WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), made the following statement in honor of Memorial Day.

“This Memorial Day, we again pay our respect to those members of the United States military, both Native and non-Native, that have passed on and who served with great honor to protect our lands and our nations. Service is one of the most honorable callings and for over a century Native men and women have offered their lives to ensure brighter days for future generations,” said Keel, President of NCAI and a veteran with over 20 years of active duty service in the United States Army. “Today, Native Americans continue to serve in distant lands, however upon returning home they face even greater challenges. Too often services to which Native veterans are entitled fall short of meeting their needs and are less adequate than those provided to their non-Native counterparts. It is our duty to protect and serve those who have served us with such honor. On this Memorial Day, we call on the United States and tribal nations to honor those veterans who have passed on, by supporting those veterans who have returned.”

NCAI is currently working to secure resources to enable tribal communities to establish Veteran Treatment Courts, an important tool in supporting veterans; to increase the number of tribal Veteran Service Officers; to increase funding for VA tribal home-loan programs and the homeless veteran initiative; and to collaborate with the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to ensure effective consultation with tribal nations.

Updated – Native Service by the Numbers


Hundreds of thousands of tribal members have served in the U.S. military in the last century, including the recent engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. As of March 2012 the Pentagon estimates that since 2001, 64 American Indians and Alaskan Natives have died fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq (42 in Operation Iraqi Freedom; 22 in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)).

The Pentagon also reported in March that 22,248 American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) currently serve in the military (active duty). Native personnel serve across the Armed Forces at the following levels; Army: 4,404; Navy: 13,511; Marine Corps: 2,128; and Air Force: 2,205.

The 2010 U.S. Census estimates that there are currently 156,515 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. (Source: 2010 American Community Survey for the American Indian and Alaska Native alone population)

According to Department of Veteran Affairs, in 2006 more than 36,000 female veterans are AI/AN, representing almost 10 percent of all AI/AN veterans, and nearly twice the national average (6 percent of women in the overall population are veterans).


President Keel, serving his second term as President of NCAI, is a retired U.S. Army officer with over 20 years active duty service. He also serves as the Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation.

During his military service, he served two extended tours of combat duty as an Infantryman in Vietnam, and received numerous awards and decorations for heroism, including two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star with "V" for valor, and the Army Commendation Medal with valor. He is a former Airborne Ranger, infantry platoon sergeant and platoon leader, and served as an instructor in the elite U.S. Army Rangers. In June 2011, Jefferson Keel was one of three former service members inducted into the Military Memorial Museum Hall of Honor.

Native Military Service and Memorial Day; Statement by NCAI President Jefferson Keel

Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives voted and passed a version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization - HR 4970 - without any of the key tribal jurisdictional provisions intact. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has serious concerns about the alternative provisions contained in the House bill and is calling on the House and Senate to restore the bipartisan and constitutionally sound tribal provisions in the Senate version of the bill, S.1925, that create local solutions to the epidemic of domestic violence experienced by Native women.

“Native women aren’t safer as a result of the passage of HR 4970. In fact, the tribal provisions included in this bill create additional hurdles for Indian women seeking protection from violence on tribal lands, and that is unacceptable,” said Juana Majel-Dixon, 1st Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and co-chair of the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women. “Indian Country supports the bipartisan Senate VAWA bill, which contains constitutionally sound tribal provisions that provide local solutions that will deliver long-overdue justice to Native women and safety to tribal communities.”

Passed by a vote of 222-205, the tribal provisions included in HR 4970 would be a step backward in contrast to the bipartisan Senate VAWA bill, supported by NCAI and tribes across the country. Over the past few days, H.R. 4970 has been amended to include provisions that have the potential to cause great confusion surrounding tribes' authority to issue civil protection orders and that could further endanger Native victims.

HR 4970 would “federalize” the issuance and enforcement of protection orders for Native victims, authorizing Indian victims of domestic violence or Indian tribes on behalf of Indian victims to seek protection orders from U.S. district courts against suspects of abuse. This approach fails to address the crux of the problem - a lack of local authority to handle misdemeanor level domestic and dating violence when the perpetrator is non-Indian. The legislation passed by the House is drafted in a way that undermines the safety and autonomy of victims.

On the other hand, S.1925 contains key tribal provisions that would empower the governmental authorities closest to the alleged criminal activity—tribal police and courts—to intervene early in acts of domestic violence committed by non-Indians within the tribe's territory, before the violence escalates to the point of serious assault or homicide. These provisions are limited in scope, do not infringe on existing federal or state court jurisdiction, and defendants who stand trial before a tribal court would have the full panoply of constitutional rights.

House Passes VAWA with Weakened Tribal Provisions; NCAI Voices Serious Concerns Regarding HR 4970

HEARTH Act Passes House of Representatives 400 to 0

Washington, DC - In good news for Indian tribes, last night the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 205, the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership (HEARTH) Act. The legislation will amend the Indian Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955 to authorize surface leasing of tribal lands under tribal leasing regulations, which would be approved by the Secretary. The legislation supports tribal self-determination and will enable tribes to move much more quickly on leasing and economic development, while maintaining the Secretary’s trust responsibility to oversee trust lands. It is an extension of the Navajo Leasing Act of 2000 to all Indian tribes.

“NCAI is very appreciative of Representative Heinrich for taking the lead on the HEARTH Act and passing the bill in House with the incredible support of Representatives Hastings, Markey, Young, Boren, Cole and Kildee and all the co-sponsors,” said Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). “In the Senate the lead sponsor is Senator Barrasso with Senator Akaka and more sponsors on both sides of the aisle. This legislation has strong bi-partisan support, and offers an opportunity to keep making progress on important legislation that will help create jobs and improve the economy. I urge the Senate to take up H.R. 205 and pass it this week.”

The House bill has been sent to the Senate, where it awaits consideration. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has reported out the companion legislation, S. 703.

NCAI Praises House Passage of HEARTH Act, Urges Swift Senate Action

Legislation Protects All Domestic and Dating Violence Victims on Reservations; Attention Turns to House Judiciary Committee

Today, in a significant step forward for protection of Native women, the U.S. Senate passed S. 1925, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization of 2012. Title IX will address the epidemic of violence perpetrated against American Indian and Alaska Native women by restoring concurrent tribal criminal jurisdiction over all persons who commit misdemeanor domestic and dating violence in Indian country and clarifying tribal court authority to issue and enforce civil protection orders. Additionally, it strengthens federal authority to address violent felonies on Indian reservations.

Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians, applauded the Senate. “It was encouraging to see our leaders in the Senate put aside partisan politics and pass a bill that protects and serves all victims of domestic and sexual violence across the country—including our Native sisters, mothers, and daughters. Today’s vote on the VAWA reauthorization represents a historic vote for Native people and tribal sovereignty. Now, we must turn our full attention to the House and count on the same good will and bipartisanship to turn this bill into law and make these protections a reality.”

Several Senators took the floor yesterday and today to champion the tribal provisions in S.1925, including Senators Boxer, Klobuchar, Murray, Cantwell, and Murkowski. Senator Akaka, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and sponsor of the Stand Against Violence and Empower Native Women Act, had this to say about the bill’s key tribal provisions: “This bill’s tribal provisions address the epidemic rates of violence against Native women -- by enabling VAWA programs to more directly and promptly respond to their concerns and needs. These tribal provisions are critical to the lives of Native women and doubly important to me as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs -- and a Native Hawaiian.”

