WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is announcing the results of joint efforts with Google to ensure better visibility for Indian reservations in the United States on Google Maps. Over the past year, Google launched several improvements for the way reservations appear on Google Maps, including labeling reservations, highlighting reservation borders in search results, and ensuring that their reservation dataset is as comprehensive as possible. The most recent update was rolled out in November to coincide with Native American Heritage Month.

In 2012, NCAI and the Google American Indian Network co-hosted a summit at the Googleplex in Mountain View, CA. At the summit, tribal leaders underscored the role of tribal nations as first American governments, explained the significance of land to Native peoples, and urged Google to consider closer partnerships with Native peoples as the first American innovators.

As a result of those discussions, Google Maps now makes it easier than ever to search for federally recognized tribal reservations. The project was led by the Google American Indian Network (GAIN) and the Google Earth Outreach (GEO) team in close collaboration with NCAI and the Tribal Technology Taskforce. Including reservations on Google Maps is an important part of creating a comprehensive map of the United States and the world. Google and NCAI worked together to accurately represent reservation labels, borders, and additional details in a way that was respectful of Indigenous communities.

Welcoming the development, NCAI President Brian Cladoosby released the following statement:

“NCAI congratulates Google on this important innovation to acknowledge the place of tribal nations in the American family of governments. America’s 566 federally recognized tribes are acknowledged alongside foreign nations and state governments in the US Constitution and they have jurisdiction over a land base of over 100 million acres. This land base is larger than all but three American states.

Thanks to the partnership between NCAI and the GAIN and GEO teams, the lands of America’s first governments are now clearly highlighted on Google Maps. We look forward to our ongoing partnership to improve the representation of tribal lands on Google Maps.

This is a great step forward to acknowledge the place of tribes in the past, present, and future of the United States, but it is not the last. NCAI will continue to build partnerships with tech companies like Google to ensure the first American innovators remain on the front lines of 21st century innovation.“

NCAI Congratulates Google on Changes to Better Acknowledge Tribal Nations on Google Maps

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, President Obama hosted more than 300 tribal government and youth leaders at the Sixth Annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. During sessions throughout the day, ten Cabinet Secretaries and the Administration highlighted their deepening partnership with tribal nations, particularly on the critical matters of Native youth, tribal economic development, and climate change. The President was introduced by Terry Rambler, Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, who declared that President Obama “promised to meet with us annually, and he has kept his promise. During this time, we have accomplished many things for our communities.”

President Obama focused his remarks on Native youth, building upon his summer 2014 visit to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, where the President and First Lady visited with a group of young people. He shared how they stayed longer than planned as the young people opened up about the extraordinary challenges they faced.

The President then made a series of concrete commitments designed to create new avenues of opportunity for Native youth:

The release of the White House Native Youth Report detailing the realities that Native young people face and offering recommendations to address those issues

The launch of the Cabinet Native Youth Listening Tour, through which each Cabinet Secretary will pay visits to Indian Country in 2015 to hear directly from Native Youth

The establishment of the Generation Indigenous (Gen I) national initiative, which will seek to identify and remove obstacles standing in the way of Native Youth success

The creation of the Native Youth Community Projects, which will facilitate collaboration between tribes and schools to support students in a range of areas

The convening of the First White House Tribal Youth Gathering in 2015

The President stated: “The United States shares a sacred bond with our Native nations. We have a sacred responsibility to all our young people, including Native youth..”

The President also pledged his continued commitment and that of his Administration to promote economic growth in tribal communities, address the accelerating impacts of climate change, and submit a budget to Congress that seeks smarter, stronger investments important for Indian Country. 

NCAI President Cladoosby said, “President Obama has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring a stronger relationship for the next generation. He has committed himself and his Administration to building a bright future for Native Youth and a stronger tomorrow for tribal nations.”

President Obama Commits to Native American Youth

WASHINGTON, DC – Vice President Joe Biden joined over 300 tribal leaders at the sixth annual White House Tribal Nations Conference today. At the opening of the conference, Vice President Biden delivered an impassioned speech about violence against women in Indian Country saying “The most horrific prison on earth is the four walls of an abused woman’s home. For far too many Native American women that is a daily reality.”

The Vice-President, who was the original author of the Violence Against Women Act and has been its most steadfast supporter over the past 20 years, was introduced by Councilwoman Deborah Parker from the Tulalip Tribes , “Vice President Biden has led the movement to protect women against rape and domestic violence. Last year he helped pass the much needed protection to help Native women from violence. Mr. Vice President, you are correct when you say no means no -- no more abuse.” 

Referring to the provisions added to VAWA in 2013 that allow tribal governments to prosecute non-Indian domestic violence offenders in certain cases, the Vice-President apologized that it took so long to give tribal governments the tools to hold offenders accountable in their communities, saying “as long as there is a single place where the abuse of power is excused as a question of jurisdiction or tolerated as a family affair, no one is truly safe, and we cannot define ourselves as a society that is civilized.” 

