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

Resolutions are one of the policy mechanisms utilized by NCAI to express the consensus positions of member Tribal Nations on Tribal, federal, state, and/or local legislation, litigation, or policy matters that affect the welfare and rights of American Indian and Alaska Native governments or communities.

Resolutions submitted for consideration at NCAI’s Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS) must be emergency in nature and national in scope. At this year’s 2026 ECWS, NCAI received a total of ten resolutions. The NCAI Executive Committee recommended the adoption of four of the resolutions. You can view the final adopted resolutions 

. From there, view and download the resolutions by clicking the link in the Resolution Number.

2026 ECWS Policy Resolutions Now Available

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

 — The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) today announced the launch of a new collaborative digital resource hub designed to empower Tribal Nations in exercising their sovereignty through agricultural development and food system regulation.

This partnership brings together IFAI's legal and policy expertise with NCAI's national advocacy and representative strength. The newly unveiled webpage serves as a "one-stop shop" for Tribal leaders, producers, and policymakers, offering comprehensive tools, including model Tribal food and agriculture codes, templates for establishing Tribal Departments of Agriculture (TDOA), and guidance on navigating federal funding and programs.

“Food sovereignty is a critical component of Tribal sovereignty. The ability to feed our own people supports Tribal self-governance, continuity of cultural foodways, economic stability, and community resilience,” said IFAI Executive Director Carly Griffith Hotvedt (Cherokee Nation).. “This collection of resources is a hub for any Tribe interested in securing food sovereignty, from those just getting started to those exploring opportunities for further development. Informational guides, case studies, funding opportunities, and events specific to Tribal food sovereignty are available in a centralized format. The Tribal Food Sovereignty Innovation Lab is a valuable tool to advance Tribal priorities in food and agriculture systems work. Osda!”

The release of the Tribal Food Sovereignty Innovation Lab comes at a critical time as more Tribal Nations seek to build their own regulatory capacity, move toward food independence, and protect their lands from external regulatory encroachment. The resources highlight successful case studies of Tribes currently operating their own agricultural departments and provide a roadmap for others to follow.

“Our collaboration with IFAI marks a significant milestone in our mission to put ‘Tribal sovereignty into food sovereignty,’” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “This new webpage and accompanying resources are designed to be a living library for Indian Country, providing Tribal Nations the practical tools needed to govern their own food systems, invest in their producers, and ensure a healthy, self-determined future for the next seven generations.”

For more information and to access the resources, 

About the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative

IFAI focuses on enhancing health and wellness in Tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions. Based at the University of Arkansas, IFAI provides Tribal governments, producers, and food businesses with strategic legal analysis, policy research, and educational resources.

IFAI and NCAI Launch New Webpage Featuring Resources to Strengthen Tribal Food Sovereignty and Agricultural Governance

 | 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.

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 

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



Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a ruling denying the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s request for a preliminary injunction to stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. However, immediately following the release of the Court’s decision, the Departments of Justice, Army, and Interior released a joint statement indicating that construction of the pipeline on Army Corps land bordering or under Lake Oahe will not go forward until the Army Corps can determine whether it will need to reconsider important issues raised by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other tribal nations.

The Departments also indicated that this case has raised a need for serious discussion on whether national reform is necessary to ensure full consideration of tribal views in these types of infrastructure projects.


NCAI President Brain Cladoosby made a statement on today’s court ruling and joint statement:

“We as Native people have endured many battles and we still remain. Despite the setback in court today, I’m encouraged by the decision of the Departments of Justice, Army, and Interior to halt construction of the pipeline near Standing Rock’s waters and sacred places, in accordance with its trust responsibility to tribal nations. What I’ve seen in my two visits to Standing Rock is the transformative power Indian Country has when we stand together and speak with one voice to protect our waters, our lands, and our sacred places for future generations. No decision from any court can take away the power of our prayers, our songs, and the collective voice of our peoples. NCAI and all of Indian Country will continue to Stand with Standing Rock.”