After sharing a powerful story from a Native victim of domestic violence, Senator Udall commented: “This is just one of the daily, even hourly, stories of abuse. Stories that should outrage us all. And that could end through local intervention. Local authority that will only be made possible through an act of Congress. We have the opportunity to support such an act in the tribal provisions of VAWA. I encourage my colleagues to fully support the tribal provisions in this important bill.”

Senator Murkowski spoke strongly in favor of the legislation and addressed concerns regarding violence against Native women in Alaska . She described included amendments that “ensure that Alaska Tribes lose none of the jurisdiction and authority that they have to issue and enforce their domestic violence protection orders.”

S.1925 passed the Senate on a 68 to 31 vote. Senator Hutchison offered a substitute version of the bill that would have removed the provisions affirming tribal court authority among other changes, but it was not accepted by a vote of 36 to 63. As a next step for the legislation, the House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a mark up for May 8th, and House Members will be home in their districts next week. NCAI encourages tribal leaders and all others to urge their House Members to support full inclusion of Title IX of S. 1925 in any House bill.

Talking points on the key tribal provisions that deal with criminal jurisdiction

Senate Passes VAWA, Including Protections for Native Women

NCAI Contact: Tiffany Smalley,
Communications Fellow 202.466.7767 x 238

Former U.S. Public Health Service Officer and Dentistry Student Lisa Begay (Navajo) Receives Award

Washington, D.C.—The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has announced Lisa Begay of Mesa, Arizona as its inaugural Native Graduate Health Fellowship recipient. Ms. Begay, a former commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, is a Navajo dental student at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, where she is enhancing her knowledge of dental health to complement her substantial field experience. The Fellowship will include both a financial award of $5,000 and professional development in tribal health policy.

These initiatives include helping to implement the “Cavity Free Club” at the Albuquerque IHS Dental Clinic and coordinating a mass mailing of first-birthday cards to Native children to encourage parents to make their child’s first dental appointment. Devoted to fostering the next generation of leaders in Native health, Ms. Begay has also served as an instructor for a national IHS course for dental assistants and encourages other Native students to consider dentistry fields.

In its first year, NCAI’s Native Graduate Health Fellowship is a part of NCAI’s commitment to equipping the next generation of Native leaders. NCAI received nearly 40 applications from students representing 26 tribes. A review committee comprised of NCAI staff and key leaders in Native health selected the inaugural Health Fellow, as well as two finalists, on the basis of demonstrated commitment to American Indian and Alaska Native health, academic achievement, and community engagement. The program aims to build a pipeline of Native health professionals who can support tribal sovereignty and who are prepared to lead in promoting health policies and practices that address the unique needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

NCAI deeply appreciates the generous support of Robert Burnette and the Seventh Day Adventist Church in helping launch the fellowship. The Klamath Tribes, the Kiowa Tribe, the Ketchikan Indian Community, and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe also pledged a combined $4,000 to help sustain the Fellowship’s endowment. NCAI is planning to expand this Fellowship into other high-need areas in Indian Country, such as education and economic development. For more information about supporting the fellowship, contact Peter Morris at (202) 466-7767 or 

NCAI Names Inaugural Graduate Health Fellowship Recipient

Learn more about the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) in relation to the Supreme Court's review of the Affordable Care Act.

The Supreme Court has completed hearing three days of oral arguments in review of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). When the ACA was passed two years ago, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) was permanently reauthorized - an achievement for Indian Country that was more than 30 years in the making.

On the third day of the oral arguments, the Supreme Court addressed the "severability" of the law - which reviewed the question; if the individual mandate of the ACA is struck down, will the other pieces of the law remain? The IHCIA will be part of this consideration.

To learn more about the place of the IHCIA in the review of the ACA, download NCAI's briefing document: 

Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments - The Affordable Care Act & Indian Country

Health Reform & Indian Country

Leadership Awards presented to Congressman Don Young, Larry Echo Hawk - Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs, American University WINS Program, and Dr. Eddie Brown. Team from Wingate High School in New Mexico honored for winning Stock Market Game/Tribal Exchange.

Washington, D.C. – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has announced the recipients of the organization’s prestigious Indian Country Leadership Awards. Congressman Don Young (R – AK) Chair of the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, Larry Echo Hawk - Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, the American University’s Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) program, and the accomplished Dr. Eddie F. Brown, Professor, Arizona State University will be honored at the organization’s Indian Country Leadership Award Banquet held during 2012 NCAI Executive Council Winter Session. The organization will also recognize the winners of the 2011-2012 Tribal Exchange Game from Wingate High School in New Mexico. 

The organization’s Indian Country Leadership Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations to Indian Country in four categories: Congressional Leadership Award, Native American Leadership Award, Governmental Leadership Award, and Public Sector Leadership Award.

NCAI, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization, will present the awards during a Tuesday evening award reception held in conjunction with its Executive Council Winter Session in Washington, D.C.

Congressional Leadership Award – Congressman Don Young

Representative Young has been a champion for Indian Country for 20 terms in the United States House of Representatives. Representative Young knows tribes are fully capable of self-determination and he supports sovereignty in his legislative efforts on tribal priorities from energy to healthcare. In the 112th Congress, Representative Young became the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs and his leadership has been critical to enabling tribes to fully pursue economic development.

Native American Leadership Award – Dr. Eddie F. Brown, Professor, Arizona State University

Dr. Brown’s career has spanned the highest levels of tribal, state, and federal administration and universities. He has developed key bipartisan policy, conducted research, and informed social work practice to benefit Native families, communities, and governments. His endeavors ensure tribal sovereignty and strengthen the sustainability of tribal nations. He has served as the Co-Chair of the NCAI Policy Research Center’s Advisory Board since it was founded in 2003 and he continues to be a powerful advocate for Indian Country.

Governmental Leadership Award - Larry Echo Hawk - Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

As the longest serving Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in over a decade, Larry Echo Hawk’s commitment to restructuring federal relations with Native nations has resulted in considerable improvements in the nation-to-nation relationship. Highlights of Mr. Echo Hawk’s accomplishments include the historic $3.4 billion Cobell Settlement; $1 billion in water settlements; passage of the Tribal Law & Order Act and implementation of a pilot program that reduced crime on four reservations by a combined 35 percent; and, sweeping trust reform.

Public Sector Leadership Award – American University - Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) Program

The Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) program offers Native students an invaluable opportunity to develop professionally while living, studying, and interning in Washington, DC. WINS plays a critical role in building a pipeline of young Native leaders who are prepared to lead Indian Country in the new era of nation-to-nation relations. Since 1994, over 900 students representing over 80 tribes have participated in WINS, and WINS alumni now hold key positions in the federal government and myriad national Native organizations, including NCAI.


The Stock Market Game / Tribal Exchange program teaches valuable financial life skills and team building while facilitating inter-tribal connections for American Indian and Alaska Native students. This program builds essential reading and math skills while preparing our Native youth to be the financially responsible leaders of tomorrow.

The Exchange is a 10-week program open to teams of Native students in grades four through twelve. Each team is given $100,000 in game money to invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The team that increases the value of the investment most by the end of the game period wins.