The Vice President delivered a call to action saying, “Tribal governments have an inherent right, as a matter of fact they have an obligation, to protect their people. All people deserve to live free of fear.” He urged all tribal governments to be prepared on March 7 when the law goes into effect to use their authority to aggressively prosecute domestic violence offenders. He stressed the need to change the culture that too often leaves victims asking what they did wrong and instead to focus on sending a strong message that violence against women is always unacceptable.

Vice President Biden also acknowledged that we have much more to do to protect Native women from violence including giving Alaska tribes the same authority and expanding the provision to cover sexual assault and other crimes. Biden called on Congress to appropriate the $25 million in grants authorized in VAWA 2013 to implement the new law. 

Attorney General Eric Holder followed Vice President Biden, and strongly stated the Department of Justice’s commitment to improving law enforcement in Indian country, and to institutionalizing that commitment so that it will continue. He announced that he has implemented a Statement of Principles to guide the Department’s work with tribal nations into the future.

Attorney General Holder also announced a new initiative to promote compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act in partnership with the Departments of Interior and Health and Human Services. Holder stated that the initiative is “working to actively identify state-court cases where the United States can file briefs opposing the unnecessary and illegal removal of Indian children from their families and their tribal communities.” Holder went on to explain that DOJ will work with its partners and tribes to “to promote tribes’ authority to make placement decisions affecting tribal children; to gather information about where the Indian Child Welfare Act is being systematically violated; and to take appropriate, targeted action to ensure that the next generation of great tribal leaders can grow up in homes that are not only safe and loving, but also suffused with the proud traditions of Indian cultures.”

Tribal Leaders Meet with Vice President Biden who Addresses Efforts to End Violence Against Women Attorney General Holder Announces Initiative on Indian Child Welfare Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the National Congress of American Indians called for a national mobilization of government and civil society resources to address high rates of violence experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native children. The organization’s swift response comes on the heels of the release of the report - 

– authored by the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee on American Indian/Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence. Former NCAI President Jefferson Keel, Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, served as a member of the committee, along with a diverse group of nine tribal leaders and scholars, and chair of the Committee, former Senator Byron Dorgan (ND).

NCAI’s current President Brian Cladoosby released the following statement: 

“The report provides a very strong set of recommendations for action by the Obama Administration and by Congress. This grabs the heart. We call on the federal government, and tribal governments, as well as civil society to ensure that we are putting our children’s needs first. 

“NCAI calls on Congress to hold hearings in early 2015 to address the Report’s recommendations. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities facing our Native youth should be a central focus during the President’s upcoming Tribal Nations Conference this December. 

“Without action, our Native youth will remain vulnerable and they will continue to be exposed to harm. We must address this severe problem as an American family of governments – federal governments, state and local governments, and tribal governments. Even more importantly, we must address this as communities, families, parents and grandparents, and as adults, who know all too well the challenges of growing up in difficult environments.“

Over the past two years, the Attorney General and the Advisory Committee on American Indian and Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence examined the current epidemic of violence facing Indian Country and in their report advanced recommendations to heal and protect American Indian and Alaska Native children—to create environments where they can thrive and reach their full potential. At the core of the matter is the need to reduce the barriers that restrict tribal sovereignty in the protection of Native children.

The Advisory Committee has identified the following areas of need:

The Committee recommends that no later than May 2015 that a permanent fully staffed Native American Affairs Office within the White House Domestic Policy Council, including a staff person focused on Native youth. 

Supporting Tribal Self-Determination in Combating Violence

Tribal self-government must form the foundation for protecting Native children. The Advisory Committee recommends that Congress should restore the inherent authority of tribal governments to assert full criminal jurisdiction over all persons who commit crimes against children in Indian Country. It is important to build on the success of the Violence Against Women Act, and extend the law to protect Native children.

Intergovernmental Cooperation in Child Welfare Provision

Encourage tribal-state ICWA collaborations- ICWA provisions seek to keep Native children safely in their homes and provide AI/AN children with civil protections as members of their respective tribes.

Building Legal Infrastructure in Indian Country

Tribal courts must be enhanced and sustained; where absent, they must be developed.

There is an identified need to fund tribal criminal and civil justice systems. This is a crucial investment for our children.

NCAI Responds to AG Report on Native Youth and Violence; Cladoosby Calls for National Action to Protect Native Children

Atlanta, Georgia - Statement of the Executive Board of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).

