of remaining in foster care in California. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) stands firmly with the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), who released a 

 calling for an informed, balanced response to Lexi’s case. NCAI encourages a better understanding of why Lexi and 

 children should be afforded placement with their families if possible. 

Long considered a best practice in childcare, kinship placement creates stability while nurturing ties to the child’s extended family and community. Under the 

 (ICWA), kinship-based placements must be considered as soon as it becomes clear that the eligible child will be removed from their home. There is nothing unusual about child placement with relatives after a stay in a foster home. The only unusual factor in this case is that the foster family in California used extended litigation to prevent placement of a Native child with her family. 

Kinship child placement is the law in 45 states, and also under ICWA. Federal law under title IV-E of the Social Security Act also requires that states “consider giving preference to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver when determining placement for a child….” NCAI works tirelessly with partners like NICWA to raise awareness of the benefits and legality of kinship placement for Native children, and encourages informed discussion around cases like Lexi’s.

“Lexi should have gotten a stable, long-term kinship placement years ago,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. “This is why laws like ICWA exist. Regardless of a child’s Indian status, the goal of foster placement has always been to provide a safe and loving 

 home. It is regrettable that Lexi and her relatives have been dragged through a lengthy legal process, and NCAI extends its support to her family for their long-term stability and well-being.”

Supreme Court Unanimously Holds Reservation Boundaries not Diminished in Favor of the Omaha Tribe in

On Tuesday, March 22, 2016, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in a unanimous decision written by Justice Clarence Thomas in favor of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska in 

 (14-1406) that an 1882 Act of Congress did not diminish the Tribe’s reservation. The judgment upholds the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

“The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold the Omaha Tribe’s reservation lands which were established by treaties is a substantial victory for Indian Country,” said NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “The ruling in 

 reaffirms long settled legal precedent protecting reservation lands from erroneous claims of diminishment. It also provides tribes with additional certainty when exercising jurisdiction, self-governance, and self-determination over their lands.”

John Echohawk, Executive Director of Native American Rights Fund, said, “I congratulate the Omaha Tribe and its attorneys on today’s unanimous decision. Every judge that heard this case, from the District Court all the way to the United States Supreme Court, has affirmed and followed long-standing legal rules protecting reservation lands. This tribe’s hard-won victory is also an important win for Indian Country.”

At issue in the case is whether the 1882 Act of Congress, which opened the western end of the Omaha Tribe’s reservation to settlement, diminished the boundaries of the reservation or opened the land to settlement while keeping the reservation intact.

Justice Thomas writing for the unanimous Court held that “[t]he 1882 Act bore none of [the] hallmarks of diminishment . . . [and] it is clear that the 1882 Act falls into another category of surplus land Acts: those that ‘merely opened reservation land to settlement and provided that the uncertain future proceeds of settler purchases should be applied to the Indians’ benefit.’”

Further, the Court found that the “subsequent demographic history” of the land being occupied by a majority of non-Indians “cannot overcome our conclusion that Congress did not intend to diminish the reservation in 1882. . . [a]nd it is not our role to ‘rewrite’ the 1882 Act in light of this subsequent demographic history.”

NCAI, along with NARF as co-counsel, filed an amicus brief in support of the Omaha Tribe, joined by many tribal Nations and other intertribal organizations. We congratulate the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska for this historic victory.


In 1854 and 1865, the Omaha Tribe entered into treaties with the United States to “cede, sell, and convey” land in present-day Nebraska while establishing a reservation for the Omaha Tribe. When the Tribe came back to Congress in 1872 to sell more land, instead of entering into a treaty for the land changing the reservation boundary, Congress authorized the Secretary of the Interior to open parts of western end of the reservation land to sell for the benefit of the Tribe.

With few parcels sold, the Tribe requested that Congress open more lands to sale in 1882. Under the 1882 Act, nearly 50,000 acres were opened for sale to both Indians and non-Indians and the City of Pender, Nebraska was established by non-Indian settlers.

When the Omaha Tribe amended its Beverage Control Ordinance in 2006 it applied it to all businesses located within the reservation, including retailers in the Town of Pender. The town brought suit, and the state of Nebraska joined the town, claiming that they were not within the boundaries of the reservation or Indian country, so the ordinance does not apply.

The Omaha Tribe won in both the federal district court and 8th Circuit, the Supreme Court’s ruling affirmed those decisions.