The program addresses an important need in Indian Country despite today’s increasingly complex global economy, the FDIC has noted that 44.5 percent of Native people are unbanked or underbanked almost double the national rate. The Treasury Department reported that in 2001, 86 percent of tribal lands lacked a single financial institution, including a simple ATM.

This 2011-12 competition winners are from Wingate High School in New Mexico. The team included Nigel Nakai, Kayla Platero, Alicia Billey, Frances Shorty and their Advisor Bruce Lewis.

The program is funded through a grant from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), which allows students attending BIE schools to participate in the program for free. Over 1,500 students have participated since the program’s inception.

NCAI Announces 2012 Indian Country Leadership Awards & Tribal Exchange Winners

I want to thank the Native service members and veterans who have joined us today. Many know the story of Indian Country -- the challenges we have faced, and the ones we face today. But very few Americans know the story of the hundreds of thousands of tribal members who have served in the United States military, as far back as the Revolutionary War. As a veteran myself, I want to thank Lt. Colonel Hunting Horse and the 24,000 active duty American Indian and Alaska Native service members serving today to protect the sovereignty of the United States and the tribal nations of North America. Thank you. 

My fellow tribal leaders, tribal citizens and American citizens, members of the National Congress of American Indians, members of the Administration and the 112th Congress, and those listening or watching today: I am honored to speak to you all, but especially to address representatives of the more than 5 million Native people and the 566 tribal nations of Indian Country.

The State of Indian Nations is strong. Our nations are strong. Our peoples are strong. Like our sovereignty, the strength of our nations, is our inheritance. The State of Indian Nations, as I outline it today, should be defined by what we commit to right now to make the state of Indian Nations even stronger in the years to come.

We all know tribes have faced a difficult history. We are rising from harsh economic conditions to contribute to a more prosperous tomorrow. Tribes have been doing more with less for generations, and I am here today to outline a path to overcome our shared challenges – to lay out specific economic changes and improvements for our tribal nations. Some of these changes require legislative action but many others can come from direct action by the Administration. Ultimately though, it will be the actions of Native people that can change their nations and communities.

Native people are the first Americans. Tribal nations are its first governments – one of three sovereigns recognized in the United States Constitution. And our America is a place where each member of the American family of governments contributes to a prosperous future.

To achieve that vision, we need leaders who understand that Indian Country matters. Especially in a Presidential election year! We’re all aware of the impact an election can have on Indian Country. And, in recent years, many have come to learn that the door swings both ways – Indian Country can have a significant impact on elections – and it can be game changing.

As grandmas on the Navajo nation and young people in Alaska Native villages go to the ballot box this November, they are standing on the shoulders of those who fought hard for that right. As students at Arizona State University and veterans in foreign lands cast their vote, they are reminding America that we matter.

In the 1940s, thousands of Native veterans returned home to a shocking reality: America had accepted them on the battlefield, but had no place for them at the ballot box.

Ira Hayes – a member of the Gila River Indian Community, who raised the flag at Iwo Jima – returned to the homeland he had defended, and was denied the right to vote. Miguel Trujillo from Isleta Pueblo, who enlisted as a Marine in the days following Pearl Harbor, returned home to New Mexico and was denied the right to vote.

These American heroes inspired the fight – all the way to the federal courts – for the right to participate in the 1948 elections. They expressed the power of the Native vote the first time they cast their ballots, and it’s been at work ever since.

Stories like these have shown Native people that when it comes to Native Vote, we can and we must think big. Simply put, we will work tirelessly in 2012 to see the highest Native turnout ever.

We know it can be done. For instance, on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana, turnout rates are regularly over 80 percent. A survey of seniors at UCLA showed that Native young people participate at rates higher than any other group of students. This is especially important because almost half a million Native youth will be eligible to vote for the first time in the next four years.

Native people don’t see the world in two and four year election cycles. We’re focused on building stronger communities for generations to come. When we step in the ballot box, we want to vote for candidates who will stand with tribal nations to create a strong prosperous future. We are not mobilizing for one party or for one candidate. Indians don't just vote D for Democrat or R for Republican. For us, it’s “I” for Indian. We are independent voters and we will continue to vote for the candidate who is strong on our issues, and cares about our priorities.

That’s why today, I’m calling on all Presidential candidates to make sure Indian Country is at the table during the campaign and throughout your Administration. These specific actions should form the foundation of your Native policy platform:

First, we call on the President to send a Special Message to Congress on the importance of the Nation-to-Nation Relationship. In 1970, President Nixon sent a historic message to Congress on tribal self-determination. That message launched the self-determination era – the very framework that allowed tribes to prove our capacity as governments. All Presidents should do the same.

Second, we call on the President to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We specifically call for a review of all existing federal law to ensure they are in alignment with the Declaration.

Third, we call for an Annual Nation-to-Nation Summit and ongoing high-level meetings. This would institutionalize the current Tribal Nations Summit, a meaningful commitment to our nation-to-nation relationship that must be upheld by all future Presidents. We also call on the President to convene regular meetings on specific issues between tribal leaders and cabinet secretaries.

Fourth, elevate Native people in the federal government. It is past time for qualified Native people to be seated on the federal bench. The appointment of a Senior Advisor on Native American Affairs has advanced policymaking at the White House and we applaud President Obama for his leadership. With the importance of the Indian budget in the coming decade, we urge the creation of an office for Native American programs at Office of Management Budget.

And finally, we call upon all candidates to actively engage Indian Country in your campaign. We invite each candidate to visit Indian Country to outline your policy positions. We also urge the campaigns to make sure tribal nations are part of the discussion at the Presidential debates.

Between now and the election, we have a lot of work to do! For all of the partisan challenges of the past year, the Congress has found common ground on Indian policy. Under the bipartisan leadership of Senators Akaka and Barrasso, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has reached across party lines to develop legislation that promises to transform Indian Country. And in the House, Republicans like Chairman Don Young and Democrats like Dale Kildee have worked hard to educate their colleagues about the benefits tribal governments offer our nation.

There are some important things the Congress can do right now that can grow Indian economies and create jobs. Without spending a dime, the Congress can fix the problems created by the Carcieri Supreme Court decision and offer certainty for land-into-trust transactions that are critical to Indian Country’s economic future.

The Department of the Interior is already acting to streamline lease approvals for renewable energy development, and we urge the Congress to pass the HEARTH Act to expand leasing reform and to pass an Indian energy self-determination law.

Congress can also act on public safety legislation that will attract businesses to our communities. We urge passage of amendments to the Stafford Act that are supported by FEMA and would remove burdens from states and tribes in times of critical emergencies when lives are on the line.

Native women are the protectors of our culture, our families, and our future. We call on the Senate to pass the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization and the SAVE Native Women Act— both of which would take critical steps to address the horrific rates of violence being perpetrated against our women.

The Native CLASS Act offers the chance to provide the kind of education our young people need to succeed today and build the economies Indian Country needs for tomorrow. Our young people must not be left behind anymore.

Congress must stand with us now to get these bills passed, but long term success depends on America keeping her promises. That’s why NCAI, along with our partners in Indian Country are making available to you today our plan for the Indian budget.