As tribal nations gather this week in Atlanta, Georgia for NCAI's 71st Annual Convention, the NCAI Executive Board released the following joint statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at Marysville-Pilchuck High School on Friday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the students of Marysville School District, and the Tulalip tribes. It is at times like these that Native communities from all across Indian County come together in support of each other. As Native peoples, we recognize that every youth is sacred. Each of the young people involved in this tragedy represent a loss to the Tulalip tribes and Indian Country – they were sons, daughters, friends, and future leaders of their communities. Unfortunately, acts of violence in schools are occurring more frequently across the country and Native communities are not immune to inexplicable acts that leave their communities forever changed. NCAI stands with all those who are grieving at this time - Native and non-Native. We are all mourning loss and by coming together we will be strengthened by our resolve, our hope, and our prayers. We will work closely with the Tulalip tribe and the surrounding community in any way we can to understand and address this horrible tragedy.” 

NCAI President Cladoosby, a well-known leader in the Pacific Northwest, expressed his solidarity with the Tulalip tribes. "As a father and grandfather, my thoughts and prayers are with my Tulalip relatives. All of Indian Country is holding the Tulalip people in our thoughts and prayers."

NCAI Statement on Tragedy in Tulalip Community

NEW YORK, NY – Thousands of Indigenous leaders from around the world gathered today at the United Nations in New York, City as the UN General Assembly convened a high-level plenary meeting known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP). During the opening session of the WCIP, the General Assembly adopted an Outcome Document that provides for concrete and action-oriented measures to implement and achieve the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The UNDRIP was approved by the General Assembly in 2007.

A strong delegation of US tribal leaders are attending the World Conference and voiced support for their priorities addressed in the adopted Outcome Document. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has joined with a large group of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and inter-tribal associations to support four priorities that promote implementation of the Declaration, establish status for Indigenous governments at the UN, prevent violence against Indigenous women and children, and protect sacred places and objects.

“Taking the steps called for in the Conference Outcome Document will mean that Indigenous voices will always be here in the UN to call for respect for our rights. Tribes, as Indigenous governments, must be here, working within the UN system to represent our peoples and achieve the promise of the UN Declaration,” said Jefferson Keel, former NCAI President and Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, who attended the events in New York as a representative for NCAI, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization.

Current NCAI President Brian Cladoosby released a statement, applauding the adoption of the Outcome Document:

“The General Assembly has established pathways for implementation of the UNDRIP, a vital agreement to protect the rights of our peoples. Our tribal governments, together with our brothers and sisters around the world, will need to continue a sustained effort to work with the various UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council and the Secretary General, to ensure that the commitments made today by the UN member countries are fulfilled.”

President Cladoosby also commended the strong delegation of American Indian and Alaska Native women who traveled to the UN this week to advocate for strong and decisive action to combat violence against Native women and girls, “We stand with our sisters in the effort to ensure that all Indigenous women are able to live lives free from violence.”

Over a thousand delegates representing Indigenous Peoples from around the world are attending the WCIP.

US Tribal Leaders Promote Action on Rights of Indigenous Peoples at UN World Conference

NCAI President Proposes Action Plan and Calls for Secretary Meeting with Tribal Leader Trust Modernization Task Force

 Yesterday, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell issued a 

 that reaffirmed the federal trust responsibility for tribal lands. NCAI President Brian Cladoosby provided the following statement: “We are very glad to see the Department of the Interior taking action to improve the trust system. This Secretarial Order demonstrates Secretary Jewell’s commitment to improving the trust system. This can start discussion for taking concrete steps in the future. Tribes want to define the relationship in a different way that respects tribal sovereignty and tribal economic initiatives. We also look forward to getting to work on specific problems in the trust system.“In fact, at this year’s NCAI Executive Council Winter Session, the NCAI Board adopted a resolution establishing a Trust Modernization Task Force. Participation in the task force is open to all tribal leaders. Fawn Sharp and John Berrey serve as co-chairs. Fawn Sharp is President of the Quinault Indian Nation and was the Chair of the Secretary of the Interior’s Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform. John Berrey is the Chairman of the Quapaw Tribe and served on the Trust Reform Task Force during the Bush Administration.“The purpose of this new Task Force is to facilitate and encourage tribal leader action for modernizing the trust land and resource management system, and to work on the broader trust relationship with the entire federal government. Most of this system was designed a century ago or more, and needs to be updated to take advantage of the economic potential of tribal trust resources, expand tribal control, restore tribal lands, and fully protect the federal trust responsibility. We want to see more focus on economic development. I urge Secretary Jewell to meet with the Trust Modernization Task Force in the near future. The NCAI Annual Convention in October presents a particularly promising opportunity for such a meeting.

“Tribes have been making progress on trust reform over the last four years and want to keep that momentum going. We have seen significant settlements of trust litigation, the development of a buy back program for fractionated lands, passage of the HEARTH Act to promote tribal control over surface leasing of tribal lands, and new leasing regulations that assist greatly on taxation of permanent improvements among other matters. But there is much more work to be done. 