The Native American Rights Fund is a non-profit organization that has been protecting the legal and sovereign rights of tribes and Native people within the American legal system for 45 years. NARF is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado with offices in Anchorage, Alaska, and Washington, D.C. For more information visit

Supreme Court Unanimously Holds Reservation Boundaries not Diminished in Favor of the Omaha Tribe in Nebraska v. Parker

Department of the Interior Cancels Oil and Gas Lease Threatening the Badger-Two Medicine

Today, Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will cancel an oil and gas lease held by Solonex LLC in the Badger-Two Medicine area. Located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana, the Badger-Two Medicine area contains sensitive plant and wildlife, and holds immense cultural and religious significance to the Blackfeet people.

In 1982, absent of tribal consultation and a thorough review of environmental and cultural studies, the U.S Forest Service granted 47 oil and gas permit leases in and around the Badger-Two Medicine area. For over two decades the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana and many non-Native conservation and historical preservation groups have sought the cancellation of these permit leases. While a number of these leases were subsequently cancelled through Congressional action and other measures, the Blackfeet Tribe has sought the cancellation of the remaining leases that would cause irreparable damage to Badger-Two Medicine.

“Today’s cancellation of the lease held by Solonex LLC signifies a major victory in the tribe’s 34 year struggle to protect this sacred place from development that would have caused irreparable damage to the Badger-Two Medicine,” stated NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata. NCAI began working with the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana in early 2016, and wrote a 

 to Secretary Jewell urging the cancellation of any oil and gas leases threatening the Badger-Two Medicine. NCAI’s mission includes the protection of Native sacred sites and historic places.

DOI Cancels Oil and Gas Lease Threatening the Badger-Two Medicine

National Congress of American Indians and Native American Rights Fund on President Obama’s Nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States

Today, President Obama took an important step by nominating Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court,” said Brian Cladoosby, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). “Supreme Court Justices are responsible for legal decisions affecting the lives of all Americans, and we strongly urge the Senate to move quickly to fulfill its constitutional duty by holding confirmation hearings.”



American Indian and Alaska Native sovereign Nations are affected by the federal courts to a greater degree than almost any other group in the country. For Native people, many issues of daily life are matters of federal law. As the confirmation process advances, tribal leaders will be doing their job and taking a close look at the record of Judge Garland. In February, NCAI’s Executive Committee passed a resolution calling on President Obama and the U.S. Senate to move expeditiously to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities to fill the current vacancy on the Supreme Court so that the important work of the Court can continue without interruption; and urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to include in its confirmation proceedings a public discussion of the U.S. Constitution and its relationship to tribal self-government.”

John Echohawk, Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, offered the following assessment:

“Chief Judge Garland appears to have a very limited record on Indian law issues. We do know he voted against Indian interests in 

San Manuel v. National Labor Relations Board

, a 2007 decision by the D.C. Circuit which held that the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) applies to tribally-owned businesses located on Indian reservations. This decision has led to continuing litigation by the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) against Indian tribes, and the possibility of labor strikes that would cripple tribal governmental functions. For 70 years, the NLRA had been consistently interpreted to exempt all government entities from coverage, including Indian tribes. The 

 decision truly undermined the ability of Indian tribes to be politically self-governing and economically self-sufficient.”

NCAI President Cladoosby concluded:

“It is critical that the next Supreme Court Justice recognize and uphold tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and the federal trust responsibility. We urge the Senate to move forward with the process, to hold hearings, and to consider the record of Judge Garland.”

NCAI and NARF on President Obama's SCOTUS Nomination

Press Release: Indigenous Peoples Attend Prime Minister Trudeau State Visit

Washington, DC – Today on March 10th, Indigenous peoples from Canada and the United States gather with other distinguished guests at The White House South Lawn to welcome Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. The Prime Minister, who was elected and supported by a large number of the Indigenous peoples of Canada, will meet with President Obama, who many tribes say has been the best US President for Indian Country. It is a historic moment to have these world leaders together, with their experience and tremendous support for Indigenous peoples, as they tackle some of the challenges that face our Indigenous communities.