This document outlines our vision for investing in the future of our America, and stabilizing the Indian budget. It will create reliable, safe domestic energy; it will build a 21st century education system; it will modernize our infrastructure; and, it will fund implementation of critical legislation like the Tribal Law & Order Act and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

Just as our plan holds hope for the future, the Budget Control Act poses great risks. The Act requires Congress to cap discretionary spending for the next 10 years. Much of the funding that fulfills the federal trust responsibility is categorized -- wrongly, in our view -- as domestic discretionary spending.

The trust responsibility is not a discretionary choice. It is not a line item. It is a solemn agreement that has been sustained over hundreds of years. Unless Congress acts to hold tribal programs harmless, then starting in 2013 we are facing ten to fifteen percent cuts across the board for the next decade -- cuts that will threaten essential services and affect millions of Native citizens throughout vast regions of rural America.

We are well aware of the budget challenges our nation faces. We live in Indian Country – we know all about doing more with less. We urge Congress to stand up for the relatively small piece of the federal budget that belongs to tribal nations and our citizens.

Protecting the Indian budget is the first step but long-term success depends on tribal nations having the same opportunities to protect and preserve our communities that are available to state and local governments. We exercise jurisdiction over lands that would make us the fourth largest state. We run dozens of social programs previously administered by federal agencies or states. And, we protect reservation environments in the manner that states regulate off reservation lands.Tribal governments have proven our capacity to grow our economies, educate our people, and manage our resources. We need the federal government to put decision-making power back in the hands of the people who live in Indian Country -- the people who know best because these are our homelands, these are our people. The old way of doing things causes missed opportunities every day. The Swinomish Tribe, in Washington state, saw this first hand. The tribe had worked out a deal with Wal-Mart for a big new store on the reservation. This was a great deal -- a million dollars a year in lease revenue for the Tribe, and new jobs for tribal members and people throughout the community. As with every lease on Indian lands, the federal government needed to approve it. The process took more than a year and by the time it was approved economic conditions had changed and Wal-Mart had made other plans. A million dollars a year for Swinomish, gone. All those jobs, gone. And this is not an isolated story. Many tribal leaders can tell you stories about business opportunities lost because of red tape. This is why our federal partners have already proposed crucial lease reforms to free our economies. Tribal nations have proven our capacity. We don’t need the government involved in all our business decisions, we need flexibility. And by creating it, we will remove the barriers that cost us jobs and opportunity. This is a goal I think we can all agree on, across the political spectrum, and it is something we can achieve with a change in policy, not an increase in spending. That is the kind of solution Washington is crying out for and we in Indian Country are eager to answer the call. 

Ensuring governmental flexibility will yield more efficient programs and spending, because decisions will be made by those in the best position to respond to community needs. It will also relieve administrative burdens at the federal level.

This message comes directly from tribal leaders. We went to them with one simple question: What can we do with what we have already – without asking for more resources – that will provide greater opportunity for Indians and create more impact for federal programs? Over and over, the answer came back: We need freedom at the local level to best use our limited resources. We know what’s best because we live in Indian Country. We know where the needs are, and we know what works for our people. No one understands Indian life better than the Indian nations themselves. Give us flexibility.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota is delivering broadband services across their reservation because of governmental flexibility. The FCC’s decision to designate Standing Rock Telecom as an eligible telecommunications carrier means they are the first fully tribally owned and operated broadband company that can receive universal service funds.

This designation has empowered Standing Rock to own and operate essential telecommunications infrastructure. This offers avenues for economic development, opportunities to preserve tribal languages and culture, and infrastructure for distance learning programs. That, is the kind of flexibility we need in Indian Country, when only one in ten Native people have access to broadband today.

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony in Nevada opened a 65,000 square foot health facility in 2007 that showed the promise of tax exempt bond financing. Almost $16 million in bonds funded a full service clinic that serves 100,000 people each year. This project created permanent jobs and built the infrastructure for quality health services.

Tribes were denied full access to this source of financing until the Recovery Act created a limited bond offering. Based on that experience, the Treasury released a report in December recommending they have the same access to bond financing available to our governmental peers. This will bring huge economic benefits to tribes and surrounding regional economies.

Education is another example where flexibility can prepare our children for the global market place. The Cherokee Nation's Language Immersion School formed an innovative partnership with Apple Computers to integrate technology and the Cherokee language. They developed Cherokee language software for use on Macintosh computers, iPhones, iPods, and iPads. Students even chat online – in Cherokee – with students from the Eastern Band of Cherokee in North Carolina. This is a powerful example of tribal innovation and initiative—the type of innovation that vesting tribes with greater authority over our own programs unleashes.

Whether in economic development or education, healthcare or energy, the key to getting it right is the freedom to identify and tear down barriers to our success.

Tribal leaders carry with us a dream. It’s a dream passed down from our parents and grandparents. It doesn’t look forward to 2012 or 2016, it looks to the seventh generation. We see a future where the trust relationship actually works – works for tribal nations, and works for our federal partners.

Our ancestors knew that tribes could govern our nations like no one else. Today, we have proven it. Residents of rural Oklahoma are driving to our health facilities, because they offer the best services around. States and counties are turning to our traditional knowledge to best manage natural resources. Citizens of those states are coming to tribes for job opportunities and a good education at tribal colleges. And companies are coming to us to set up businesses on the reservation and bring American jobs home.

When we have the tools and freedom we need, we are creating businesses, delivering services, and leading the way. It’s time to build our trust on that reality.

That trust also requires consultation, legally enforceable consultation. Without the power of legislation and accountability, “free, prior, and informed consent,” are just some nice words on a page. As President Obama himself said, when he announced his support for the UN Declaration – “What matters far more than words…are actions to match those words.” We call for action to make consultation count.

Enforceable consultation means we must talk about another idea – tribal consent. There would be a public outcry if the federal government tried to impose policy on a state without its consent. But the concerns of tribal nations are routinely overlooked, even when more than a dozen tribes are larger than some northeastern states. This must not stand.

Our America is a place where all candidates know that we matter, and America sees it at the ballot box. It’s a place where each and every President honors our unique nation-to-nation relationship, where Indian Country is always at the table – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the smart thing to do. Our America is home to a Congress that works across party lines to free our economies. Our America is a place where governments keep their promises.

Our America is where tribal nations create economic opportunities, where people come to us for the best jobs. It’s a place where tribes are on the forefront of new technology – high-tech manufacturing, telemedicine, clean energy. Our America is where Indigenous peoples reach across borders and bring home economic opportunity for all Americans.

As the oldest governments in America, tribal nations understand what is required to overcome stark economic conditions. Perhaps more than any other time in history, our nations must stand together, empowered to make profound and permanent improvements in the lives of our people. Our nations are committed to the success of the United States of America. Let us realize that future together so that our nations thrive, today and forever.

# END #

10th Annual State of Indian Nations Address - NCAI President Keel Remarks

Updates to Stafford Act would recognize tribal sovereignty and create flexibility for tribes and states when responding to emergency and disaster events

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) hailed today’s announcement by the Obama Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in support of a change to the Stafford Act to give federally recognized tribal governments the authority to make disaster declaration requests directly to the President of the United States. The Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act currently allows only states, through a governor, to make these requests to the president.