Departments of Justice, Army, and Interior Joint Statement



For more information, please visit NCAI’s website or contact Colby Duren, Staff Attorney & Legislative Counsel, at 

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 promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people

Tribes Lose Dakota Access Pipeline Decision - Win on Federal Front

WASHINGTON, DC, Sept.7, 2016 | On Tuesday, Sept.6, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Brian Cladoosby delivered remarks at the White House Council on Native American Affairs. As the first tribal leader to address the council, President Cladoosby thanked the Obama Administration for strengthening ties between the White House and Indian Country.

In his opening remarks, President Cladoosby also praised the Administration for the cross-agency agreements and programs that have been created.

Among the many successes listed were increased jurisdiction authority through the Violence Against Women Act, the restoration of tribal lands, and President Barack Obama's historic visits to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and Alaska.

“Tribal nations look forward to working with President Obama and the Administration at the upcoming White House Tribal Nations Conference to secure the progress and the strong legacy that he is leaving in Indian Country,” said President Cladoosby of the upcoming event.

President Cladoosby also discussed opportunities for the Administration to continue its work in the remaining days of Obama’s presidency, including designating Bears Ears as a National Monument, finding long-term solutions for persistent issues at the Indian Health Service, and issuing a new Memorandum of Opinion on the scope of the federal trust responsibility.

In his closing remarks, President Cladoosby also asked the council to uphold its trust responsibility in its dealings with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which is currently protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline.

“What all tribes want to leave to the next generations are our lands, waters, natural resources and sacred places. When these are lost, it does irreversible harm to our tribes,” said President Cladoosby. “The world is watching.”

“For far too long, our lands and resources were seen as disposable and consultation requirements were not fulfilled leaving tribal voices diminished in the larger conversation,” continued President Cladoosby. “All tribes have faced this in one form or another, and Standing Rock has become the symbol for many in a way that has brought Indian Country together.”

In support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, President Cladoosby submitted a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Sept.5 requesting federal monitors and federal law enforcement to protect protestors and sacred places at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.




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 promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information, visit www.ncai.org.

NCAI President Delivers Remarks at White House Council on Native American Affairs

WASHINGTON DC | On Monday, July 18, through Thursday, July 21, 2016, tribal government leaders from four U.S. Indian tribes and nations will travel to Havana, Cuba alongside the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) and National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to meet with Cuban government officials.

Cubano e Indio Americano: Sovereignty in Action

 is the first diplomatic exchange of its kind with the mission to create engaging and empowering dialogue between leaders of Cuban and U.S. Tribal Governments to build collaborative partnerships through a mutual exchange of culture and economic understanding.

 is an incredible opportunity for not only Indian Country, but also for Cuba,” said NAFOA President & Oneida Nation Chairwoman Cristina Danforth. “We’ve found that there are several socio-economic, cultural, and historical parallels to our communities, and we’re looking forward to this mutual exchange with our nations. This is an exciting time for tribal sovereignty and NAFOA is humbled to be a part of this next step.”

Tribal leaders from NAFOA and NCAI (Washington DC), Colusa Indian Community (California), Oneida Nation (Wisconsin), Seneca Nation of Indians (New York), and the Swinomish Tribal Indian Community (Washington), will be discussing four theme areas including Economics, Finance, and Commerce; Culture & Diplomacy; Agriculture & Food Sovereignty; and Life Science Research & Medical Advancements with Cuban Government Ministries and Offices.

“Relationships built through cultural understanding empowers people and nations to exchange quality information from a place of collaboration and cooperation,” said NCAI President & Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Brian Cladoosby. “Nation-to-Nation relationship building opens learning opportunities to create stronger economies, advancements in medicine, and more.”

The exchange is being facilitated directly with the Cuban Government and the Cuban Embassy. In Havana, tribal leaders are scheduled to meet with a number of officials including the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Fisheries, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

In addition to the diplomatic meetings there is also a focus on cultural exchange that will include a traditional performance by a Seneca Nation dance group. There will also be an opportunity to learn about the Cuban health care system with a tour of the Cuban Center for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering and the Latin American School of Medicine.

NAFOA will be capturing daily trip updates through its website at 

Check back for photos and content updates during the trip.

