 — As the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Tribal Nations, and advocates observe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) Awareness Day, we are reminded that this crisis is not abstract — it is personal. Behind every recommendation are families still searching for answers and communities working to keep their people safe.

The work to prevent tragedy and keep our women, children, and relatives safe is further strengthened by the leadership of the NCAI Violence Against Women (VAW) Task Force, which has consistently elevated the priorities of Tribal Nations in addressing violence against Native women and communities. The Task Force has played a critical role in ensuring that federal policies are informed by those closest to the issue and grounded in the realities facing Tribal communities. Their work reinforces a fundamental truth: Effective solutions must be shaped and led by the voices of victims, survivors, and families.

NCAI underscores the critical importance of the Not Invisible Act Commission (The Commission), the Not One More: Findings & Recommendations of the Not Invisible Act Commission (Not One More Report), and the response reports from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as foundational efforts to address the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).

The work of The Commission reflects the voices of Tribal leaders, survivors, and families who have long called for action — not more studies, but real solutions. Together, they provide a roadmap to improve coordination, strengthen data systems, enhance victim services, and respect Tribal sovereignty in protecting our communities.

Shannon Holsey, NCAI VAW Task Force Co-Chair and President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, expressed her thoughts on the importance of this day of observance: “Today is a powerful reaffirmation of why the Violence Against Women Task Force exists — to center the voices of Native women, survivors, Tribal leaders, and advocates, and to ensure that safety for our women and families remains a national priority grounded in Tribal sovereignty. The Task Force’s work, including the recommendations advanced through the Not Invisible Act, reflects years of Tribal expertise, lived experience, and survivor‑led advocacy.”

She added, “These recommendations were not meant to sit on a shelf. They require full implementation, sustained coordination across federal agencies, and accountability at every level of government. The federal government has a responsibility to follow through — to move beyond acknowledgment and toward action — so that the commitments made to protect Native women and communities result in measurable, lasting change.”

Last year, the DOJ removed the “Not One More Report” from the DOJ website, eliminating access to this critical resource. Public access to these materials is essential. When they are removed or made difficult to find on government websites, it creates real barriers for those working on the ground to implement solutions and to hold the government accountable. This action raises serious concerns about transparency and signals a step backward at a time when sustained commitment is needed most. For Tribal Nations, this kind of erasure cuts deeper as it risks undermining the trust built through consultation and shared work.

Carmen O’Leary, NCAI VAW Task Force Co-Chair and Director of the Native Women’s Society of the Great Plains, stated, “The efforts to bring about the Not One More Report were time- and resource-consuming. Choosing commissioners was thoughtful work and brought together a group that included multiple disciplines and many Tribal Nations. The report analyzed the emotional accounts of many to identify the gaps in policy, law, and procedures that have led to the deaths and injustices suffered in Indian Country and beyond. Ignoring the final product of this work enables the injustices to continue and wastes the precious time and resources expended to shape the recommendations, to resolve problems, and create safety.”

#SEA-25-081: Supporting a Whole-of-Government Implementation of the “Not One More” / Not Invisible Act Commission Recommendations to Address Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples and Human Trafficking

 — adopted by the NCAI General Assembly at its 82nd Annual Convention — Tribal Nations expressed their unified voice: The federal government must restore these resources and fully implement the recommendations. This is not just a policy request; it is a call to honor the time, testimony, and lived experiences that shaped these efforts. When the voices of victims, survivors, and families are centered, the path forward becomes clearer, more effective, and more just.

Not One More Report and related responses

 from DOJ, DOI, and DHHS publicly available to ensure Tribal leaders, families, and advocates can continue to access these tools, push for progress, and hold the federal government accountable. This is the first time in over a year that these three documents have been presented together on a publicly accessible website.

NCAI calls for the immediate restoration and preservation of these resources on federal platforms as well as full implementation of the recommendations by Congress, the President, and all relevant federal agencies. Ensuring continued access and implementation is one step toward honoring survivors, supporting families, and making meaningful progress toward ending the MMIPR crisis. The work has already been outlined. What is needed now is follow-through.

Tami Truett Jerue, NCAI VAW Task Force Co-Chair, Executive Director of the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center, and Not Invisible Act Commission Member, added, “The Not Invisible Act Commission was built on the voices of survivors, families, and Tribal Nations who trusted that their pain would be heard and their testimony would lead to change. That trust demands a response. The Commission identified gaps in law, policy, and practice that have allowed violence against Alaska Native and American Indian women and girls to go unaddressed for far too long. May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives, is a reminder that those recommendations are not suggestions. They are the pathway to safety. The recommendations exist. The path is clear. Our communities have waited long enough. It is time to act.”

Not One More Report and Related Resources

NCAI and VAW Task Force Co-Chairs Commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Awareness Day

 — The National Congress of American Indians was honored to be represented by NCAI President Mark Macarro and Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr., during events held in conjunction with His Majesty King Charles III’s visit to Washington, D.C., including the Garden Party hosted at the British Ambassador’s residence. Guests included Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs; Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson; former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul; and Holly Cook Macarro, wife of NCAI President Macarro. In addition to the Garden Party, President Macarro was a special guest of King Charles III at the joint meeting of Congress, along with other dignitaries and leaders of causes important to His Majesty.