“Just like states, when disaster strikes, tribal nations must act swiftly to respond to protect and secure lives, infrastructure, and public health. We call on Congress to fix the Stafford Act and incorporate the sovereign status of tribal nations in this important law. These changes will also provide tribes and states critical flexibility in responding to catastrophic events when communities need it most,” said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI, the country’s oldest and largest American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization. “The support of the Administration and FEMA for a legislative change recognizes not only the sovereignty of tribal nations, but also acknowledges the critical role tribes play in the network of emergency response and disaster relief at the local and national level.”

Tribal nations represent a unique and important sector of the United States homeland security and emergency management system. Nineteen tribal nations are each larger than the state of Rhode Island and twelve have a land base larger than the state of Delaware. Last year alone, tribes experienced major catastrophic events tied to blizzards, floods, fires, and manmade events resulting in multi-million dollar losses in tribal government infrastructure, and personal property.

In the event of a catastrophic natural disaster or manmade incident, the Stafford Act currently creates an unnecessary loss of valuable response time in seeking federal assistance. Tribal governments are currently required to seek a state governor’s approval for a federal disaster declaration, delaying response times, and sometimes receiving no response at all. As harsh winters descend upon North America, the US Congress is reviewing various changes to the Stafford Act and inaction will leave both tribes and states without the proper tools and mechanisms to respond to major disaster events.

NCAI Commends FEMA Support for Direct Authority of Tribal Governments to Apply for Presidential Disaster Declaration

Organization calls for implementation of proposed reforms to jumpstart tribally driven renewable energy and economic development

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) welcomed Monday’s news from the Department of Interior (DOI) regarding proposed reforms to outdated lease regulations obstructing tribal economic and renewable energy development. The proposed lease reforms would streamline the leasing process on tribal lands and clear the way for tribally driven renewable solar and wind energy projects. This simple regulatory change promises to directly stimulate economic growth in Native communities and benefit the American economy.

“The federal government has heard the message of tribal nations to remove barriers stifling tribal economic and renewable energy development. Until these reforms are enacted though, tribes will continue to wait excessive lengths of time to permit a renewable energy project or approve a mortgage,” said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI. “We don’t have time to wait; we’re ready to strengthen our economies now and jumpstart the clean energy economy in Indian Country. This is something the entire country can get behind and there should be no hesitation.”

The proposed rule would modify regulations governing the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) process for approving surface leasing on lands the federal government holds in trust for tribes and individuals. Interior serves as the trustee for tribal lands and is responsible for approximately 56 million acres in Indian Country. The Department of Energy estimates Indian lands contain significant renewable energy potential – enough to meet 32 percent of the nation’s energy needs with wind power and 2 times the entire country’s energy needs with solar power.

Although great potential exists, very few tribally owned renewable energy projects have moved forward because of the disproportionate review processes tribes are subject to. The new regulations impose timelines on the Department for reviewing leases - up to 30 days for residential leases, and up to 60 days for business leases and wind and solar energy leases. The proposed regulations distinguish between residential, business, and wind and solar energy leases, and establish separate processes for review.

, the Department of Interior described the existing regulations, adopted in 1961, as “an antiquated, ‘one-size fits all;’ approach to processing all surface leases. Under the current system, which lacks a defined process or deadlines, it is not uncommon for a simple mortgage application to languish for several years waiting approval from the federal government.”

These reforms signal a positive step toward what NCAI President Keel called for in the Annual State of Indian Nations Address in January of 2011. During the national address Keel called for the federal government “to clear the way for [tribes] to expand economic opportunity…so that we might compete…clear the way for us to develop energy on our own lands, build commerce and create jobs, so that we might contribute more the economy of America. We can create more opportunity for energy independence, and a larger recovery.”

There will be a 60 day comment period on the proposed regulations. For more background on the proposed rule from the Department of the Interior view the following resources:

Comparison of existing and proposed regulations

NCAI Expresses Support for Interior’s Proposed Leasing Reforms for Tribal Lands and Renewable Energy Development

Cuts to funding sets back projected tribal law enforcement gains

Washington, DC -- The US Congress has leveled a major setback to Indian tribes in need of critical resources to combat the highest crime rates in the country. A decision by Congress to cut over $90 million from proposed funding for essential Department of Justice measures in Indian Country leaves tribal law enforcement and federal personnel with far too few resources to fight crime on tribal lands. Signed into law last year with bipartisan support, The Tribal Law & Order Act (TLOA) set out to reduce crime in Indian Country by making improvements to the way criminal justice is administered on tribal lands and reauthorizing critical tribal justice programs. The recent funding cut will make the Act’s intended goals very difficult to attain.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the nation’s leading tribal advocacy organization, is calling this a failure of significant proportions.

“We understand these are tight budget times but this is a failure of the worst kind. Tribes and the federal government were finally working together to tackle major crime and security issues. Now the House and Senate have irresponsibly cut crime fighting efforts in communities that need it the most,” said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI and a member of the Indian Law and Order Commission – an independent commission established by the TLOA. “NCAI urges Congress to immediately restore tribal law enforcement funding levels and reinstate the 7% tribal set-aside of OJP programs.”

Indian reservations nationwide face violent crime rates more than 2.5 times the national rate, and some reservations face more than 20 times the national rate of violence. Non-Native offenders, immune to tribal prosecution, are many times responsible for violent crimes, gang activity, and drug trafficking on tribal lands. The TLOA provides tribal and federal law enforcement officials the tools to work together to combat crime and prosecute these offenders. Initial programs are beginning to make significant reductions in crime but implementation of the law is in its early stages. These cuts slash core funding at a critical time and chip away at the gains made since the TLOA was passed.

On late Monday evening of this week, Congress released the FY2012 Appropriations Conference Report for Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), which includes all Department of Justice (DOJ) tribal programs. The report drastically cut funding for tribal justice programs across the board and did not include the proposed 7% tribal set-aside for all discretionary Office of Justice Programs (OJP) programs—which has previously been supported by both the House and Senate CJS Subcommittees (the House in FY 2011 and the Senate in FY 2012). The Conference Report proposes $15 million cuts to both the COPS Tribal Resources Grant Program and the Tribal Youth Program. Funding for tribal assistance within OJP was also decimated, receiving only $38 million—a mere fraction of the approximate $100 million initially proposed in the President’s FY2012 budget request.

 to download a background document on this issue.

US Congress Deals Major Setback to Tribal Justice Programs

The Stand Against Violence and Empower Native Women (SAVE Native Women) Act would empower tribes to prosecute violent crimes and better serve victims

Portland, Oregon – The nation’s leading American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), announced today its full support for the Stand Against Violence and Empower Native Women (SAVE Native Women) Act. The SAVE Native Women Act was introduced on Monday October 31, 2011 on the Senate floor by Senator Daniel Akaka, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

“We stand with Senator Akaka in full support of this legislation, there is no time to delay in taking immediate action to stem the tide of violence against our Native women,” said NCAI President Jefferson Keel from NCAI’s 68th Annual Convention being held this week in Portland, Oregon. “The epidemic rates of violence and sexual assault against Native women are tied directly to the limitations that the United States has placed on tribal authority to prosecute non-Native offenders. When perpetrators go unprosecuted, they are free to reoffend with impunity. This legislation aims to address these problems and enhance the safety of our women.”