There are critical issues from both nations that Indigenous peoples care about such as climate change, mental well-being, education of our youth, and languages. It is anticipated that climate change is on the agenda of topics to be discussed at today’s events. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Brian Cladoosby remarks, “Our Indigenous communities have felt a direct impact from climate change. Including Indigenous voices, with our irreplaceable practices and perspectives, will only strengthen the power of the effort. Climate change is here now, the time for action is also right here, right now.”

Further, many American Indian and Alaska Natives tribes share boundaries, waterways, hunting grounds, and natural resources with Canada. The health of our rivers, streams, and ecosystems are paramount to Indigenous peoples on both sides of the border, especially those who rely on our traditional and customary ways of life. It is imperative that the U.S., Canada, American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, and Canadian First Nations work together to collectively solve these issues.

NCAI applauds the recognition for the needs of Indigenous science and knowledge as well as inclusion of our communities addressing adaptations, while still retaining our cultural, languages, and values. We will be sharing today’s events through our Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr.

Indigenous Peoples Attend Prime Minister Trudeau State Visit

Press Call Today: Alaska Native Leaders Urge Alaska Senators to Consider Eventual SCOTUS Nominee

 On Thursday, March 10 at 12:00 AKST / 4:00 EST, Alaska Native leaders will host a press call to urge their senators to give a fair hearing and a timely vote to the forthcoming Supreme Court nomination. 

Speakers will include leaders from the Alaska Federation of Natives and National Congress of American Indians.

RSVP is requested to 

: Alaska Native Leaders Urge Alaska Senators to Consider Eventual SCOTUS Nominee



: Thursday, March 10 at 12:00 AKST / 4:00 EST



Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians

Alaska Native Leaders Urge Alaska Senators to Consider Eventual SCOTUS Nominee

Washington, DC – Building on its First Kids 1st initiative and its work advancing Generation Indigenous (Gen-I), the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has joined forces with the Native Financial Education Coalition (NFEC) to launch NAT$VE in the BANK because they understand that Native youth building relationships with financial institutions by opening a bank account is a proven difference-maker in them making smart financial decisions over the course of their lives.

Designed for Native youth ages 12 to 25, NAT$VE in the BANK requires participants to finish four easy steps: complete a short, fun online course on financial education; open an account with a bank or credit union; take a “selfie” picture with a bank/credit union representative; and share through words or art their financial goals in life. Once they do, participating Native youth receive a NAT$VE in the BANK T-shirt and a chance to win an iPad Air. If participants recruit at least three friends to also complete NAT$VE in the BANK’s four easy steps, they are entered for a chance to win an iTunes gift card, an iPad mini, or a trip to NCAI’s 2015 Annual Convention in San Diego.

“This important new initiative, which seeks to strengthen the financial capability and self-sufficiency of our youth, builds on NCAI’s work on First Kids 1st and Gen-I,” said Jacqueline Pata, NCAI Executive Director. “We encourage Native youth everywhere to participate, and we invite tribal governments, Native organizations, and financial institutions to play key roles in supporting Native youth to answer the NAT$VE in the BANK call.”

Tribes and organizations can support NAT$VE in the BANK by recruiting Native youth to participate, integrating the initiative into their youth programs, and reaching out to local banks and credit unions to get them to participate. Banks and credit unions, meanwhile, can do their part by: accepting tribal IDs and a minimum initial deposit of $25 to open accounts, waiving monthly account fees, hosting a NAT$VE in the BANK fair at a bank branch or school in/around a tribal community so youth can open accounts, and contributing matching funds to initial deposits made to those accounts.

One of the first Native youth to answer the NAT$VE in the BANK call was Harmani Wilson, a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and high school senior who lives in Henderson, Nevada. She explains, “I said, ‘Why not give it a try?’ It was pretty easy to understand and do. I am happy I did it because I learned a lot from it. It was amazing how much money I was saving by putting it in the bank because I was not spending like I would if I had cash in my pocket. It helped me budget better and I was able to save up for items I really wanted, and I learned that I can take my time and don’t need to buy things immediately.”

In order to be eligible to win the trip to NCAI’s upcoming Annual Convention in San Diego, Native youth must answer the NAT$VE in the BANK call and get at least three friends to participate by Friday, September 25th. NAT$VE in the BANK will then unveil a new grand prize for youth who answer the call by March 31, 2016. To learn more about NAT$VE in the BANK, please visit the 

NCAI Partners with Native Financial Education Coalition to Launch NAT$VE in the BANK Initiative for Native Youth

Washington, DC – Protecting sacred places. Cleaning up neighborhoods. Standing up against bullying. Eradicating racist sports mascots. Reviving traditional food systems. Revitalizing Indigenous languages.