For all media inquiries contact Ricki McCarroll at 

Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA)

Through its work in growing tribal economies and strengthening tribal finance NAFOA supports the advancement of independent and culturally vibrant American Indian and Alaska Native communities. NAFOA launched over three decades ago as the Native American Finance Officers Association to highlight the role of tribal finance in fostering economic opportunities. Since that time, NAFOA has grown along with tribal economies. Today NAFOA advocates sound economic and fiscal policy, develops innovative training programs in financial management, builds the financial and economic skills of the next generation, and convenes tribal leadership, experienced professionals, and economic partners to meet the challenges of economic growth and change.

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

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 promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information, visit 

Press Release available for download at: 

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice announced a settlement agreement in pending litigation regarding allegations of deceitful emissions tests and deceiving customers by Volkswagen. Under the $14.7 billion settlement, Volkswagen is required to spend $2.7 billion to fund projects across the country that will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide for interested states, cities, Indian tribes, and federal agencies. Part of the fund is reserved solely for tribes. “The Volkswagen settlement agreement marks the first time tribal governments have been specifically included in a major public settlement and is an important recognition of our status as sovereign nations,” said NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “This will hopefully set a precedent for tribes to be considered in our rightful place among the family of governments in future settlements.”

For more information on the settlement, please visit:

https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/volkswagen-clean- air-act- partial-settlement#partners

Tribal Sovereignty Recognized in Volkswagen Settlement Agreement with the EPA and DOJ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2016

CONTACT
ncaipress@ncai.org

U.S. Supreme Court Affirms Tribal Court Jurisdiction in Dollar General v. Mississippi Choctaw


Washington, DC - Today, June 23, 2016, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in 

Dollar General v. Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

 (No. 13-1496). The decision was a 4 to 4 tie, meaning that there is no written opinion, and the evenly divided court affirms the decision of the Fifth Circuit, which upheld the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Tribal Courts over tort claims brought by a tribal member against a corporation doing business on the reservation. The Fifth Circuit decision is not direct precedent outside of the Fifth Circuit (Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas) but is persuasive for other courts and affirms the longstanding legal principle that tribal courts have civil jurisdiction over non-Indian conduct arising from consensual relations on Indian reservations. 

“Tribal courts must have the authority to protect and provide remedies for tribal members who are subjected to assault on an Indian reservation,” said NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “The Supreme Court upheld the Fifth Circuit's decision, and the civil lawsuit against Dollar General in the Mississippi Choctaw Tribal Court will proceed. While we applaud this result, we also remember that the offender in this case was never held criminally responsible for his crimes. For victims on tribal lands to truly have access to justice, Congress must take action to untie the hands of tribal courts and allow them to prosecute offenders who commit crimes against our children regardless of their race.”




With this decision, the Supreme Court is three for three in upholding tribal sovereignty in major Indian law cases this year. In 

, a unanimous Court upheld the authority of the Omaha Tribe to impose a liquor tax, and rejected the State of Nebraska’s argument that the reservation was diminished. In 

, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the reliability of tribal court convictions as a predicate for the federal crime of habitual domestic violence. Both 

 are very important cases for the ability of tribal courts to protect tribal members from domestic violence and sexual assault.



 case, a young tribal member participating in a job-training program was sexually assaulted by the store manager at the store during work hours. His parents sued Dollar General in Tribal Court for damages caused by the assault. Dollar General filed this action in federal court, asserting that a tribal court cannot assert tort jurisdiction over a non-Indian business on a reservation. The Fifth Circuit ruled that because Dollar General agreed to participate in the job training program, it was subject to tribal court jurisdiction over conduct that arose from the employer relationship. Copies of the Fifth Circuit decision and briefs on the merits are 

, the Supreme Court said that Indian tribes generally lack civil jurisdiction over non-Indians on non-Indian fee land within the reservation with two exceptions. First, a tribe may regulate "through taxation, licensing, or other means, the activities of nonmembers who enter consensual relationships with the tribe or its members, through commercial dealing, contracts, leases, or other arrangements." Second, a tribe "may also retain inherent power to exercise civil authority over the conduct of non-Indians on fee lands within its reservation when that conduct threatens or has some direct effect on the political integrity, the economic security, or the health or welfare of the tribe." This legal standard now has added force.