The bill would strengthen the tribal title of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in a number of ways. If enacted, the bill would restore tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit crimes of dating violence and domestic violence on tribal lands, as well as those who violate protection orders. It would clarify tribal civil jurisdiction to issue and enforce protection orders, strengthen tribal coalition programs, and improve the response to sex trafficking of Native women.

According to a study by the Department of Justice, two-in-five women in Native communities will suffer domestic violence, and one-in-three will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. To make matters worse, four out of five perpetrators of these crimes are non-Indian and, under current law, cannot be prosecuted by tribal governments. This has contributed to a growing sense of lawlessness on Indian reservations and a perpetuation of victimization of Native women.

“We cannot let the next generation of young Native women grow up as their mothers have—in unbearable situations that threaten their security, stability, and even their lives,” said Senator Akaka. “Violence against Native women affects each and every one of us. We need to work on finding ways to keep women safe, empower them, and help them heal.”

“This is an epidemic. It is unacceptable. And, we must stand against it,” said Senator Akaka. “I am committed to working with NCAI to protect at-risk Native women, to pass this much needed legislation.”

Many of the proposals in the SAVE Native Women Act were drafted in close collaboration with the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women. “These proposals didn’t just appear overnight—they are the product of more than two years of meetings, strategy sessions, and drafting calls with our task force members and national advocates,” stated Juana Majel-Dixon, Co-chair of the NCAI Task Force. “They have been carefully crafted and thoroughly vetted,” she added.

The NCAI Task Force will continue to work closely with Senate staff to ensure passage of this new bill. "Senator Akaka's SAVE Native Women Act has the potential to restore safety and justice for American Indian and Alaska Native women. It offers American Indian tribes the opportunity to increase life-saving protections for women living within tribal jurisdiction,” said Terri Henry, Majel-Dixon’s fellow Co-chair on the Task Force.

NCAI and Senator Akaka Team Up to Protect Native Women

Above: Senator Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, stands with tribal leaders as part of Tribal Unity Impact Week on Capitol Hill. Tribal leaders from leading tribal organizations and tribes across Indian Country, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian leaders, called on Congress to take immediate action on the most pressing issues facing Native nations.

Visit our photo gallery to download and view more images

Washington, DC- American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian leaders stood in front of the U.S. Capitol this past Tuesday and called for immediate action on the most pressing issues facing Native nations and people. In launching Tribal Unity Impact Week, the leaders called on Congress to acknowledge and recommit themselves to protect tribal land, the safety of Native women, and the federal trust responsibility to invest in and support Indian Country.

In a media event held in front of the U.S. Capitol, NCAI President Jefferson Keel, was joined by Senator Daniel Akaka (HI), chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, as well as elected officials from tribal nations and leaders of Indian organizations.

"We are here on Capitol Hill with a loud and clear message for all members of Congress to hear. The federal trust responsibility must be respected and, as tribal leaders, we will continue to protect what is most important to us: our land, our families, and our economic vitality," said NCAI's President Keel in a statement following the event. "We have asked members of Congress to do more than listen; we call on them to stand with us on these issues. Together we will be stronger."

In a letter to Congress, participants of Tribal Unity Impact Week called on Congress to acknowledge and recommit themselves to the most pressing issues facing Indian Country.

"Tribes and tribal entities have patiently participated in the political process, but recognizing the urgency of these pressing issues, we are now increasing our call for congressional action," reads a letter signed by twelve leaders from the nation's leading tribal and Native organizations. "We call on U.S. Congress members to stand with us today, so we might stand together stronger, in the future." Read the letter signed by the participating organizations.

As the nation's oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization, NCAI brought together leading inter-tribal organizations to organize the event.

Leaders attending the week of meetings are representing the unified voice of hundreds of tribal nations and Indigenous communities from around the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. In addition to NCAI, the following inter-tribal organizations partnered to organize Tribal Unity Impact Week: Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Alaska Federation of Natives, All Indian Pueblo Council, California Association of Tribal Governments, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Navajo Nation, United South and Eastern Tribes, and United Tribes of North Dakota.

Tribal Leaders Call for Increased Focus on Pressing Issues Facing Indian Country

Elected officials and advocates to call for members of Congress to stand with Indian Country during Tribal Unity Impact Week

Washington, DC- In a rare and impressive gathering of indigenous influence, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian leaders will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol today and call for immediate action on the most pressing issues facing Native nations and people. In launching Tribal Unity Impact Week on Tuesday, the leaders will call on Congress to acknowledge and recommit themselves to the 

most pressing issues facing Indian Country

.

“Tribes and tribal entities have patiently participated in the political process, but recognizing the urgency of these pressing issues, we are now increasing our call for congressional action,” reads a letter signed by twelve leaders from the nation’s leading tribal and Native organizations. “We call on U.S. Congress members to stand with us today, so we might stand together stronger, in the future.” 

Read the letter signed by the participating organizations

.

Following a morning session with members of Congress on Tuesday, tribal leaders will gather for a media event in front of the U.S. Capitol titled “Standing Together for Tribal Nations.” The event will take place at 12pm on the Northeast quadrant, U.S. Capitol East (Senate “Swamp”).

Leaders attending the week of meetings are representing the unified voice of hundreds of tribal nations and indigenous communities from around the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. The following organizations have organized the week of events; National Congress of American Indians, United South and Eastern Tribes, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Alaska Federation of Natives, California Association of Tribal Governments, Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association, United Tribes of North Dakota, All Indian Pueblo Council, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, National American Indian Housing Council, and the Navajo Nation.

Tribal Leaders Converge on Capitol to Call for Attention to Critical Issues

Jefferson Keel, Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation and President of NCAI, served over twenty years in the United States Army.

Today, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) joins all Americans in honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. For over twenty years I served alongside men and women from every walk of life and from every corner of this country, to protect our freedom. It is my privilege as the President of NCAI to recognize the sacrifice and selfless contributions of our nation’s service members, of both Native and non-Native heritage. Our unified purpose to defend our constitution, our people, and our sovereignty, is the greatest equalizer and American Indian and Alaska Native people are proud of our contribution to the United States.
American Indians and Alaska Natives serve at the highest rate per capita and we honor the place of warriors in our communities and in our culture on a daily basis. In Indian Country we always recognize our veterans first, they open our ceremonies, and they carry the flags of our nations. Our veterans are our most valiant warriors. And yet, we as a country and as tribal nations can always do more on a daily basis to honor and serve our veterans. In the days and months to come it will be imperative that we continue to improve our services for our returning veterans.

According to the federal government, there are over 137,000 American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans living in the United States and ten percent of these veterans are women. The Pentagon estimates that nearly 24,000 American Indian and Alaska Native active duty personnel currently serve across the Armed Forces. On a daily basis active duty members become veterans and too many times our veterans return home to find that their greatest challenges still lie ahead.

At the National Congress of American Indians, we remain committed to finding the path for our veterans to become tribal leaders, teachers, business owners, active citizens, and successful parents. NCAI continues to be fully dedicated to serving veterans when they return to civilian life. We’ll continue to work with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the agency’s Office of Tribal Government Relations to remember our veterans with the greatest honor; reciprocating their service with an equal or greater dedication to serve them.

I extend NCAI’s deepest gratitude to our nation’s veterans today and to their families. Thank you for your service.


