WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California, who served the people of Northern California’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.

Throughout his service, Congressman LaMalfa consistently advocated for the rural communities he represented, with a focus on agriculture, forestry, water, and wildfire response — issues that affect Tribal Nations and non-Native communities alike across the region. He also actively engaged on critical issues impacting Tribal communities, including work related to Tribal land and culturally significant agricultural resources. Among his legislative efforts was his support for legislation such as the Pit River Land Transfer Act, which returned ancestral federal land into trust for the Pit River Tribe, strengthening Tribal sovereignty and stewardship of culturally significant lands. He also engaged in legislation related to culturally significant agricultural resources, including the Indian Buffalo Management Act and the Native American Seeds Act, which support Tribal food systems, traditional agriculture, and resource management.

“On behalf of NCAI, we extend our deepest condolences to Congressman LaMalfa’s family, loved ones, staff, and constituents,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We respect his commitment to the people he served and his willingness to engage on matters affecting Tribal communities — especially efforts tied to land stewardship and Tribal agriculture. We honor his public service and keep his family and community in our prayers during this difficult time.”

NCAI offers sincere condolences to all those mourning this loss and extends prayers for comfort and healing.