Their participation reflects the importance of ensuring Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples are visible and included in diplomatic, governmental, and international spaces where relationships are strengthened, histories are acknowledged — including difficult histories — and shared futures are discussed. NCAI’s inclusion in these events was meaningful and emblematic of a broader acknowledgment of the sovereign status of Tribal Nations and the importance of Indigenous representation in diplomatic spaces.

NCAI’s presence at these events underscores a fundamental truth: Tribal Nations are sovereign governments with enduring political, cultural, and diplomatic relationships that long predate the formation of the United States and continue to shape the world today. As heads of sovereigns, Tribal Leaders must be included in conversations with other Heads of State and Government to ensure our interests and rights are being preserved, protected, and enhanced.

“It was an honor to meet His Majesty King Charles III during his visit to Washington, D.C., and to attend the Garden Party at the British Ambassador’s residence alongside NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We were also deeply honored to be among those invited to attend the King’s historic address before Congress. Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples must be seen and included in spaces where diplomacy, history, and future partnerships are being shaped, and NCAI is proud to represent Indian Country.”

Since ascending to the British throne, His Majesty King Charles III has met with and engaged in dialogue with Indigenous leaders from Canada and Brazil. King Charles III will conclude his visit to the United States by meeting with Tribal representatives at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

NCAI looks forward to continuing its work with Tribal Nations, partners, and allies to advance sovereignty, uphold trust and treaty obligations, and strengthen the visibility and influence of Indigenous leadership at every level.

NCAI Statement on President Mark Macarro and Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.'s Participation in Events During His Majesty King Charles III’s Visit to Washington, D.C.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act with their ruling in

. The Native American Rights Fund and the National Congress of American Indians who have fought for Native voting rights since their inceptions more than 50 years ago respond:

Today’s decision cruelly undercuts the Voting Rights Act, the foundational tool for Native voters and other voters of color to protect themselves from racial discrimination when voting, including in redistricting. This decision mocks our shared democratic principles and will have a direct impact on people’s lives. When a Tribal Nation or Native American community’s political voice is diluted, so is its ability to secure good schools, adequate infrastructure, health care access, environmental protections, and economic opportunity. Taking away voting protections, like what happened with today’s decision, makes it harder and at times impossible for Native voters to elect representatives who will respond to their needs.

Native American communities and other voters of color continue to face 

unique and unreasonable obstacles to voting and having their votes count

. This ruling denies the reality that racial discrimination is prevalent and ongoing, but it does not change the fact it is. Indeed, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has never lost on the merits of any redistricting lawsuit it has brought on behalf of Native people and Tribes. In just the last five years NARF and our partners have successfully brought cases in 

. Across this nation, the Voting Rights Act once stood as an important deterrent to those who would undermine the fundamental rights of Native voters, but today’s decision will embolden racial discrimination against Native voters and other voters of color.

Every voter’s voice should count. Over the more-than-fifty years since our foundings, we at the Native American Rights Fund and the National Congress of American Indians have — over and over again — joined organizers and advocates across the country to repel attacks on voting rights. In fact, every major civil rights victory in our history has grown out of a moment such as this one. We will continue to fight for justice for Native voters and all voters because our country is stronger when our democratic values are honored and every vote is protected.

NCAI and NARF Joint Statement: SCOTUS Ruling Guts Voter Protections

The National Congress of American Indians mourns the passing of Louise Benson, former Chairwoman of the Hualapai Tribe, who passed away at the age of 83. A dedicated leader and steadfast advocate for her people, Chairwoman Benson leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership, economic development, and long-term investment in the future of the Hualapai Nation.

During her tenure, Benson played a central role in the development of Grand Canyon West, transforming it into a globally recognized destination on Hualapai lands. She led efforts to establish the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which has welcomed millions of visitors since its opening and created lasting economic opportunities for the Tribe. Her administration also advanced critical infrastructure, including the paving of Diamond Bar Road, improving access to the region.

Chairwoman Benson was equally committed to protecting the long-term well-being of her Nation. She spearheaded a decade-long effort to secure water rights for the Hualapai Tribe, laying the groundwork for 

a historic Tribal water rights settlement

 that ensures future generations have access to essential resources. Her leadership reflected a deep commitment to sovereignty, self-determination, and the prosperity of her people.

On behalf of NCAI, we extend our deepest condolences to the Hualapai Tribe, Chairwoman Benson’s family, and all those who were impacted by her life and leadership. Her legacy will continue to shape Indian Country for generations to come.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Louise Benson, Former Chairwoman of the Hualapai Tribe

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) honors former National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland (Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe) for her longstanding service to Tribal Nations and her broad contributions across Indian Country as she ends her federal service. Hovland has built a career grounded in public service, Tribal leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening Native communities. At the NIGC — where she served in multiple leadership roles and as Vice Chair since January 17, 2021 — she has helped regulate and protect the integrity of more than 500 Tribal gaming facilities operated by over 245 Tribal Nations across 29 states.