Jefferson Keel, Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation and President of NCAI, served over twenty years in the United States Army. He served as a Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Leader, both in peacetime and in combat. President Keel also served two extended tours of duty in the 1st Cavalry Division and the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam and received numerous awards and decorations for heroism, including two Purple Hearts.

Statement by NCAI President Jefferson Keel on Veterans Day

Statement following President Obama's Jobs Speech

Washington, DC - The nation's oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), released a statement today supporting President Obama's Jobs Act proposal.

"NCAI applauds the President for taking action and supports the very real impact of the American Jobs Act for tribal nations and Native people. Over 20,000 Native American-owned small businesses would benefit from tax cuts and 1.5 million Native American workers will benefit from the extension of the payroll tax cut," said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI.
“We applaud the Act’s specific investment in tribal infrastructure – schools, roads, homes –and our citizens – construction workers, teachers, and veterans -- to name just a few. Given the staggering unemployment crisis in Indian Country, for tribal economies the time to act is now and Congress cannot wait another minute,” concluded Keel.

The American Jobs Act as proposed by President Obama has the potential to fully utilize the economic potential of tribal nations. Tribal governments create jobs for tribal citizens and their non-Native neighbors from Phoenix to rural Alaska and from Mississippi to Minneapolis. As tribal governments make tough choices to spur economic growth and close budget gaps, NCAI urges our colleagues in the Congress to reach across the aisle, get this bill passed, and put America back to work.

NCAI Urges Passage of the American Jobs Act

Note from NCAI President Keel on participating in the White House Rural Economic Forum in Iowa

Like so many of our rural neighbors, American Indian and Alaska Native communities have felt the burden of our nation’s economic challenges. In fact tribal nations have known hardship like this for too long. That is why

 the efforts of the White House to find economic development solutions

 for Indian Country have been so important to tribal leaders and entrepreneurs. It’s also the reason I accepted the invitation to join other rural leaders in Iowa to have an important conversation with President Obama and Secretaries Vilsack, Salazar, Donovan, and LaHood about the economic viability of our country, including our tribal nations. The discussions with the President and Secretaries were constructive and encouraging.

, established this past June, is a flagship effort that shows President Obama is serious about building a strong economic future for all Americans. The fact that tribes have a seat at the table as rural policy is considered is a reflection of a commitment to the nation-to-nation relationship that began even before the President took office. It is a commitment that acknowledges the need to address the challenges tribes face and sees the innovation tribal nations offer to build a stronger America.

Native people are America’s most rural population and tribal lands consist of over five percent of the nation’s land base (an area that would make Indian Country the nation’s fourth largest state). While many of our communities are among the poorest in the country and unemployment rates in Indian Country often stand above 50 percent, tribes are leading the way in developing and implementing innovative policy.

During my conversations in Iowa with the President and cabinet members, I emphasized that many of the key drivers of the 21st century American economy are areas where rural communities – and tribes specifically – offer strong opportunities for investment and innovation. The vision of a globally competitive America with a diverse middle class requires substantial investments in renewable energy, broadband, education systems, and economic development in rural areas. Modernizing rural infrastructure, sustainably managing natural resources, ensuring the quality of food systems, and many other rural focused policy strategies, are critical to the economic strength of our nation.

Tribes offer dependable, domestic energy and stand ready to contribute to America’s clean energy economy. Indian lands comprise 10 percent of the nation’s natural resources and significant energy potential – enough to meet 32 percent of the nation’s energy needs with wind power and 2 times our energy needs with solar power. Investments in access to the power grid for tribal and other rural communities can secure our sustainable energy future.

Tribes are also home to innovative rural economic development. Innovative tribal business owners have been on the forefront of the “onshoring” movement to utilize the lower cost of labor and land in rural communities to keep direct mail and similar businesses based in the United States. Reservation-based businesses have garnered interest from major companies looking for alternatives to outsourcing. The success of these enterprises depends on the availability of broadband infrastructure. Broadband is the back-bone of the new emerging economy. And it is available to almost every American (95 percent) but in tribal communities, it only reaches 10 percent of possible users. Broadband is the pipeline to progress, and we need investment, but first we need an end to barriers that stand in the way of that investment.
Yes, there is much to do to revitalize our economies, our communities, and rural America, but we must do it together. Tribal nations, as outlined by the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court, are vital members of the American family of governments. Last week in Iowa, as I sat across from President Obama, Secretary Vilsack, and Americans from diverse rural communities, I felt confident that not only will tribal leaders play an important role in building better policies, tribal nations will play a vital role in solving the great challenges our nation faces. We will do this together, as a family of governments and a family of American citizens.

For more on these issues see NCAI’s paper “

Innovative Tribal Nations in Rural America

The American Family of Governments, Working Together to Strengthen America’s Economy

NCAI opposes Keystone XL Tar Sands Oil Pipeline; calls for energy demand to be met by responsible energy development

WASHINGTON, DC – In anticipation of a forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement by U.S. State Department on the proposed Keystone XL Oil Pipeline, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) issued a statement today saying the proposed pipeline expansion could severely impact Native American communities and “poses grave dangers if it is constructed.” The statement released by NCAI, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization, reaffirms the position of its members and expresses solidarity with Canadian First Nations concerned about the project.

“The Keystone XL pipeline . . . would threaten, among other things, water aquifers, water ways, cultural sites, agricultural lands, animal life, public drinking water sources and other resources vital to the peoples of the region in which the pipeline is proposed to be constructed,” reads an NCAI resolution (

) passed at the organization’s most recent gathering of members this past June.

The organization is calling for domestic energy demands to be met by developing energy resources responsibly in order to protect vital natural resources, such as vast water reserves.

“Homeland and economic security starts with energy security, but Indian Country wants it to be done right; not at the expense of the health of our communities and resources, both tribal and non-tribal, ” said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI, citing the importance of looking to clean domestic energy as a more reliable solution. “During challenging economic times in our country and in our tribal nations, domestic energy when developed responsibly can create jobs while ensuring that our people and natural resources remain safe and plentiful.”

The proposed expansion of the pipeline would cross through northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Oklahoma with potential devastating impacts on communities in surrounding areas and states. A recent study by a University of Nebraska hydrologist outlines a worst case spill scenario, estimating that Keystone XL could spill as much as 7.9 million gallons in Nebraska's Sandhills, polluting 5 billion gallons of groundwater with benzene, contaminating water used for agriculture and drinking drawn from the Ogallala Aquifer, and more than 6.9 million gallons of tar sands crude at the Yellowstone River crossing. That estimate far exceeds the Exxon Mobil’s July 1, 2011 spill of 42,000 gallons near the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation territory in south-central Montana, contaminating 240 miles of the Yellowstone River.

Responsible alternatives to importing energy resources from outside the United States are abundant, and specifically on tribal lands. In addition to plentiful traditional energy options on tribal lands, the National Renewable Energy Lab’s (NREL) estimates that the wind potential in Indian Country could provide 32 percent of U.S. annual electric generation, where as solar energy potential in Indian Country equals twice the total amount of electricity the U.S. generates per year.

The U.S. State Department is expected to issue the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the pipeline in mid-August. Following the issuance of the FEIS, the State Department will undergo a 90-day process to determine whether the pipeline serves the national interest. The National Interest Determination is made by the U.S. State Department and is the final step in the permitting process.