The major question decided is that tribal courts have jurisdiction to protect their members from intentional torts committed within the context of an employer relationship by a business that is located on tribal lands. This is a particularly important question because Indian tribes do not generally have criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians. The ability to seek a civil remedy, then, is the only deterrent to unlawful actions committed by non-Indians who are working or doing business on the reservation.A recent study by the National Institute of Justice found that more than 4 in 5 Indians will experience violent victimization in their lifetime and nearly all (more than 90% of Indian men and 97% of Indian women) will be victimized by a non-Indian offender.

If you have questions, please contact John Dossett at jdossett@ncai.org.

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 promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information visit www.ncai.org.

U.S. Supreme Court Affirms Tribal Court Jurisdiction in Dollar General v. Mississippi Choctaw

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2016

CONTACT
ncaipress@ncai.org

President Signs Indian Trust Asset Management Reform Act Into Law


NCAI to Hold Special Session to Discuss Implementation Tuesday, June 28 at the NCAI Mid Year Conference in Spokane, WA

Washington DC - Today, in a major step forward in tribal self-determination over trust land management, President Obama signed H.R. 812, the Indian Trust Asset Management Reform Act. The Act establishes an Indian trust asset Demonstration Project, in addition to other provisions empowering tribes to better manage their own trust assets.

The primary feature of the new law is a Demonstration Project that empowers tribes to develop plans for trust asset management with tribal objectives and priorities. The tribal plan and regulations, when approved by the Secretary of the Interior, can authorize the tribe to engage in surface leasing, forest management, and appraisals without any further approval of the Secretary.

The new law also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to create the position of Under Secretary for Indian Affairs to supervise and coordinate trust functions that are now separate in the OST, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other divisions of Interior. Further, the Secretary of the Interior is required to consult with tribes and develop a plan for the future of the OST.

“Tribal leaders want to move to a system focused on tribal self-determination and economic opportunities,” stated NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “This Act allows for tribes to have greater control over decision making and furthers tribal self-governance. It is a significant milestone for the modernization of the trust relationship between the federal government and tribal nations.”

On behalf of Indian Country, NCAI would like to thank Representatives Mike Simpson (R-ID), Denny Heck (D-WA) as well as Representatives Cole, Kilmer, DelBene, Labrador, Reichert, McMorris Rodgers, Pocan, Jones, Gosar, and Newhouse. In the Senate, we would like to thank Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), who sponsored the Senate mirror bill, Senator James Risch (R-ID), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and the entire Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

NCAI will hold a special session at the Mid Year Conference next week in Spokane, Washington. This breakout will take place Tuesday, June 28 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm in the Spokane Convention Center - view the agenda here. The discussion will be led by Vice Chairman Ernie Stensgar of the Coeur D’Alene Tribe, who has been in the forefront on the legislation for many years. In addition to the new law, this session will address other areas of the trust reform effort, including Department of the Interior’s new Rights-of-Way Regulations; an update on the Land Buy-Back Program; Interior’s goal of place 500,000 acres in trust; and discussion with Office of the Special Trustee.

For more information, please contact John Dossett, General Counsel, jdossett@ncai.org; or Colby Duren, Staff Attorney, cduren@ncai.org.

President Signs Indian Trust Asset Management Reform Act Into Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2016

CONTACT
ncaipress@ncai.org

NCAI Applauds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announcement Recognizing Tribal Sovereignty and Cooperative Management

Washington, DC - Today, the United States Army Corps of Engineers announced two major changes to improve the partnership between the Corps and tribes to manage water resource projects and activities and further protect tribal natural and cultural resources.

First, Secretary of the Army delegates their authority under Section 1031(b) of the Water Resources, Reform and Development Act 2014 to enter into cooperative agreements with federally recognized tribes to protect fish, wildlife, water quality, and cultural resources to all divisions and districts of the Army Corps. Bringing this process to the local level allows for more tribes to enter in to cooperative agreements, share management responsibilities, protect their resources using culturally appropriate practices, and further build economic capacity of tribes to expand their management practices.

The Army Corps also announced that it is removing the legal requirement that a tribe must waive its sovereign immunity when entering into a legally binding agreement for the construction of a water resources project with the Corps. This requirement was a major obstacle for tribal participation and often the reason many projects were not planned or built.