Throughout her time in leadership, Hovland championed Tribal sovereignty, supported the long-term strength of Tribal gaming, and helped ensure that the industry continues to serve as an economic engine for Tribal Nations and their citizens. In recent years, her work has also included elevating awareness around urgent community safety issues, including efforts to combat human trafficking and other threats facing Tribal communities. The NIGC has specifically highlighted her advocacy for protecting Tribal sovereignty, developing the next generation of gaming leaders, and securing federal resources to address these issues.

“Jeannie has been a long-time friend and someone I have respected for many years,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Her work has never been limited to one lane. She has shown up for Indian Country across many areas — always with professionalism, heart, and a sincere commitment to Indian Country. She understands the responsibility that comes with leadership, and she has carried that responsibility with grace, strength, and consistency. Beyond her diligence and advocacy, I have always appreciated the way she has remained grounded and active in service to Native communities. Her contributions have made a real difference, and we are grateful for all she has done.”

NCAI recognizes that Hovland’s service reflects the kind of leadership that matters deeply in Indian Country: leadership rooted in relationships, accountability, and a clear understanding that the work must always center on supporting Tribal Nations and future generations.

NCAI extends its appreciation to Vice Chair Hovland for her years of service and wishes her continued success in all that lies ahead.

NCAI Honors Former National Indian Gaming Commission Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) celebrates the achievements of Native women leaders of NCAI and across Indian Country. NCAI was established in response to federal termination and assimilation policies with a mission grounded in protecting treaty rights, defending Tribal sovereignty, and uniting Tribal Nations around shared priorities. In 1944, six women attended NCAI’s first convention, contributing to the organization’s formation and representing their Tribal Nations as they adopted resolutions that reflected this purpose.


“NCAI is strong because Native women continue to lead at every level of this organization,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Every day, the Native women of NCAI demonstrate what leadership looks like in service to Indian Country. We proudly recognize the women whose voices are guiding critical conversations on sovereignty, governance, community well-being, and the future of our Nations. Their service reflects the strength, wisdom, and responsibility that Native women have always carried in Tribal leadership.”


From the very beginning of NCAI’s history, women have served critical roles in advancing that work. NCAI’s earliest leadership included Ruth Muskrat Bronson (Cherokee), who served as the organization’s first Executive Director, followed by other influential leaders including: Helen Peterson (Oglala Sioux), Suzan Shown Harjo (Cheyenne/Muscogee), A. Gay Kingman (Cheyenne River Sioux), Rachel Joseph (Lone Pine Paiute), JoAnn K. Chase (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara), and Jacqueline Johnson Pata (Tlingit). Women have also served across NCAI’s Executive Committee, including in NCAI’s highest elected office: Presidents Veronica L. Homer (Mohave), Susan Masten (Yurok), and Fawn Sharp (Quinault Indian Nation). These women, along with the countless others who have served in leadership positions with NCAI, have helped shape policy advocacy, elevate Tribal priorities on a national stage, strengthen organizational capacity, and move Indian Country forward across generations.


When asked about her experience, former NCAI President Susan Masten said, “It was an honor to be one of only three women to serve as President of NCAI, alongside Veronica Homer and Fawn Sharp. Native women bring strength, wisdom, and compassion to our Nations. Our leadership is rooted in culture and guided by our ancestors. During Women’s History Month, I honor the women who came before us and the young women who will carry our Nations forward.”


Today, the women serving on NCAI’s Executive Committee include Recording Secretary Christie Modlin (Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma), Treasurer Ashley Cornforth (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community), Midwest Regional Vice President Wendy Merrill (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), Pacific Regional Vice President Geneva Mojado (Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians), Southeast Regional Vice President Lora Ann Chaisson (United Houma Nation), and Eastern Oklahoma Alternate Vice President Pamela Shaw (Osage Nation). Their service reflects the enduring strength, vision, and commitment that Native women bring to governance, advocacy, and nation-building.


“When we look across Indian Country, we see the lasting impact of women leaders who have built strong institutions, defended Tribal interests, and created pathways for future generations,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “From the women who helped shape NCAI’s own history to the many women leading Native-serving organizations and Tribal Nations today, their work has advanced policy, protected families, strengthened communities, and helped ensure that our Native voices are heard and represented in every space where decisions are made.”


As NCAI continues its work to protect Tribal sovereignty and uphold nation-to-nation relationships, we honor the women whose leadership has helped define NCAI’s work for more than eight decades. Their contributions are woven into the history of NCAI, the progress of Tribal Nations, and the future of Indian Country.


About the National Congress of American Indians:

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

NCAI Honors the Women Who Have Helped Shape Indian Country and Strengthen Tribal Sovereignty

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) congratulates Senator Markwayne Mullin (Cherokee Nation) on his confirmation as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Secretary Mullin’s confirmation to a cabinet-level position reflects the growing presence of Native voices in the highest levels of federal leadership. His lived experience as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation brings an important perspective to a department whose work directly impacts Tribal Nations, including emergency management, border security, cybersecurity, and infrastructure protection.

During his time in Congress, Secretary Mullin served on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and engaged on issues impacting Tribal communities, including economic development, infrastructure, and public safety. He has emphasized the federal government’s responsibility to Indian Country and the importance of understanding Tribal issues beyond partisan lines, underscoring the unique trust and treaty obligations owed to Tribal Nations.