Across the United States, a growing number of Native youth are taking the initiative in identifying and tackling the most pressing issues facing their tribal nations. They are devising solutions and influencing their peers to strengthen their families and communities in order to eliminate the obstacles that stand in the way of their success.

NCAI, working collaboratively with tribal governments and organizational partners, has played an instrumental role in seeding this movement, from the creation of the 

“Our youth have unlimited potential,” said Jacqueline Pata, NCAI Executive Director. “We just need to provide them the resources, opportunities and, most importantly, the systems of support that they need to flourish to maximize that potential. When we do, our youth are already proving that they have the fortitude, the drive, and the ingenuity to lead Indian Country to a brighter future.”

Complementing NCAI’s effort to empower Native youth are the White House’s 

 (Gen-I) Initiative, unveiled by President Obama last December. NCAI serves as a primary partner on both initiatives.

“This is rapidly becoming a movement with a life of its own,” said NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “By collaborating with the White House, President Obama, and others on My Brother’s Keeper and Gen-I, we are bringing critical attention to the issues Native youth face and demonstrating that we can make the greatest impact when we work together.”

This promising movement crosses a significant milestone today, when more than a 1,000- Native youth from across the country will participate in the first-ever 

. This event provides them the chance to converse with senior Administration officials and the White House Council on Native American Affairs on their issues of greatest concern.

To learn more about NCAI’s initiatives for Native youth, email Joel Chastain at 

Native Youth Taking the Initiative to Better Indian Country

Washington, DC- Today, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia upheld the ruling of cancellation of the Washington, DC football team’s trademark name and logo.

Attorneys Jesse Witten and Jeffrey Lopez of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP have represented Amanda Blackhorse (Navajo) and a group of Native American activists in this case against the trademark. Last year, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) Appeal Board voted 2-1 that the team’s name was ineligible for federal trademark protection. The District Court affirmed that ruling and directed the PTO to schedule the cancellation of the team’s trademarks because they “may disparage” Native Americans.

NCAI President Brian Cladoosby stated, “It’s time to end the harmful legacy of perpetuating racist stereotypes that in no way honor our diverse cultural heritage. The federal courts have recognized that the use of the R-word is offensive and degrading to our identity as Native people.”

NCAI and Indian Country have been advocating for over 60 years for the football team to change the name. In the ruling, the Court thoroughly discussed NCAI’s longtime advocacy against the Washington team name. NCAI has worked diligently with the group Change The Mascot on this issue and applauds the ruling that clearly upholds the spirit of 

, the 1992 case challenging the use of the team trademark.

Court Upholds Trademark Cancellation

St. Paul, Minnesota- On Monday, at NCAI’s 2015 Mid Year Conference, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn 

 to amend the regulatory process on how the Department of Interior officially recognizes Indian tribes. The ruling fulfills a promise to speed recognition and make the steps more transparent in a process that has long been considered broken.

Tribes putting forth their sovereign status for federal acknowledgment need to prove that they were a community that had a governing authority since 1900. Supporting documents can be placed online during the recognition process, with opportunity to file comments as the process moves forward.

“This updated rule is the product of extraordinary input from tribal leaders, states, local governments and the public,” said Assistant Secretary Washburn. “It is a fair compromise. We have a responsibility to recognize those tribes that have maintained their identity and self-governance despite previous federal policies expressly aimed at destroying tribes.”

“Although this is a compromise, NCAI greatly appreciates the effort and commitment from the Administration to get these regulations finalized and to improve the process,” said NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “NCAI has been pushing for years for all tribes seeking recognition to have a fair and equitable process. “

The NCAI membership has supported the proposed changes through NCAI Resolution 

 Supporting the Bureau of Indian Affairs Proposed Reform of the Federal Recognition Process.

New Federal Recognition Rule Announced at NCAI Conference

 – Today, June 25, 2015, the United States Supreme Court delivered a ruling in the 

 case that upholds a key provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The decision allows for the continued provision of premium tax-credit subsidies towards the purchase of health insurance in federally facilitated exchanges for those that meet income eligibility requirements. Many American Indians and Alaska Natives live in states with federally facilitated exchanges so this decision is significant.