“We know that we need a comprehensive approach that will include legislation from Congress. However, the timing of legislation can be unpredictable. We also have an Administration that has been very willing to work with tribes on a number of important matters. Therefore, on the way to developing a broad recommendation for trust modernization, the Task Force should also pursue obvious regulatory improvements to the trust management system.

“In part, trust land development involves a process that needs to work better. Indian lands and resources are subject to leases and contracts which produce trust funds to be returned to the tribal and individual Indian owners. We also have a more fundamental job to protect and restore tribal lands, to work on the trust relationship in the federal budget, to ensure that tribal nations get the full economic and tax value of our lands, and to protect our lands as our homelands. We want to make progress on all of these goals, and the following is an outline of a specific action plan:

 – nearly every trust transaction requires an appraisal from the Office of Special Trustee, and this is the most significant bottleneck in the trust system. We need to eliminate unnecessary appraisals, and permit tribes to rely on independent certified appraisals.

 – Indian tribes have very significant problems with lessees who violate lease terms, and with outright trespass on Indian lands. We need to improve enforcement mechanisms.

 – the Department of Interior, and the Solicitor’s office, oversee a vast range of federal land issues that can come into conflict with their trust responsibility to protect Indian land. We need to create clearer divisions of responsibility.

 – Currently, there are bills pending in Congress that would modernize the trust process for tribal lands. H.R. 409 and its Senate companion, S.165, have a demonstration project that would allow comprehensive land use planning and allocation of trust funding in accordance with tribal priorities. H.R. 1548 and S.2132 would authorize several innovative programs and processes for tribes interested in developing conventional and renewable energy resources.

 – Probate of individual Indian lands continues to be a bottleneck for many trust transactions. 

Self-Determination and Tribal Use of Lands

 – The HEARTH Act was a good step forward to empower tribes to manage their own lands, we need to continue this progress on subsurface lands, and to provide technical assistance to tribes.

 – Tribal planning processes tend to silo into grant-driven plans for housing, transportation, water, power and sewage. Tribes need resources to integrate planning for economic development and jobs, education, agriculture and natural resources, and the development of healthy communities. There is a growing emphasis on planning for rural development and business agglomeration. Tribal industries tend to cluster in certain areas such as: Hotel/Recreation/Entertainment; Agriculture; Oil & Gas; Timber; Commercial Real Estate; Government Contracting; and Retail.

Federal Responsibilities for Title, Technical Assistance, and Prevention of Land Loss

 – At its most basic level, the federal government has a responsibility to maintain title to federal Indian lands, to report title quickly and accurately, to include tribal governments in the title management system, and to use that system to prevent land loss.

 Most reservations have suffered significant land loss and are in a checkerboard pattern that is difficult to manage. Some tribes have lost all of their land. The federal government has a trust responsibility to restore tribal lands for all tribes.

 Individual Indian lands are often highly fractionated, and these lands are also very difficult to put to productive use. The Cobell settlement has established a Buy Back Program, where tribes have significant questions and concerns about the centralized federal program. We need to gather more information about the track record so far, and push to make the system effective and allow greater tribal involvement.

Natural Resources and the Environment –

 Tribal lands are subject to environmental concerns that affect life in Indian country. At the same time, federal environmental regulations are often unnecessarily burdensome and overly focused on process rather than substance.

Taxation and Services on Tribal Lands –

 Indian tribes need to be able to collect taxes and control the revenue in Indian country in order to provide services to their people.

Access to capital and Financing Development on Indian Lands –

 Accessing capital to finance development on tribal and individual Indian lands remains a significant challenge. We should learn more about the barriers to investment and attempt to find alternative mechanisms to secure debt and equity investments in Indian Country.

Updating Regulations, Policies and Procedures -

 There are likely many other areas of the trust system that could be updated to be more effective.

NCAI Releases Plan for Trust Reform and Economic Development; Commends US Interior Reaffirmation of Federal Trust Responsibility

WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama announced this morning that the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has committed to lead a Native American Task Force to advance the important work of the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. NCAI is proud to have the following organizations join our initial team of partners for this task force: Center for Native American Youth, Native American Boys and Girls Clubs of America, National Indian Child Welfare Association, National Indian Education Association, and UNITY Inc. This task force will coordinate and serve as the central point for sharing important work, opportunities, and resources for our youth. Included in the task force's initial work plan, is the Native Youth Resilience Project and First Kids 1st Initiative.

Indian Country has a shared responsibility to address the issues facing our children and families. NCAI urges other interested partners to join this task force to strengthen opportunities for our Native youth.

NCAI President Brian Cladoosby released the following statement, "The National Congress of American Indians and its partners in the task force look forward to working with the White House on this important initiative. Our tribal nations’ most important resource and responsibility are our Native youth. We must work hard every day to enhance opportunities and create better lives for our younger generations and generations yet to come.”