“We look forward to working with Secretary Mullin to ensure Tribal Nations are treated as full partners in homeland security efforts to advance policies that address the unique needs and priorities of our communities through meaningful Tribal consultation,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro.

NCAI Congratulates Senator Markwayne Mullin on his Confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This role carries significant responsibility for the safety and security of communities across the country, including Tribal Nations.

The nomination of Senator Mullin (Cherokee Nation) to a cabinet-level position reflects the increasing presence of Native voices in national leadership. Representation matters, and the nomination of a Tribal citizen to such a prominent federal position is significant for Indian Country.

During his time in Congress, Senator Mullin has been a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) and engaged with issues affecting Tribal communities. He has supported efforts to strengthen economic development, infrastructure, and opportunity in Indian Country. Tribal leaders have long emphasized the importance of federal officials understanding the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States, as well as the unique public safety and homeland security challenges that many Tribal communities face.

As the nomination process moves forward, NCAI looks forward to hearing more about Senator Mullin’s priorities for DHS and how he plans to work with Tribal Nations. Robust, timely Tribal consultation and sustained collaboration with Tribal governments will be essential as DHS addresses issues such as border security, emergency management, cybersecurity, and infrastructure protection that affect Tribal lands and citizens.

NCAI remains committed to working with leaders across the federal government and with Congress to ensure that Tribal sovereignty is respected and that the priorities of Tribal Nations are reflected in national policy discussions.

About the National Congress of American Indians: 

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

NCAI Applauds Nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin for U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of JoAnn K. Chase (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara), a visionary leader and former Executive Director who strengthened NCAI’s national presence and advanced the rights of Tribal Nations across the United States. NCAI extends its deepest condolences to her family, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, and all who were impacted by her leadership, mentorship, and friendship.

JoAnn Chase served as Executive Director of NCAI and the NCAI Fund from 1994 to 2001. During her tenure, she transformed the organization’s capacity and reach, tripling its staff, operating budget, and Tribal membership. Under her leadership, NCAI became a stronger, more visible, and more effective advocate for Tribal sovereignty in the nation’s capital. She worked closely with Tribal Leaders, Congress, the Executive Branch, and national civil rights organizations to advance policies protecting Tribal self-determination and the rights of Tribal Nations.

“The role of Executive Director is both a privilege and an earned trust – one that requires listening, humility, and unwavering commitment to Tribal sovereignty,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. “JoAnn carried that trust with honor. Her leadership expanded NCAI’s capacity and strengthened our voice in Washington, and her legacy continues to guide the work we do for Tribal Nations today.”


Prior to serving as Executive Director, Chase held multiple leadership roles at NCAI, including Director of Governmental Affairs and Policy Analyst. Across these positions, she helped design and implement NCAI’s governmental affairs program, shaped public policy advocacy, and strengthened the organization’s legislative engagement on behalf of Tribal governments.

Throughout her distinguished career, Chase remained committed to building inclusive institutions and strengthening Native leadership. Following her tenure at NCAI, she served as Director of the American Indian Environmental Office in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she provided national leadership on environmental protection and Tribal consultation. She later continued her work in philanthropy, policy, and the arts, championing initiatives that expanded opportunity and representation for Indigenous Peoples and communities of color.


NCAI honors JoAnn Chase’s enduring contributions to Tribal Nations and to the generations of Native leaders who continue the work she helped strengthen. Her legacy lives on in the institutions she helped build and in the continued advancement of Tribal sovereignty across Indian Country.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of JoAnn K. Chase, Former Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, a lifelong champion for civil rights and human dignity whose leadership helped shape national movements for justice, inclusion, and opportunity.

For decades, Reverend Jackson pushed the country to do better by building coalitions, organizing alongside working families, and insisting that those too often excluded from decisions and resources be heard and respected. His steady voice reminded the nation that rights are not abstract, and dignity is not negotiable.

Tribal Nations know the long work of protecting the people — defending sovereignty, strengthening communities, and holding the United States to its promises. Reverend Jackson’s example reflects the power of principled leadership and solidarity across communities, and the responsibility to keep pressing forward when progress is resisted.

“Reverend Jackson devoted his life to advancing dignity and opportunity for those too often excluded from it,” said Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and to all who drew strength from his message. May his legacy continue to move our nation toward fairness, respect, and equality for all.”

NCAI extends condolences to Reverend Jackson’s family, friends, and all those who carry his work forward.

National Congress of American Indians Mourns the Passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson

The National Congress of American Indians mourns the passing of Jim Gray, former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, and extends its deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the Osage people.


“Jim Gray devoted his life to strengthening the Osage Nation and advancing Tribal sovereignty through lasting nation-building,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “He led with integrity and a clear commitment to his people, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations. On behalf of NCAI, we extend our deepest condolences to the Osage Nation and to all who loved and learned from him.”


Chief Gray was widely respected for advancing nation-building and strengthening Tribal governance. During his service, he helped guide a significant restoration and modernization of Osage governance — work that centered Osage citizenship, expanded participation, and reinforced the inherent right of Tribal Nations to define their own political futures. He also brought a steady, informed voice to broader Indian Country conversations through his work in Native media and civic engagement.