In his remarks from the White House, President Obama stated “…health care is not a privilege for a few but a right for all. The Affordable Care Act is here to stay.”

After hearing this morning’s ruling President Cladoosby said “The U.S. Supreme Court decision in 

 today is great news for Indian Country! Insurance subsidies are critical to ensuring access to affordable health insurance for American Indians and Alaska Natives.”

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) issued 

 in the decision with the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Demos, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Collaborative for Health Equity, National Council of La Raza, National Urban League, PICO National Network, and the Poverty & Race Research Action Council.

Supreme Court Upholds Insurance Subsidies in Federal Exchanges

Washington, DC- On March 7, 2015, Tribal governments may elect to begin exercising jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, or violate a protection order against a Native victim on tribal lands.“

This is a major step forward to protect the safety of Native people, and we thank all Members of Congress for passing the Violence Against Women Act of 2013 and recognizing tribal authority,” said Brian Cladoosby, President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Swinomish Tribe.

So far three Tribes, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and the Tulalip Tribes have been able to exercise jurisdiction over non-Indians under a 

 since February 6, 2014. To date the Tribes have charged a total of 26 Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction cases.“

I want to encourage all tribal governments to get this law on their books,” said Juana Majel, Chair of the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women. “The main goal is deterrence of domestic violence. On most reservations there are a handful of bad actors who have figured out how to slip between jurisdictional boundaries. They need to get the message. If they continue to assault our women we will prosecute and put them in jail.”

Violence against Native women has reached epidemic proportions. The root cause is a justice system that forced tribal governments to rely on distant federal — and in some cases, state —officials to investigate and prosecute misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence committed by non-Indians against Native women. However, outside law enforcement has proven ineffective in addressing misdemeanor level reservation-based domestic violence. The Justice Department has found that when non-Indian cases of domestic violence go uninvestigated and unpunished, offenders’ violence escalates. The 2013 VAWA Reauthorization authorizes tribal governments to investigate and prosecute all crimes of domestic and dating violence regardless of the race of the offender.

Tribes choosing to exercise Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction must provide the same rights guaranteed under the Constitution as in state court. This includes the appointment of attorneys for indigent defendants and a jury drawn from the entire reservation community. “Many tribal courts are already providing these protections to defendants, and it isn’t a big step to provide indigent counsel to all. Just like county courts, tribal courts can contract for public defenders on a case-by-case basis,” encouraged President Cladoosby.

61% of American Indian and Alaska Native women (or 3 out of 5) have been assaulted in their lifetimes

34% of American Indian and Alaska Native women will be raped in their lifetimes

39% of American Indian and Alaska Native women will be subjected to violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes

59% of assaults against Native women occur at or near a private residence

59% of American Indian women in 2010 were married to non-Native men

46% of people living on reservations in 2010 were non-Natives (single race)

US Attorneys declined to prosecute nearly 52% of violent crimes that occur in Indian country; and 67% of cases declined were sexual abuse related cases

On some reservations, Native women are murdered at more than ten times the national average

For an overview on tribal VAWA, and more information please see: 

. The Tribal Law & Policy Institute has developed a Legal Code Resource for implementation at 

Tribal Governments Able to Take Criminal Action on Non-Indians

Washington, DC – In an announcement today at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Council Winter Session, the White House invited tribal leaders to join the 

. Earlier this month, the White House launched the Gen-I challenge, an initiative focused on building a bright future for Native youth. Existing elements of the Gen-I challenge include the recently launched Cabinet officials’ Native Youth Listening Tour and a steering committee of Native youth to plan the first ever White House Tribal Youth Gathering.

 to take concrete steps to engage with Native youth in their communities including: working with or creating a youth council; hosting a joint meeting between youth and tribal leaders; or partnering with youth to plan a program to support positive change in their community.

The following tribes have already accepted the Gen-I challenge:

Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

The White House Announces Next Phase In Native Youth Initiative

Washington, DC- The White House today joined with 250 American Indian and Alaska Native youth attending the 

 Midyear Conference to launch the Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) Native youth Challenge. Native youth, in Washington, DC for leadership training, learned how to become actively involved in the Gen-I challenge. Other Native youth are invited to join in. The challenge provides Native youth with an opportunity to use various digital platforms to tell their stories and share the positive contributions they are making in their communities.