NCAI Announces Native American Task Force for My Brother’s Keeper

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds President Obama for upholding his ongoing commitment to tribal nations and Native peoples by travelling to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation this Friday, June 13. Since taking office, President Obama has remained steadfast in honoring our nation-to-nation relationship. President Obama has kept his commitment to host the annual White House Tribal Nations Summit in Washington D.C. These summits have facilitated unprecedented engagement between tribal leaders and the President and members of his Cabinet.

At the 2013 White House Tribal Nations Summit, the President announced that he would visit Indian Country himself – a longtime priority of tribal leaders. Friday’s visit to Standing Rock fulfills that promise. This historic visit is the first by a sitting President in over 15 years and makes President Obama only the fourth President in history to ever visit Indian Country.

NCAI expects the President to address the economic development needs of tribal nations and the needs of Native youth. While tribal youth are included in the Administration’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, this Administration has always known that Native children have specific cultural and education needs that require focused attention.

For this reason, Indian Country has witnessed an unprecedented collaboration between the Secretary Jewell at the Department of the Interior and Secretary Duncan at the Department of Education, to study what is necessary to make sure that all of our Native students – in public schools, tribal schools, and Bureau of Indian Education schools have the tools they need to ensure a strong future for all Native children. In 2013, Secretary Jewell visited the Pueblo of Laguna to see first hand how a tribal education department was improving the quality of schools operations, performance and structure of BIE schools. She witnessed a nation that was engaged and excited to participate in efforts to improve educational outcomes in Indian Country.

It will take visits like this – the agencies working together with tribal governments and national organizations such as the NCAI and the National Indian Education Association to ensure that our students can be the future tribal leaders, teachers, health care workers, and entrepreneurs that our nations and the United States need to thrive for generations to come.

The President’s visit builds on ongoing efforts of his Administration to work closely with tribal nations on policy that affects their citizens. We trust the visit will be a catalyst for more policies that will not only succeed today, but cement the positive relationship between tribal governments and the federal government well into the future. President Obama has made annual summits between our nations in his words, "almost routine." We trust this will be the continuation of his Administration's engagement with our nations that makes visits to Indian Country by the President and his Cabinet routine too.

NCAI Applauds President Obama’s Historic Visit to Indian Country

Washington, DC- The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was proud to be a part of the 14th Annual Tewaaraton Award Ceremony. The event honors the top male and female college lacrosse players in the United States. This year marks the first time that Native Americans received college lacrosse's most distinguished honor.

Albany teammates and brothers, Miles and Lyle Thompson, became the first players to share the award. The Foundation said the committee’s vote for the Onondaga Nation brothers was unanimous. The Tewaaraton Award is awarded by the Tewaaraton Foundation that celebrates excellence in lacrosse, recognizes the Native heritage of the game, and gives back in a meaningful way to Native communities.

NCAI President Brian Cladoosby, said “We are proud of these young Native leaders and congratulate them and the Tewaaraton Foundation on this important award. The Thompson brothers have inspired Indian Country – and young people everywhere – with their hard work and dedication. It’s a great day when Native Americans are honored, especially for excellence in a sport built on the innovation and strength of Native peoples that is now played all around the world. Miles and Lyle are role models for other Native young people and embody the spirit behind the national 

 initiative.” The initiative, launched earlier this year by the White House, strives to give young men of color the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

First Native Americans Honored with 2014 Tewaaraton Award

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in a stunning victory for Indian tribes, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its opinion in 

, reaffirming the doctrine of tribal sovereign immunity. In a 5-to-4 decision, Justice Kagan, joined by Chief Justice Roberts, Justices Kennedy, Breyer and Sotomayor, upheld the lower court’s decision that Indian tribal governments posses sovereign immunity against lawsuits, including lawsuits brought by state governments, and reaffirmed the principle that it is for Congress, not the Court, to determine the circumstances where Indian tribes should be subject to suit. In an unexpected development, Chief Justice Roberts provided the crucial fifth vote to secure this legal victory, having not voted in favor of tribal interests in a single case since he joined the Court in 2005.

The lawsuit had its origin in a dispute between the State of Michigan and the Bay Mills Indian Community over whether a particular location constituted Indian lands eligible for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, but then turned into a much larger legal battle over the rights of all Indian tribes across the country.

“This is a good day for tribal governments,” said NCAI President Brian Cladoosby and Chairman of the Swinomish Tribe. “Congratulations to the Bay Mills Indian Community! We always thought this case was an overreach by the State of Michigan. Tribal and state governments work together and find common ground all the time. All governments are working to create jobs, educate our children, provide public safety and protect our environment. We find agreement on thousands of issues, but every now and then we disagree. When that happens, we have to negotiate solutions on a government-to-government basis. That takes leadership, and we can’t take each other to court. The Supreme Court agrees.”