NCAI honors Chief Gray’s legacy as the kind of leadership Indian Country depends on: grounded in community, focused on strong governance, and committed to sovereignty in practice — not just in principle. His work reflected a belief NCAI shares: that the strength of Indian Country is built through strong Tribal governments, accountable institutions, and informed citizens.


NCAI stands with the Osage Nation in honoring Chief Gray’s life and legacy, and in recognizing his lasting contributions to Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.


NCAI Mourns the Passing of Jim Gray, former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation

 | As tensions rise across the United States, especially in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the number of incidents where Tribal citizens are being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is increasing.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is deeply troubled by these and other incidents and encourages Tribal citizens to ensure they are familiar with their rights both as citizens of their Tribal Nations and as citizens of the United States.

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has compiled 

Resources for Individuals and Nonprofits Approached by ICE

. This document includes information about Tribal citizen rights if approached at home, work, or in public.

NCAI encourages all Tribal citizens to carry at least one form of legal identification (e.g., non-expired Tribal or state ID, passport, or birth certificate). It is particularly important to note that federal law enforcement may not be familiar with Tribal IDs. If an ICE agent does not accept your Tribal ID as identification, NARF recommends that you request to speak to their supervisor. Native Americans who believe their rights have been violated can call NARF at 303-447-8760.

NCAI stands with Tribal Nations and their citizens across the United States impacted by recent ICE actions and enforcement activity. We will remain unified in supporting Tribes with accurate information, rights-based education, and coordinating resources to protect our communities and Native people.

Knowing Your Rights as Citizens of Tribal Nations and the United States

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne).

“Ben Nighthorse Campbell stood at the intersection of our peoples’ history and future,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “His extraordinary life and accomplishments broke barriers and left a path for all those who seek to follow as leaders in Indian Country and in America.”

“I will miss the counsel and wisdom of my old friend,” President Macarro added.

Senator Campbell, a trailblazing statesman, helped transform federal Indian policy and elevate the voices of Tribal Nations across the United States. As the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Senate in more than six decades — and the only American Indian to chair the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs — Senator Campbell brought the concerns of Tribal Nations to the center of national decision-making.​ Senator Campbell was a tireless champion for Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and the well-being of Native communities throughout his time as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator. He advanced key legislation for Indian Country, including the establishment of the National Museum of the American Indian, major water rights settlements for Tribal Nations, and critical investments in Indian health, education, infrastructure, and public safety. His legacy also includes broader national achievements, such as his work on national parks, public lands, and protections for law enforcement officers through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Act.​

Beyond elected office, Senator Campbell’s life reflected a profound commitment to service and excellence. A member of the Northern Cheyenne Council of Forty‑Four Chiefs, a three-time U.S. judo champion and Olympic team captain, and a renowned jeweler, he carried his culture, discipline, and creativity into every arena. He earned global respect for building bridges between peoples and nations, as underscored by his awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Freedom and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun.​

NCAI extends heartfelt condolences to Senator Campbell’s family, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and all those whose lives he touched through his leadership, mentorship, and friendship. May his memory be a blessing and a charge to continue the work of strengthening Tribal Nations and upholding the inherent rights and dignity of Native peoples.

About the National Congress of American Indians:


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

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell

— The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) acknowledges the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina (Lumbee Tribe) as the 575th federally recognized Tribe through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signed into law this week. This decision highlights the Lumbee Tribe's steadfast dedication and resilience, paving the way for new opportunities and rights for its members.

NCAI recognizes the work of Lumbee leaders and community advocates who worked toward this outcome. NCAI remains committed to supporting a fair and consistent process for all Tribal Nations seeking federal acknowledgment.

NCAI looks forward to continued engagement with the Lumbee Tribe in this new chapter of their government-to-government relationship and will continue to advocate for Tribal sovereignty and the fulfillment of the federal trust responsibility across Indian Country.


NCAI Statement on Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

NCAI Applauds TTAC Process and Affirmation of Tribal Sovereignty

 – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) celebrates the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and Internal Revenue Service’s 

 implementing the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014 and clarifying the federal tax treatment of Tribally-chartered business entities. Announced at the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC) public meeting, these regulations resolve decades of uncertainty that have constrained Tribal economic development. The announcement of the final rules marks regulatory progress and provides a model for how Tribal consultation can produce durable, sovereignty-affirming policy.

Established during the first Trump administration, TTAC created a formal mechanism for Tribal governments to directly advise the U.S. Department of the Treasury on tax policy. This advisory process and subsequent consultations honored the government-to-government relationship and enabled Tribal expertise to shape federal tax rules.

In October 2022, the TTAC Subcommittee on General Welfare Exclusion delivered foundational recommendations to the Treasury, establishing principles that guided the development of today's final rules. Treasury then conducted a series of Tribal consultations in the Fall of 2024 and reviewed the feedback received from these Tribal consultations, integrating it into the final regulations.

This sustained, multi-year collaborative process demonstrates that when federal agencies create dedicated advisory structures and genuinely incorporate Tribal input, policy outcomes reflect Tribal realities and respect Tribal sovereignty.