U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell kicked off the Native youth listening tour on Tuesday, February 10, in Phoenix, Arizona. Over the course of the year, other Cabinet Secretaries will join the tour across the country. A gathering planned by Native youth will be held later in the year.

Gen-I was created to enhance the lives of Native youth by removing barriers that stand between Native youth and their opportunities for success. With new investments and increased culturally appropriate engagement, this initiative takes a comprehensive approach to increase opportunities and improve outcomes.

The Center for Native American Youth and National Congress of American Indians are partnering with UNITY, the Administration, and other stakeholders to help build and accomplish the goals of Gen-I.

To find out more about the Gen-I Challenge 

The White House Announces Generation Indigenous Native Youth Challenge

Washington, DC- On Wednesday, February 4th, NCAI released an 

analysis of the President’s fiscal year 2016 budget

, which highlighted the impact on funding for Indian programs. The budget proposes an overall an increase of 12 percent for BIA over the FY 2015 enacted level, the largest increase in more than a decade (excluding Recovery Act funding) and a 9 percent increase for the Indian Health Service.

Overall, several proposals in the FY 2016 budget request would improve the federal government’s fulfillment of treaty and trust responsibilities in the federal budget, proposals which should benefit from bipartisan support. NCAI and tribal leaders will continue to work with Appropriators and members in both the House and Senate to underscore the importance of strengthened investments in direct services to tribes and funding for programs administered by tribes.

President Brian Cladoosby responded to the fiscal year 2016 budget release with, “Indian Country strongly supports the several increases that recognize the treaty and trust responsibilities, with the goal of parity in governmental resources for tribes. Tribes also strongly support the proposal to make BIA and IHS contract support costs mandatory, which tribes have called for in tribal consultation over many years.”

Highlights of FY 2016 President’s budget include:

Mandatory Contract Support Costs: The FY2016 budget includes a legislative proposal to reclassify contract support costs as permanent funding beginning in FY 2017.

Native Youth: The creation of Generation Indigenous, which is a comprehensive multi-agency initiative to help improve the lives of and opportunities for Native youth in multiple areas such as broadband access and college and career-readiness.

Tiwahe (Family) Initiative, a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the inter-related problems of poverty, violence, and substance abuse faced by Indian communities, The FY16 budget would provide $15 million to expand the Tiwahe Initiative, $6 million more for Social Services, $4 million more for law enforcement for alternatives to incarceration, and $5 million more for aid to tribal family courts.

Public Safety: The budget includes $417.4 million for the Department of Justice (DOJ) public safety initiatives in Indian Country, which is a $102 million increase.

Tribal Behavioral Health Grant (TBHG) increases. The TBHG would receive an additional $25 million as part of Generation Indigenous. With the expansion of the TBHG program, SAMHSA aims to reduce substance use and the suicide among Native youth and address conditions which impact learning in BIE schools.

Indian Education funding would increase for Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), expanding broadband for BIE schools, and scholarships and higher education.

As Congress makes decisions as a part of the appropriations process in the coming weeks and months, NCAI urges law-makers to support parity in governmental and program funding as well as promote Indian self-determination to achieve the vision of broader progress in Indian Country. 

NCAI Releases Analysis of President's FY 2016 Budget Request

Washington, DC – The National Congress of American Indians was pleased to give testimony during the Senate Committee on Indian Affair’s first oversight hearing on Indian Country’s priorities for the 114th Congress. The bi-partisan nature of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs was evident as Committee members voted for Senator Barrasso (R-WY) as Chair and Senator Tester (D-MT) was voted to be Vice-Chair. The Chairman and Vice Chairman committed to work closely together to improve the lives of Native Americans throughout the Country.

NCAI’s testimony strongly focused on restoring tribal homelands and asked for swift action on 

 fix legislation, trust modernization, tribal infrastructure, and juvenile justice.

NCAI Area Vice President Aaron Payment stressed that, “The trust relationship [between tribes and the federal government]is one that we have inherited. As tribal leaders, we are elected to uphold the trust relationship, and as Senators, it is one that you agree to uphold when you take the oath of office.” 

Chairman Payment also asked that the committee include 

 to Congress entitled “Promoting Self-Determination, Modernizing the Trust Relationship” into the hearing record stressing that “funding decisions made by Congress are an explicit expression of the trust relationship between our governments.” Payment, requested that the members of the Indian Affairs Committee, eight of whom are also on the Appropriations Committee, use their voice on that Committee to represent the interests of tribal governments and tribal citizens. 