Upon learning of the decision and the fact that Chief Justice Roberts voted in favor of tribal interests, NARF’s Executive Director John Echohawk’s initial response was a simple “WOW!” After a sigh of relief, he stated: “I am pleased that the Court today stood upon the foundational principles of Indian law that we are all familiar with, instead of changing the rules on us all the time. The victory in this case is attributed to the hard work and dedication of the tribal leaders and attorneys for Bay Mills, as well as the on-going efforts of the Tribal Supreme Court Project.” 

In parts of the opinion aside from the main holding, the Supreme Court found that the states can use other remedies to address issues off-reservation, including negotiations, permit enforcement, and lawsuits against tribal officials in their individual capacities. A dissent written by Justice Thomas strongly disagreed with the holding, stating that sovereign immunity is a judicially created doctrine and could be modified by the Supreme Court. However the majority emphasized that tribal sovereignty is an inherent right of Indian tribes recognized in a string of Supreme Court decisions from the founding of the United States.

NCAI and NARF filed an amicus brief before the argument, and would like to thank all of the tribal leaders and attorneys who participated in the efforts on this case.

Supreme Court Upholds Tribal Sovereign Immunity in Michigan v. Bay Mills

 The Oneida Indian Nation and the National Congress of American Indians today applaud 50 Senators for sending a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell declaring that “it’s time for the NFL to endorse a name change for the Washington, D.C. football team.” 

In the letter to Goodell, the senators note that the NBA recently took a bold stand against racism and encourage the NFL to do the same. “Today, we urge you and the National Football League to send the same clear message as the NBA did: that racism and bigotry have no place in professional sports,” reads the letter. “Now is the time for the NFL to act. The Washington, D.C. football team is on the wrong side of history. What message does it send to punish slurs against African Americans while endorsing slurs against Native Americans?”

The letter also notes that all of the country’s national Tribal organizations, which represent more than two million Native Americans, have unequivocally spoken out in support of the name change.

“Washington team owner Dan Snyder and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell have claimed that using the R-word epithet somehow honors Native peoples, but it is quite the opposite," said Halbritter. "The R-word is a dictionary defined racial slur, which likely explains why avowed segregationist George Preston Marshall decided to use the term as the team's name. Continuing an infamous segregationist's legacy by promoting such a slur is not an honor, as Mr. Snyder and Mr. Goodell claim. It is a malicious insult. That is why leaders in the Senate, in the House of Representatives, in the White House, and at all levels of government across the country are uniting in opposition to this offensive and hurtful name.”

NCAI Executive Director Jackie Pata said: “The name of Washington’s NFL team is widely recognized as a racial slur. The NFL is a global brand, but if it wants to contribute to the positive image of the United States across the world, rather than callously promoting discrimination against Native Americans, then it must stop promoting this slur and finally change the name.”

In recent months, the campaign to change the Washington NFL team name received strong bipartisan support in Congress from advocates including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Representatives Tom Cole, Betty McCollum and Eleanor Holmes Norton. In addition to federal legislators, policymakers at the state and local levels have also been critical of the Washington team’s continued use of the R-word epithet. City councils, mayors, governors, and even the President of the United States have spoken out against the ongoing use of the slur.

Just days ago, the New York State Assembly unanimously passed a resolution calling upon professional sports leagues to end their use of racial slurs. The NFL is headquartered in New York, and the resolution specifically cites the Washington NFL team’s R-word mascot as a dictionary-defined epithet.

Change the Mascot has also received support from civil rights organizations, faith leaders, sports icons, leading journalists, and top Native American organizations.

The full text of the Senators’ letter to Goodell can be found on the 

NCAI And The Oneida Indian Nation Commend Senators In Acting To End Discrimination in the NFL

WASHINGTON, DC – Cliven Bundy’s group plans to ride roughshod through the Utah Canyon with a gang of all-terrain vehicles which would endanger places of cultural significance to Native peoples. Bundy thinks he is protecting his rights, but he is endangering the cultural integrity of the homelands of Native peoples.

Since well before the state of Nevada, the federal government, and farmers and ranchers occupied the area, tribal nations - including the Las Vegas Band of Paiute, Moapa Band of Paiute, and other tribes in the area - have respected and honored the Utah Canyon as a sacred place. Native peoples believe the canyon contains many markers from their ancestors. An action like this is no more appropriate than a similar activity at a church or other place of worship. 

The NCAI strongly urges federal authorities to act - as part of its trust responsibility to tribal nations - to prevent this potential destruction of sacred places. We would oppose an action of this type not only by Mr. Bundy and his supporters, but by anyone with a disregard for Native peoples and cultures.

NCAI Urges Cliven Bundy to Respect Native Ancestral Sites and Cancel Utah Canyon Rally

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is grieving the loss of Billy Frank, Jr. A member of the Nisqually Tribe, Billy spent his life fighting for our right to fish and protect our own waters and fiercely advocated for the complete fulfillment of treaty commitments by the federal government.