NCAI President Brian Cladoosby said, “Indian Country applauds the Army Corps for listening to the concerns of our tribal nations, honoring tribal sovereignty, and supporting cooperative management agreements to help protect our valuable tribal resources. Today’s decisions are important not just for the many tribes with Army Corps projects near their homelands, but it demonstrates the positive impact of tribal consultation and true Nation-to-Nation partnership.”



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2016

CONTACT
NCAIPress@ncai.org

National Native Organizations Receive Funding to Pursue First Kids 1st: Every Native Child is Sacred Initiative

Washington, DC – This week, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded a generous grant to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), the National Indian Education Association (NIEA), and the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) to support a nationwide campaign to lift up and support Native youth.

This initiative - called First Kids 1st: Every Native Child is Sacred - aims to galvanize systems changes in education, health, welfare, and governance to better support Native children and youth. In each of these areas, community-determined and community-driven changes will improve the systems that impact Native youth, allowing them more and better opportunities to achieve their full potential.

The collaboration began in 2008 with the creation of the original National Children’s Agenda, crafted by these four partner organizations and also funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Agenda was updated in 2015 as the Native Children’s Policy Agenda: Putting First Kids 1st, with tribal strategies and policy objectives to implement its principles. The partners look forward to engaging with tribal leaders, community leaders, tribal citizens, and Native youth across Indian Country and the nation to realize the vision of First Kids 1st.

“First Kids 1st asks for all of us to make our Native children and youth our first priority. In whatever position we hold, we all have the opportunity to ensure our youth will thrive and prosper. Through love, responsibility, and focus we can take opportunities for our children and youth to the next level,” shared NCAI Executive Director Jaqueline Pata.

The First Kids 1st initiative comes at a pivotal time, with Native youth making up 39 percent of the American Indian and Alaska Native population. These demographic trends bring unique opportunities to address some of the longstanding disparities seen in Indian Country and Native communities. Through multi-media communications, community engagement, data development, policy analysis, and capacity building, the First Kids 1st Campaign will offer a range of strategies, activities and tools so that communities can design and implement the solutions that best address their needs.

NICWA Executive Director Sarah Kastelic stated, “Our First Kids 1st team looks forward to working alongside all of our community partners. No one organization can do this work alone; we need each other to address the needs of children and youth holistically. Collaboration makes our vision clearer, our efforts stronger, and our success more certain.”

With the new funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, First Kids 1st will reinforce outreach efforts and ramp up capacity building trainings beginning this summer and fall. “We know that targeted, sustained, and smart investments can make all the difference in our tribal communities. This is an exciting time and we are honored to have a role in that investment in our Native children and youth.” shared Stacy Bohlen, NIHB Executive Director.

Campaign partners also look forward to sharing the updated 2015 Native Children’s Policy Agenda: Putting First Kids 1st, and providing youth data and policy recommendations. “Decision makers at every level need real-time, accurate information about our children and youth. Part of our charge will be to drill down on that data, and share it broadly so that policies and programs designed for our youth bring the benefits they promise,” stated NIEA Executive Director Ahniwake Rose.

“This campaign is about caring communities creating capable and confident kids. It’s as simple as that,” said Pata. The First Kids 1st partner organizations invite all who care about Native children and youth to join the initiative and help spread the word. Please contact Carolyn Hornbuckle with NCAI at chornbuckle@ncai.org.

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information visit www.ncai.org.

About The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA):

NICWA works to support the safety, health, and spiritual strength of Native children along the broad continuum of their lives. The organization promotes building tribal capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect through positive systems change at the state, federal, and tribal level. For more information visit www.nicwa.org.

About The National Indian Education Association (NIEA):

NIEA is the Nation’s most inclusive advocacy organization advancing comprehensive culture-based educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Formed by Native educators in 1969 to encourage a national discourse on education, NIEA adheres to the organization’s founding principles- to convene educators to explore ways to improve schools and the educational systems serving Native children; to promote the maintenance and continued development of language and cultural programs; and to develop and implement strategies for influencing local, state, and federal policy and decision makers. For more information visit www.niea.org.

The National Indian Health Board advocates on behalf of all Tribal Governments and American Indians/Alaska Natives in their efforts to provide quality health care. Visit www.nihb.org for more information.