During the TTAC public meeting, TTAC Chair W. Ron Allen noted the significance: "Tribes had sought guidance on general welfare for a decade and asked to confirm the tax status of Tribal businesses for 30 years. The first Trump administration took action by standing up the TTAC, leading to substantial Tribal consultation. And the second Trump administration has gotten this across the finish line, supporting our effort to grow our economies and strengthen our communities on our own terms, without federal paternalism."

Both final rules affirm fundamental principles of Tribal sovereignty:

 This final rule recognizes Tribal governments' inherent authority to determine community needs and design benefit programs accordingly. The federal government's role is limited to providing tax clarity — not prescribing how Tribal Nations exercise their governmental functions.

 After three decades of ambiguity, Treasury confirms that wholly owned Tribally chartered entities are treated as arms of their Tribal governments for federal tax purposes. This clarification enables Tribal Nations to access capital markets on fair terms and invest strategically in economic development that generates governmental revenue.

NCAI President Mark Macarro emphasized the significance of this achievement at a meeting with Tribal Leaders on Friday: "Today's action shows that Tribal Nations and this administration can partner on mutually beneficial deregulation that will expand economic opportunities for Tribal Nations and Tribal citizens. We at NCAI applaud the Treasury for listening and working with Tribal Nations to continue to achieve this historic outcome. We look forward to implementation of this rule and continuing to work with the Treasury to find additional ways to further remove barriers that impede Tribal sovereignty."

These regulations — and the process that led to their development — demonstrate that authentic consultation and recognition of Tribal sovereignty produce solutions that strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship. NCAI encourages this administration to replicate the TTAC model across federal agencies to ensure Tribal voices shape policies affecting Indian Country. NCAI remains committed to advancing consultation structures that respect Tribal expertise and governmental authority.

Access the fact sheets and consultation summaries for these regulations, below:

U.S. Treasury Finalizes Tax Regulations after 30 Years of Tribal Advocacy

 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) joins Tribal Nations across the country in mourning the passing of Spike Bighorn, a respected Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux leader, former Tribal Chairman, and longtime public servant. Bighorn dedicated his life to strengthening Tribal governance and improving federal programs serving Native people, including years of leadership within the Bureaus of Indian Affairs and Indian Education, where he worked to make systems more responsive to Tribal Nations and Native students. He was equally committed to inspiring the next generation, speaking directly to Native high school students through initiatives such as the “I Care If You Graduate!” series to encourage them to pursue education and overcome barriers.

Beyond his work in government, Bighorn was known as a rezball legend and one of the first Native American referees to officiate at Montana state basketball tournaments, opening doors for future generations of Native athletes and officials and inspiring Native youth far beyond the court.

“Spike Bighorn’s life was defined by service to his people,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “From the council chambers at Fort Peck to his work in federal service and his example on the basketball court, he showed what it means to lead with humility, integrity, and love for community. NCAI extends our deepest condolences to his family, the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, and all who were touched by his leadership and friendship.”

NCAI honors the life and legacy of Spike Bighorn and commits to carrying forward his vision of strong, self-determined tribal nations, thriving Native students, and resilient Native communities across Indian Country.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Former Fort Peck Tribal Chairman Spike Bighorn

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) strongly requests the Department of Education (ED) immediately hold meaningful Tribal consultation on its transfer of the administration of programs across Elementary and Secondary Education as well as Postsecondary Education to agencies outside of ED. This decision by ED, done without input from Tribes, weighs heavily on the future of our next generation, as NCAI underscored in our March 2025 statement on proposed transfers of Tribal-serving education programs. 

The Administration has had more than eight months to engage in meaningful, government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations before taking final action. Rather than fulfill its trust and treaty obligations to the Native learners of this country, ED announced the dismantling and transfer of Native education programs on November 18, 2025 — during NCAI’s 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace — at the very moment when Tribal leaders, Native educators, youth, and stakeholders had gathered to discuss these issues and, together, passed two resolutions reaffirming the need to protect Native education programs and honor Tribal consultation. Moving forward with these inter-agency agreements without prior, robust consultation not only disregards the federal trust and treaty responsibility, it sidelines the very governments most impacted by changes to Title VI, Native language, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian education, Tribal college programs, and Impact Aid.

“We gathered in Seattle for NCAI’s 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace to strengthen Tribal sovereignty, protect our children’s futures, and speak with one voice on issues just like this,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Instead, while Tribal leaders, educators, and students were meeting in good faith and passing resolutions to safeguard Native education, key programs were dismantled and reassigned without the meaningful, government-to-government consultation we have been calling for since March. Our message is simple: Do not make decisions about Native education without Native Nations at the table. We expect the Departments of Education, Interior, and Labor to pause implementation and immediately engage in formal consultation with Tribal leaders to ensure these changes strengthen — not weaken — services to our children and communities.”