Billy Frank, Jr. has been the Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) since its inception in 1974. NWIFC was created following a Supreme Court decision “that re-affirmed the tribes’ treaty-reserved fishing rights and established them as natural resources co-managers with the State of Washington” and serves “to assist member tribes in their role as natural resources co-managers.”

NCAI President Brian Cladoosby had the honor of growing up under Billy Frank, Jr. As he did with Brian, Billy guided many young leaders across the country and shared with them the importance of natural resources and the value of treaty rights. Together, with Billy's teachings to sustain culture and a unique Northwest quality of life, we will continue to work together to protect all that is important to our Tribes. Upon learning the news, President Cladoosby said:

“Indian Country has lost one of the greatest leaders who fought to protect salmon, water, and quality of life for our people. The loss of a Billy as our teacher, mentor, and elder is immeasurable. Our very way of life is only possible because of the battles Billy fought – without his personal sacrifices, tribes in the Northwest would look very different. My own life would be very different if I had not had been blessed by Billy’s teachings, example, and love. My prayers go out to his family and the many, many others whose lives he touched.”

Billy Frank, Jr. has walked on but will never be forgotten. NCAI lifts up his family, friends, and tribe.

 for more information about Billy’s work and legacy at the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.

No written account will ever truly encapsulate Billy’s life, but this

NCAI Grieves The Loss Of Billy Frank, Jr.

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the news that Assembly of First Nations’ National Chief Shawn Atleo resigned, President Brian Cladoosby of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) remarked:

“I have worked with Shawn on a number of initiatives through the years on everything from international trade to the safety of Native women. I know firsthand of his dedication to working for his people and his decision to step down is evidence of that. This action puts the debate over education at the forefront instead of the debate over his role in the legislation. Shawn’s resignation is the mark of a true leader.”

 On May 2, 2014, AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo stepped down from his position following an increasingly heated debate over proposed legislation that would overhaul aboriginal education. For more, 

President Cladoosby: Shawn Atleo’s “Resignation Is The Mark Of A True Leader”

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has long been committed to strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship between the federal government and tribal nations. The trust and treaty obligations the federal government has to Indian Country provide the essential structure to the nation-to-nation relationship – but for decades Alaska Native tribes have been prevented from placing their lands into trust and so have been excluded from the benefits provided through the trustee arrangement.

Yesterday, the Department of the Interior announced it “is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would allow the Secretary of the Interior to consider petitions from Alaska Native tribes to take land into trust.” Upon hearing the news of the potential rule change, NCAI President Brian Cladoosby remarked:


“The trust relationship between the federal government and tribal governments is the foundation of all policies affecting Indian Country. That Alaska Native peoples have been cut out of this critical arrangement is unacceptable and has created myriad problems for those tribes.

I am greatly encouraged that Assistant Secretary Washburn has proposed a change to this rule. It is proof that this Administration continues to be committed to working for and with Indian Country. NCAI will work with the Interior Department to ensure that the rule change proceeds smoothly.”

When Alaska Native tribes are able to place their lands into trust, they will benefit from the same protections as the tribes in the lower 48 states. As the trustee for tribes, the federal government will: provide funding for essential services and self-sustaining prosperity, guard our right to govern ourselves on our remaining lands, and help manage those lands and resources in our best interests.

Letter to Tribal Leaders from Asst. Sec. Washburn

Proposed Rule regarding “Land Acquisitions in the State of Alaska”

Press Release from DOI regarding the Proposed Rule

NCAI’s Cladoosby “Greatly Encouraged” By Proposed Rule Change For Alaska Native Tribes

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) for his firm statement on the floor of the Senate today. After speaking about the morally responsible decision made by the NBA, Senator Reid spoke about Daniel Snyder’s team and encouraged the NFL to make the decision Snyder is unwilling to pursue.

“It is untoward of Daniel Snyder to try and hide behind tradition. Tradition? That’s what he says in refusing to change the name of the team. Madame President, tradition – what tradition? The tradition of racism is all that name leaves in its wake. Mr. Snyder knows that in sports the only tradition that matters is winning. So I urge Daniel Snyder to do what’s morally right and remove this degrading term from the league by changing his team’s name.

But since Snyder fails to show any leadership, the National Football League should take an assist from the NBA and pick up the slack. It would be a slam-dunk, Madame President! For far too long the NFL has been sitting on its hands, doing nothing while an entire population of Americans has been denigrated. So I say to Commissioner Roger Goodell – I believe Roger Goodell is a good man, but it’s time for this good man to act. Remove this hateful term from your league’s vocabulary. Follow the NBA’s example and rid the league of bigotry and racism. Your fans will support it.”

The NFL and Daniel Snyder must now follow in the footsteps of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and those who have made the right decision in standing against racial bigotry. NCAI is committed to ending this era where racial slurs, mocking caricatures, and rampant stereotyping are acceptable.