National Native Organizations Receive Funding to Pursue First Kids 1st: Every Native Child is Sacred Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2016

CONTACT
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New Regulations will Improve Compliance with Indian Child Welfare Act and Keep Families Together



Today, the Department of the Interior released new final regulations governing state court and agency child custody proceedings to insure uniform compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA). The previous ICWA regulations had a narrow scope and covered only the administration of ICWA service programs authorized under the Act. Revisions to the regulations were sorely needed and long overdue, as implementation guidance has been lacking and compliance with ICWA has been highly inconsistent since passage of the Act.

“The new regulations will keep families together,” explained NCAI President Brian Cladoosby, praising the development. “Clear and consistent rules for child placement also will result in faster and more reliable placement decisions for all affected families, creating better outcomes for our children.”

Highlights of the updated regulations include:
•Clear guidance on “active efforts” that state courts and agencies must employ to provide services and programs designed to prevent removal and encourage reunification
•Clarification of notice and time frames to improve compliance and expedite the process
•A requirement that state courts and agencies inquire whether ICWA applies in every child custody proceeding
•Procedures governing emergency removal of Indian children
•Clarification that the “existing Indian family doctrine” is not an exception to ICWA’s application and only the tribe has the power to determine a child’s membership status

Preference for relative placement is considered in the best interest of all children, not just Native American children. Relative child placement preference is the law in 45 states. It is also federal law under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. This is because research and best practice prove that children fare better when placed with relatives.

The revised regulations’ focus on keeping families together is especially important to Native families given the history. In 1959, as part of the federal government’s “termination” policy of the era, the Bureau of Indian Affairs entered a contract with the Child Welfare League of America to implement a nationwide adoption policy for Native American children. Entitled the “Indian Adoption Project,” the policy mandated that Indian children were to be adopted out to non-Indian families. Project-approved state agencies took on the responsibility of enacting this policy of “Indian extraction,” where Native American children were routinely removed from their homes and schools by state social workers based on vague allegations of poverty and neglect. By the time ICWA was passed in 1978, 35 percent of all Native American children had been taken from their families and placed in adoptive, foster, or institutional care. In passing ICWA, Congress intended to combat this deliberate, collaborative abuse of the child welfare system, to reinstate tribal government authority to determine child placement, and to restore the integrity of Indian families.

Despite the passage of ICWA, the abuse of Native American children and families continues to the present. In 2015, in Oglala Sioux Tribe v. Van Hunnick, the United States District Court for South Dakota found that a South Dakota state judge and the State Department of Social Services “failed to protect Indian parents' fundamental rights to a fair hearing by not allowing them to present evidence to contradict the State's removal documents. The defendants failed by not allowing the parents to confront and cross-examine DSS witnesses. The defendants failed by using documents as a basis for the court's decisions which were not provided to the parents and which were not received in evidence at the 48-hour hearings.” The new regulations will help to end these abuses.

New Regulations will Improve Compliance with ICWA and Keep Families Together

The Reauthorization of Violence Against Women in 2013 created the Pilot Project, which comprised of five tribes the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Fort Peck, and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation in North Dakota. These tribes exercised the Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction, which restored their partial power to criminally prosecute non-Indians for domestic violence offenses. The Pilot Project Report provides a brief account of the activities during the Pilot Project period from February 2014 – March 2015 and shares recommendations for next steps.



VAWA Pilot Project Report 2015

Indian Health Service Solicits Tribal Consultation on Proposed Community Health Aide Program Expansion

Washington, DC – In a teleconference meeting today, Indian Health Service (IHS) Principal Deputy Director Mary Smith called on tribal leaders to provide feedback and input on an IHS draft policy statement that could expand the innovative Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) beyond Alaska. The CHAP program funds nursing aides, behavioral health aides, and in some cases, mid-level dental providers called Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHAT), along with other types of community health workers, to ensure residents of rural communities have access to health services. Currently, Alaska is the only IHS service area that has the program in place.

Tribal communities in Alaska have embraced the CHAP and DHAT programs, and tribal leaders outside the state have long advocated for expansion of the programs as part of an overall strategy to improve access to care, especially in remote and rural areas facing provider shortages. The proposed new IHS policy underscores the Agency’s recognition of the CHAP and DHAT programs as effective, efficient, and culturally competent mechanisms for increasing access to high-quality health and dental care by American Indian and Alaska Native people across the nation.

“Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward in creating the health care systems our citizens need and deserve,” stated NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “The CHAP and DHAT programs are common sense approaches that deliver excellent care. Every tribe should be able to determine what care model works for citizens, and every tribe should be able to set up these innovative models.”

In the draft policy statement, IHS also notes Congressional support for the program as demonstrated in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which authorized creation of a national CHAP program.

DHATs not only provide high quality care to their patients, but also bring high levels of cultural competence to their practice settings – as most DHATs are from the communities they serve. (Nearly 80 percent of DHATs returned to their home villages to practice and the program has an 81 percent retention rate.) The Alaska program has allowed for more than 40,000 patients to be treated for the first time. A study conducted by Community Catalyst demonstrated that mid-level dental providers cost less than 30 cents for every dollar of revenue they generated.

While both DHAT and CHAP programs have won many awards since 2005 for their impact on remote and rural health, some of the most impressive accolades come from the populations being served by DHATs and CHAPs. “Children and adults too would be so scared. Every time they thought of dental, they thought of pain. I was able to build trust with them,” shared DHAT Bonnie Johnson. “Now they are excited to see me… I’m not only here to fix pain; I’m here to prevent it.”

NCAI Executive Director Jaqueline Pata stated, “Tribal leaders have shown tremendous support for and interest in both the CHAP and DHAT programs. These are model programs that have been incredibly successful. We applaud IHS for exploring ways to scale up these programs nationally so that they can benefit all of Indian Country.”

IHS Solicits Tribal Consultation on Proposed CHAP Expansion

NCAI Response to New Poll on R*skins Team Name

"It is true some Native people do not find the word offensive. However, thousands of Native people across the country have voiced their opposition to the name and the historic, disparaging connotations it carries to this day. More than 100 Native American organizations representing tribal nations and peoples across the United States have spoken out in opposition to the use of the R*skins mascot of the Washington D.C. NFL team. The tribal nations comprising the National Congress of the American Indians have repeatedly passed resolutions against the R*skins name and image, as well as many individual tribal governments and organizations.

The Washington Post surveyed a small sample of Native American adults, anyone can create a poll on any issue. The survey doesn't recognize the psychological impacts these racist names and imagery have on American Indian and Alaska Natives. It is not respectful to who we are as Native people. This poll still doesn't make it right." 

NCAI Response to New Poll on R*skins Team Name

Native American Agricultural Fast Track Fund (NAAFTF) Announces Eligibility for $38 Million Keepseagle Grants Distribution

WASHINGTON DC, May 17, 2016 | Today, the class counsel in the Keepseagle v. Vilsack case announced a one-time distribution of $38 million from the remaining settlement funds through the Native American Agricultural Fast Track Fund (NAAFTF).

This will be the first distribution of $380 million left in the Keepseagle cy pres fund for the benefit of Native American farming and ranching.

“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era in Indian agriculture,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians. “The initial $38 million from the remaining Keepseagle settlement fund will go a long way to furthering the reach and capacity of organizations which have always supported our Native farmers and ranchers. By increasing our ability to feed ourselves, we can strengthen our sovereignty.”

The fast-track registration opens May 25, 2016, and closes applications June 24, 2016. According to a press release by Echo Hawk Consulting today, the awards from NAAFTF are to be made on a competitive basis. Echo Hawk Consulting will be managing this process under the supervision of class counsel.



Interested organizations must provide documentation of agricultural, business, technical or advocacy services to Native American farmers or ranchers between January 1, 1981, and November 1, 2010;

The organizations must be based in the United States, and meet one of the following criteria:

7871 designation as a non-profit organization chartered under the tribal law of a state or federally recognized tribe;

An educational institution described in 170(b)(1)(A)(ii); OR

An instrumentality of a state or federally recognized tribe, designated under 7701(a)(40).

Step 1: One-month period for letters of intent (5/25/2016-06/24/2016)

May 25 at 12:00 p.m. MDT – Letter of Intent registration, application materials, process details, and timeline is available at www.indianfarmclass.com/NAAFTF.aspx.

Friday, June 24, 2016, by 5:00 p.m. MDT – Letter of Intent application closes.