Last week, NCAI passed two resolutions related to the ED actions: SEA-25-024, '

Requiring Tribal Consent in All Matters Related to the Education of American Indian and Alaska Native Students and Changes to the Department of Education' 

Protection of Native Serving Programs by Ensuring Robust Staffing Levels for all Indian Education Programs

.' Through these resolutions, NCAI opposes “the dismantlement or winding down of the U.S. Department of Education and the signing of Inter-Agency Transfers without Tribal Consultation and Tribal consent,” demands Tribal consultation happen before any programs are transferred, and demands, if programs are transferred, that ED detail all current staff with the expertise of administering the programs and funding transferred to the recipient agencies.

NCAI calls on the Department of Education, the Interior, and Labor to immediately conduct formal Tribal leader-driven consultation on all aspects of these transfers — including Interior’s capacity to absorb additional responsibilities — before further implementation proceeds. NCAI further calls on Congress to immediately schedule oversight hearings on the ED action, focusing on the lack of Tribal involvement in the decision-making process and the impact of any proposed transfer of funding and programs on Native learners.

Together with Tribal Nations, Native educators, families, and students, NCAI stands ready to work with the Administration and Congress to design solutions that truly honor Tribal sovereignty and strengthen — not undermine — Native education. Our children deserve more than unilateral decisions made without their Nations at the table; they deserve stable, well-resourced programs that reflect their languages, cultures, and inherent rights. NCAI will continue to press for full transparency, robust consultation, and concrete action to ensure that every change in federal education policy moves us closer to educational equity, Native self-determination, and brighter futures for the next seven generations.

NCAI Calls for Immediate Meaningful Tribal Consultation Prior to Transfer of Native Education Programs

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) welcomes the bipartisan agreement passed by Congress to reopen the federal government and restore stability to critical services relied upon by Tribal Nations and families across the country. We acknowledge lawmakers from both parties worked through significant differences to reach this outcome and keep key programs operating through the end of the year. We look forward to President Trump signing this into law and for funding to start flowing to Tribal Nations soon.

This agreement, coupled with the continuing availability of advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS), helps ensure Native patients and providers experience fewer disruptions in care. During the shutdown, IHS operations remained largely open because of advance appropriations — an important legislative victory Indian Country fought for — and today’s action helps maintain that stability as other agencies resume operation.

But stability also depends on Congress extending the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. If allowed to lapse, average premium payments for subsidized Marketplace enrollees, which includes Tribal Citizens and Employees, are projected to more than double in 2026, driving coverage losses and pushing more uncompensated care onto hospitals and local governments — costs that ultimately raise prices for everyone. NCAI is encouraged by a growing number of members of Congress who are coming together to negotiate a deal that would prevent sharp premium hikes, coverage losses, and downstream strain on community health systems.

Importantly, reopening the government restores funding for nutrition assistance programs — including SNAP — so states can resume issuing benefits that millions of families experienced during the shutdown.

Still, this moment underscores an enduring reality: temporary fixes are not enough. Government shutdowns and stop-gap funding force Tribal governments to divert time and resources away from serving our people. NCAI renews our call for Congress and the Administration to enact forward funding and, where appropriate, mandatory funding for all Tribal programs — across IHS, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and other federal agencies — to fully honor trust and treaty obligations and shield essential services from political brinkmanship. Data and testimonies obtained during the shutdown made clear how fragile the status quo is for Tribal communities; the solution is lasting, structural funding reform.

NCAI stands ready to work with our bipartisan champions to ensure that the lessons of this shutdown lead to permanent protections for Tribal Nations and the citizens we serve.

NCAI Statement on Bipartisan Agreement to Reopen the Federal Government 

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends its deepest compassion and support to the Alaska Native communities impacted by the record-breaking storm surge that struck Western Alaska, including the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. The disaster unleashed by Typhoon Halong has resulted in the loss of life, missing persons, and the displacement of more than 1,500 people across 49 communities. Homes have been destroyed, critical infrastructure compromised, and essential subsistence resources disrupted.

At this week’s Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. affirmed NCAI’s solidarity with Alaska Native communities. “In these hardest moments, your strength has been undeniable — neighbors helping neighbors, communities rallying overnight,” said Wright. “But this is who we are. We grieve, and keep going. We adapt, and hold the line.” He underscored NCAI’s commitment to working with Tribal, state, and federal partners to secure resources for immediate relief and long-term resilience that honors Tribal sovereignty and protects the well-being of Alaska Native peoples.

NCAI is working with Tribal leaders and partners to elevate the immediate needs of those impacted, including, but not limited to providing safe temporary housing and winter gear; heating fuel and generators; food, water, and medicine; and support to rebuild homes and community infrastructure. Without swift assistance, the risks to health and safety will grow as conditions worsen in the coming weeks.

“Elders, children, and families are facing imminent freezing temperatures without secure housing and subsistence stores for winter are gone,” said Wright. “Indian Country knows what it means to show up for one another. We are asking Tribal Nations, Native organizations, and allies to stand with Western Alaska — now.”

Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund, housed at the Alaska Community Foundation

 to support near-term relief and long-term recovery. Every gift helps families secure warmth, shelter, and stability as they rebuild.