Click here to download and read NCAI’s Resolution:


Keystone XL Tar Sands Oil Pipeline “Poses Grave Dangers” to Tribal Nations

NCAI calls for the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction to Consider the Federal Obligations to Indian Tribes

Washington, DC - The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in a statement released today acknowledged the hard work of the President and Congress in averting a debt default by the United States. Immediately following the signature of the bill into law by President Obama, NCAI called on leaders of Congress and the President, to ensure members appointed to the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction have significant experience with the constitutional federal trust responsibility to tribal nations.

"President Obama and members of Congress worked hard to protect the economic security of our country. Now, there is much more work to be done. As members of the American family of governments, tribal nations will continue the effort to strengthen our economies," said NCAI President Jefferson Keel shortly after President Obama signed legislation to avoid financial crisis. "In order to do so, we call on Congress to appoint members of the new Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction who are well versed in the federal trust responsibility to Indian tribes."

Tribal governments are essential components of the American governmental framework, as assigned in the constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. It's essential that the commitments to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes are honored when appropriating dollars and evaluating spending for education, law enforcement, emergency and disaster funding, infrastructure, health care, and social services.

"Tribal economies have felt some of the most significant pain in this recession. However, we've stayed optimistic about the opportunities available to create greater economic prosperity and we can't let our momentum slow," continued President Keel, the Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. "We are dedicated to engaging in the new energy economy, developing infrastructure, strengthening our schools, and contributing to the economy of the United States. Good fiscal policy for America considers and invests in the unique opportunities presented by the innovation of tribal governments."

Keel concluded by stating, "Tribes understand the need to make government more efficient, however if tribal nations aren't adequately represented on the Joint Committee, the United States will be weaker as a result."

Indian Country Looks Forward Following Debt-Limit Deal

Pioneer of Federal Indian Law, David Getches, Passes Away; Remembered for Forging "A Revolution in Federal Indian law"

David Getches, 68, a leading American Indian rights lawyer, legal scholar, and founding Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), passed away at his home on Tuesday July 5, 2011 from pancreatic cancer. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has posthumously awarded the NCAI Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Getches; one of the highest honors given by the nation's oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization.

"David Getches forged a revolution in federal Indian law that led to a new respect for the rights of Indian tribes in courthouses throughout the nation," said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI. "He was an exceptional man. Across Indian Country, Mr. Getches will be remembered as a great friend and brother to Native people. NCAI extends our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues for this profound loss."

The NCAI Board learned of David Getches' declining health last week and they reached an immediate, unanimous decision to recognize his lifelong contribution to American Indian law and tribal sovereignty. NCAI's Lifetime Achievement Award is given to those outstanding individuals who honor the place of American Indian nations, cultures and governments through a lifetime of work and personal dedication that produce results of historic proportions.

As the founding Executive Director of NARF, he was responsible for developing the staff, funding, and program of the organization, the leading and most influential nonprofit Indian-interest law firm. Getches litigated major cases involving Native rights, including the Northwest Indian fishing rights case (United States v. Washington, also known as "the Boldt decision"), which stands today as the leading case on the enforcement of tribal treaty rights. Getches also litigated a case on behalf of the Inupiaq to establish the North Slope Borough, the largest municipality in the world, which includes the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. Other cases he has been involved with have dealt with water rights, land claims, federal trust responsibilities, environmental issues, education, and civil rights on behalf of Native American clients throughout the country.

Getches most recently served as the Dean of the University of Colorado Law School since 2003 and has taught at the school since 1979. He took two leaves from the University of Colorado, first to serve as the executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources from 1983 to 1987, and then to serve as a special consultant to the Secretary of the Interior in 1996.

A national authority on natural resources and Indian law issues, Getches taught and wrote widely on water law, public land law, environmental law, and Indian law. Getches has published several books, written many articles and book chapters that appear in diverse scholarly and popular sources, including recent articles calling for legal reform regarding the Colorado River and criticizing the Supreme Court's departure from traditional principles in Indian law.



The NCAI Lifetime Achievement Award reads:



"National Congress of American Indians
Lifetime Achievement Award

David Getches, Founder of the Native American Rights Fund

Defender and Advocate for Tribal Sovereignty,
Treaty Rights and the Federal Trust Responsibility

Your piercing intelligence, diligent work and compassion for the Native cause fostered a legal revolution and brought hope and justice to Indian communities nationwide. We thank you and lift you up in our hearts."

White House kitchen garden event focuses on traditional food and celebrates launch of Let’s Move! in Indian Country

Washington, DC - President Jefferson Keel of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the country’s oldest and largest American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization, joined with Michelle Obama today to celebrate the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles for Native American youth. Mrs. Obama, President Keel, and American Indian and Alaska Native children planted the “three sisters”– corns, beans and squash – in the White House kitchen garden. The event comes one week after the launch of Let’s Move! in Indian Country; a new initiative by the First Lady to reach Native young people.

“Supporting and reinvigorating our traditional ways of healthy living and eating is one of the most important things we can do to strengthen our Native American communities,” said NCAI President Keel after the event. “What the First Lady is doing is incredible. Let’s Move! in Indian Country is reaching a generation of tribal youth and connecting them with a healthy, traditional path in life. As tribal leaders we are very supportive and grateful for her efforts.”

According to the Indian Health Service the obesity rate among American Indian and Alaska Native youth is approaching 50%, twice as high as their white counterparts; and 20% of American Indians ages 15 years or older had pre-diabetes in 2001–2004. American Indian/Alaska Native adults are nearly two times as likely to be obese as their white counterparts. American Indian/Alaska Native adults are more than twice as likely as white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes.

“Last week we launched a new component of the program called Let's Move! (in) Indian Country. And we’re working specifically with young kids in the Native American community all across the country,” said the First Lady, Michelle Obama, addressing the American Indian and Alaska Native children. “This planting is a special way to highlight that new initiative. And this is the first time ever that we’re going to do a three sisters planting here in the White House kitchen garden. And you all are going to be a part of making that happen.”

After speaking to the youth gathered at the White House kitchen garden, President Keel spoke to the importance of healthy lifestyles for Native youth and performed a blessing for the event. Mrs. Obama, President Keel, and the children then planted the “three sisters” and harvested crops in the garden, including lettuces, rhubarb, chard, kohlrabi, sugar snap peas, turnips, broccoli and herbs – some of which will be used in Tuesday’s State Dinner in honor of Chancellor Angela Merkel. These crops were originally planted in March by Mrs. Obama and children from Harriet Tubman and Bancroft Elementary Schools.

The American Indian and Alaska Native children who joined Mrs. Obama and President Keel today come from a variety of tribal nations including Jemez Pueblo, Skokomish, Cherokee, Sault Ste. Marie, Navajo, Turtle Mountain Chippewa, St. Regis Mohawk, Tlingit, Oglala Sioux, Standing Rock Sioux, and the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. Mrs. Obama was also joined by leaders in the Native American community, including Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk, Indian Health Service Director Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Director Dennis Concannon, Bureau of Indian Education Director Keith Moore, National Museum of the American Indian Director Kevin Gover, NFL quarterback Sam Bradford and basketball player Tahnee Robinson.

Photos of the event are available for free use here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncai/sets/72157626878947612/

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