Washington, D.C. — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is pleased to announce Meghan Bishop (Sugpiat/Native Village of Afognak) as our new Policy Director. With nearly two decades of experience in law and public policy, Ms. Bishop brings a deep commitment to justice reform, tribal self-governance, and child and family welfare, further strengthening NCAI as a national unifying voice for Tribal Nations.

Ms. Bishop joins NCAI following her tenure as Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where she managed a complex portfolio spanning public safety, social services, education, Tiwahe, the PROGRESS Act, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) initiatives. She also served as Acting Associate Director for Tribal Justice Support within the Office of Justice Services, overseeing a $65 million budget and providing technical assistance to tribal justice systems nationwide. In addition, Ms. Bishop represented the Department of the United States Sentencing Commission Tribal Issues Advisory Group and led the Indian Child Welfare Act Interagency Workgroup.

Before entering federal service, Ms. Bishop practiced law in Oregon, where she founded and operated a juvenile defense firm. She represented clients in both tribal and state courts, mentored attorneys statewide, and advocated for systemic reforms in juvenile and child welfare law. Her leadership extends across multiple professional legal organizations, and she has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Bishop holds a Master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University, a J.D. from Willamette University College of Law, and a B.A. in Psychology and Humanities from Ohio Wesleyan University. She is a member of the Oregon State Bar.

“Meghan’s expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication to tribal sovereignty make her an outstanding addition to our policy team,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Her track record of advancing justice and strengthening tribal self-governance will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for Tribal Nations and their underserved communities.”

As Policy Director, Ms. Bishop will lead NCAI’s policy agenda, guiding strategic initiatives and providing critical analysis to ensure Tribal Nations’ priorities are represented at the highest levels of government. Her work will continue to reflect a commitment to justice, the tenets of federal Indian law and policy, and the advancement of Tribal Nations.

Please join us in welcoming Meghan Bishop to the NCAI team!