Sen. Reid: “Since Snyder Fails To Show Any Leadership,” The NFL Should Remove Racism From The League

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released the following statement in response to the ongoing situation around the Los Angeles Clippers:

“NCAI condemns Donald Sterling’s appalling comments regarding African Americans. There is no place in modern society for that kind of hatred and discrimination. We also want to applaud the many athletes, sportscasters, corporations, and individuals who have spoken out against Sterling and his comments. It is encouraging to see so many people standing together and declaring that this behavior is unacceptable.

NCAI is no stranger to facing down racism and ignorance in American sports. Every incident of hate and racism – whether a singular incident or the repeated, high-profile use of offensive words and images – is unacceptable and has no place in the 21st Century. We will continue to support the LA Clippers players and fans as they face the fallout from Sterling’s words and we will continue to fight for a world in which no race or ethnic group is treated in this way.”

NCAI Condemns Sterling’s Comments: “No Place In Modern Society For That Kind Of Hatred And Discrimination.”

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is proud that the White House has chosen a representative of Indian Country as a “Champion of Change.”

Henry Red Cloud is the Founder and Sole Proprietor of Lakota Solar Enterprises (LSE) on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. One of the first 100% Native American-owned and operated renewable energy companies in the nation, LSE employs tribal members to manufacture and install efficient solar air heating systems for Native American families living on reservations across the Great Plains. Additionally, Henry manages the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCREC), a one-of-a-kind Native educational facility where tribes from around the U.S. receive hands-on green job training in renewable energy technology and sustainable building practices. Henry Red Cloud is providing Native Americans with “a new way to honor the old ways” through sustainable energy solutions that are environmentally sound, economically beneficial, and culturally appropriate.

Tribal nations are engaging in some of the most innovative and dynamic projects around clean energy development. NCAI is encouraged that the Administration continues to highlight this work and give Native enterprises the attention they deserve.

NCAI Proud Of Pine Ridge Champion Of Change

WASHINGTON, DC – Human rights expert and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples James Anaya today called the Washington NFL team’s current R-word team name a “

hurtful reminder of past suffering of Native American

.” The Oneida Indian Nation and its Change the Mascot campaign, as well as the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), are praising the UN for its powerful statement, which comes on the heels of Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter’s January meeting with the UN on the topic. 

“The United Nations is the latest to dispel the absurd claim by Washington's football team and its owner Dan Snyder that the term ‘redskins’ honors Native Americans,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter and NCAI Executive Director Jackie Pata. “This word is widely recognized throughout the globe as a racial slur. If the NFL wants to be a global brand that contributes to the positive image of the United States across the world, it needs to stop promoting this slur and change the name.” 

“I urge the team owners to consider that the term ‘redskin’ for many is inextricably linked to a history of suffering and dispossession, and that it is understood to be a pejorative and disparaging term that fails to respect and honour the historical and cultural legacy of the Native Americans in the U.S.,” said Anaya, who also contributed to a 2012 report on the situation of indigenous peoples in the U.S. “Indigenous peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations… Private actors also have responsibilities independently of the States’ obligation to promote and protect human rights.” 

The UN has taken a strong stand globally to combat racism in sports and played an important role in highlighting the damaging impacts of racism against Indigenous peoples. 

NCAI is the nation’s oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities. It has played a key role in opposing the Washington team’s continued use of the R-word racial epithet. 

Since the Oneida Nation’s launch of the Change the Mascot campaign last year, the derogatory name of Washington’s NFL team has become a prominent civil rights issue garnering support from top leaders across the country and internationally. Bi-partisan Members of Congress, city councils, leading civil rights organizations, top sports icons, prominent journalists and even President Obama have all spoken out against the team’s continued use of the harmful epithet. 

The growing Change the Mascot movement continues to gain support from top leaders and organizations. Following a nationwide radio campaign during the past NFL season, Change the Mascot plans to continue their push into the 2014 NFL season and beyond. 

National Congress of American Indians & Oneida Indian Nation Applaud the UN for Condemning the Hurtful Name of Washington’s NFL Team

WASHINGTON, DC – The tragic mudslide that devastated the community of Oso in Washington state is still affecting families across the Northwest. “We have been praying for the families of Oso every day since this tragedy struck. There is no making sense of events like this. All we can do is join hands and rebuild together,” said Brian Cladoosby, NCAI President and Chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

Indian Country has rallied and Washington tribes have sent over half a million dollars to support relief efforts on top of the many tribal members who have assisted in the rescue operation. We will continue to do what we can to help the families in need and call on others to do the same. Please consider contributing to one or more of these organizations who are supporting the victims and their families:

The Forefront: Announcement

Who We Are

Our Work

News & Events

Resources

Get Involved

Contractor Opportunities