NCAI Extends Support Following Devastating Flooding in Western Alaska

— On October 1, 2025, the federal government shutdown after Congress failed to pass meaningful appropriations or a continuing resolution. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is deeply concerned about the immediate and disproportionate harm this federal government shutdown will have on Tribal Nations. While Indian Country has always met adversity with resilience and resolve, shutdowns interrupt the United States’ trust and treaty obligations and create cascading impacts on essential services that keep our communities safe, healthy, and strong.

When the federal government shuts down, delays in funding and reimbursements slow the administration of critical programs across Indian Country — public safety and justice services, health care and behavioral health, child welfare and education, housing and infrastructure, emergency management, nutrition programs, and more. While Tribal governments work tirelessly to fill federal gaps, government shutdowns result in Tribes front-loading scarce resources or pulling funding from other Tribal programs to keep essential services running. Many Tribal Nations do so at significant financial risk, straining local budgets, staff capacity, and long-term planning.

“Shutdowns land hardest on our people,” said Larry Wright, Jr., NCAI Executive Director. “Tribal leaders do what they’ve always done: show up for their citizens, keep clinics open, protect public safety, and care for our elders and children. As sovereign governments we should not have to uphold these commitments we made to our citizens at the expense of federal inaction. The United States must uphold its trust and treaty obligations regardless of the circumstance and without interruption.”

NCAI calls on Congress and the Administration to act swiftly to reopen the government and to enact durable solutions that prevent future disruptions to Tribal programs. This includes ensuring stable, on-time funding for Tribal governments; protecting and expanding advance appropriations where appropriate; and pursuing structural fixes that insulate core services from shutdown politics, such as designating key federal staff serving Indian Country as essential employees and exempting them from any reduction-in-force efforts. These steps are not special treatment — they are the minimum necessary to meet legal and moral obligations to Tribal Nations.

Even in this moment, Indian Country will continue to lead with unity, ingenuity, and care for one another. We urge federal partners to meet that leadership with certainty, respect, and action. NCAI is committed to ensuring Tribal Nations have the resources necessary to be informed.

Learn more and obtain resources for guidance, template letters, and agency contingency links related to the government shutdown, below.

NCAI Statement on Federal Government Shutdown: Indian Country Remains Resilient, But Tribal Communities Will Bear the Burden

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is profoundly troubled by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) decision to maintain the Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. soldiers for their actions at the Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890. This choice disregards the historical record of the brutal, unprovoked, and wrongful massacre of the Lakota by the United States 7th Cavalry and the moral imperative to confront injustice with honesty and courage.

Wounded Knee was not a “battle.” It was the intentional mass killing of more than 350 unarmed Lakota men, women, and children seeking safety from invading U.S. soldiers at Wounded Knee Creek. Contrary to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s assertion that the awarding of these medals “in our nation’s history is no longer up for debate,” this act is an atrocity whose horror has been long recognized by historians, Tribal Nations, and even acknowledged by the U.S. Senate in 1990 via 

’s expression of regret. Preserving these medals champions this atrocious massacre and compounds the harm to the victims’ descendants and to all Native peoples.

“Honoring those involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre with the United States’ highest military award is incompatible with the values the Medal of Honor is meant to represent,” said Larry Wright Jr., NCAI Executive Director. “Celebrating war crimes is not patriotic. This decision undermines truth-telling, reconciliation, and the healing that Indian Country and the United States still need.”

Such despicable violence should not have been lauded in the first place. In an effort to right the wrongs of the past, in 2024, the Department of Defense initiated a formal review of these medals; this week’s announcement asserts the medals will remain, despite decades of advocacy from Tribal Nations, historians, and members of Congress to rescind them. NCAI stands with the Lakota Nations, all Tribal communities, and all active Native service members and Native veterans—who serve this country honorably and at higher rates than any other population—who have sought to correct the historical record and align our highest honors with our highest ideals.


NCAI stands with and uplifts the words of Tribal leaders whose communities carry the trauma and structural burdens these acts imposed upon them.


“Secretary Hegseth’s decision is another act of violence against our Lakota people,” said Chairwoman Janet Alkire, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. “The Wounded Knee Massacre was an unprovoked attack on men, women, children and elders who had been rounded up by the military. As Indian people, we know what bravery and sacrifice means. We serve in the military at greater rates than any other group in the United States. I served in the Air Force with men and women who were brave and served with honor. The actions at Wounded Knee were not acts of bravery and valor deserving of the Medal of Honor. There is nothing Hegseth can do to rewrite the truth of that day.”


“The Wounded Knee Massacre was one of the darkest days in U.S. history,” added Chairman Ryman LeBeau, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. “The U.S. Cavalry stopped our people out on the high plains, surrounded them with guns and cannons, disarmed them, opened fire, and murdered them. Women and children were chased down and shot in the back. This is one of America’s darkest days and the medals must be revoked. They tarnish America’s Medals of Honor. There is no honor in murder. Secretary Pete Hegseth made this decision on his own concurrence with no contact or request for consultation to the Tribes.”


We demand that DoD immediately release the report used to make this ahistorical decision, to reverse course, and to immediately meet with NCAI and the leaders of the Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association. Further, NCAI calls on Congress to honestly and accurately preserve American history through passing the “Remove the Stain Act” so that the nation’s highest honor fulfills its namesake by reflecting courage, not cowardice and cruelty.


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

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