Other panelists included the National Indian Health Board, National Indian Education Association, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development and Vance Homegun from the Center for Native American Youth who laid out education, health care, economic development, and youth priorities.

NCAI is also encouraged that the Committee is going to take up four bills at a Business Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2015, including:

S 184 — Native American Children's Safety Act

S 209 — A bill to amend the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005, and for other purposes.

S 246 — A bill to establish the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, and for other purposes.

Draft Bill — A bill to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian tribes, and for other purposes

NCAI strongly supported Chairman Barrasso’s energy bill during today’s hearing, and is pleased that Committee is taking up issues impacting Native Youth so early in this session. NCAI has also supported movement on bills to improve the self-governance program for tribes in ways that make it easier for tribes to carry out programs and make decisions on how those federal programs can best meet the needs of their members.

NCAI looks forward to working with the Committee on these bills and in this session of Congress.

NCAI Pleased to Highlight Tribal Priorities at first Indian Affairs Hearing of 114th Congress

Washington, DC – In an address to members of Congress, senior Administration officials, and leaders of tribal nations, the President of the National Congress of American Indians called on Congress and the Obama Administration to follow through on a policy action plan to improve economic opportunity, education, and innovation in Indian Country.

During the annual State of Indian Nations address, NCAI President Brian Cladoosby, chairman of the Swinomish Nation, also called for the federal government to modernize trust relations with tribal governments and remove barriers to economic growth. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs delivered the Congressional response.

“Indian Country is leading. Indian Country is innovating. Indian Country is growing. And the state of Indian nations grows stronger by the day,” said Cladoosby in the opening moments of the speech. Cladoosby is President of NCAI the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. 

“Today, I bring a simple message from the tribes of the 21st Century: We must tear down barriers to growth, simplify regulations that are limiting opportunities, and acknowledge that tribes have the capability as governments to oversee our own affairs,” continued Cladoosby during the address delivered to a studio audience at the Newseum in Washington, DC. “Congress and the Administration need to find ways to help bring federal agencies out of the 19th Century and into the 21st Century. We need them to be partners for growth and not barriers to growth. “

Remarking on the historic visit by President Obama to the Standing Rock Sioux Nation last year, President Cladoosby extended a personal invitation to Speaker Boehner, Leader Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader Reid – as well as every Member of Congress to visit Indian Country in 2015.

During the major policy address NCAI and Cladoosby outlined a clear plan and top-level priorities for Congress and the Administration that could attract bipartisan support:

The organization released a 130 page report 

The FY 2016 Indian Country Budget Request; Promoting Self-Determination, Modernizing the Trust Relationship

, outlining a plan for funding the federal government’s trust responsibility through the budget process.


NCAI called on congress to advance tribal tax reform to enable tribes to raise tax revenue free from overlapping state taxation, and to create incentives for business and jobs.

NCAI proposed the federal government accelerate work to partner with the private sector to expand broadband connectivity in Indian Country and ensure a comprehensive study of the digital divide facing tribal nations. 

NCAI proposed extending access to capital by recognizing the equal status of tribal governments to access tax exempt bonds and ensuring tribal inclusion in the New Markets Tax Credit Program.

NCAI urged Congress to pass Indian energy legislation like that proposed by Chairman Barrasso that would provide tribes with greater control and flexibility to develop their traditional and renewable energy resources.

NCAI called on Congress and the Administration to ensure that tribal nations have a seat at the policymaking table by consulting with tribes on all policy issues such as the Keystone Pipeline, renewable energy, health care, and education.

NCAI called on Congress to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act this year with tribal provisions to encourage tribal-state partnerships, strengthen local control of education, and begin to help every school deliver a high-quality education.

NCAI proposed that Congress should enact legislation that supports Native language programs so education for our children is rooted in our history and culture.

NCAI called on financial sponsors of the Washington DC football team to join “fair-minded Americans” by standing with NCAI, tribes, Native organizations, civil rights organizations, religious leaders, and others to change the mascot of the Washington DC football team;

NCAI applauded the President’s proposal to make the first two years of tribal and community college free. NCAI promised to work with Congress & Administration to make this investment in assuring K-through-14 education in America.

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