Technical assistance for the application process will be available by dedicated phone and email.

Step 2: After the one-month period closes, an Advisory Committee will issue an invitation to eligible candidates on July 28, 2016 to submit complete proposals. The Advisory Committee includes six experts in the areas of Native American farming, ranching, and philanthropy.

Step 3: All awards are subject to court approval. Advised by the Advisory Committee, the class counsel will make recommendations to the Court on awards.

NAAFTF letter of intent application must include:

Demonstrate eligibility through the criteria described above;

Explanation of purpose for seeking NAAFTF funds;

Interested organization’s total annual operating budget, and total project costs (if applicable);

Proposed use of award funds to provide assistance to Native American farming or ranching activities. Lobbying, political activities, and/or litigation is NOT eligible for funding.

The size of awards will vary depending on the interested organization’s focus and scope. NAAFTF will also consider applications from intermediary organizations having existing, relevant grant programs which can be expanded through awards.


Questions about NAAFTF? Contact Crystal Echo Hawk at Echo Hawk Consulting via email (crystal@echohawkconsulting.com) or phone (720.891.9118).



On April 20, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia approved a modification to the Keepseagle settlement agreement, which included a process for the distribution of funds to cy pres beneficiaries. The modification to the settlement also provides for additional damage awards to be paid to prevailing claimants. The remaining funds, approximately $265 million, will go to a Trust that will distribute funds at the direction of an independent board of trustees for up to 20 years. NAAFTF is separate from the Trust, and is designed to ensure that a substantial portion of the remaining funds are distributed to qualifying organizations more quickly than the Trust will be able to award grants.

NAAFTF was created to make awards to such organizations already involved in supporting Native American ranchers and farmers before the original Keepseagle settlement was agreed to in 2010.

The Court's order is open to appeal through June 20, 2016. If an appeal is filed, the grant process will be suspended until a decision on the appeal is rendered.

NAAFTF Announces Eligibility for $38 Million Keepseagle Grants Distribution

NCAI Applauds Alaska Governor’s Tribal Advisory Council

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Alaska Governor Bill Walker announced the members of the Governor’s Tribal Advisory Council. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds Governor Walker and the advisory council, calling it a great example of tribal-state collaboration.

In a 

, Governor Walker announced the appointment of 11 tribal leaders nominated by their tribes to the advisory council. Members appointed to the advisory council each represent issues of relevance to tribes including economic development, education, energy and natural resources, healthcare, housing, justice, language and culture, public safety, subsistence, transportation, and wildlife and fisheries. The advisory council met in Anchorage with Governor Walker and Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott (Tlingit) at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to set the advisory council agenda moving forward.

“Governor Walker’s creation of the Tribal Advisory Council in Alaska demonstrates a commitment to tribes and tribal input,” says NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “Communication and coordination between states and tribes is essential to effective governments that can benefit both Native peoples and all Alaskans. This move should become a model for other states to implement. I congratulate the 11 tribal leaders appointed to the advisory council to represent their communities and the interests of Alaska Native peoples to their state government.”


NCAI is an advocate for building and strengthening state-tribal relationships because tribal nations and states share a range of common interests. Both tribes and states share responsibility to use public resources effectively and efficiently. They both seek to provide comprehensive services such as education, health care, and law enforcement to their respective citizens. Additionally, both have interconnected interests in safeguarding the environment while maintaining healthy and diversified economies. More information and resources on state-tribal relations work is available 

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 promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information visit

NCAI and NPM Respond to FCC Commissioner Pai’s Criticism of Enhanced Tribal Lifeline Support

Washington, DC – In response to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Ajit Pai’s proposal to limit enhanced tribal support under the Lifeline program, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and Native Public Media (NPM) believe the Commissioner’s justification relies on an inaccurate understanding of tribal lands. Commissioner Pai’s proposal to reform enhanced tribal Lifeline support will negatively impact the program’s purpose of providing affordable phone services to low-income residents on tribal lands.

On March 29th, Commissioner Pai issued a 

 outlining his proposals to reform the Lifeline program. Currently, the program provides a monthly phone bill discount for low-income consumers and enhanced tribal support for residents of tribal lands. Commissioner Pai proposes to limit enhanced tribal support to counties with less than 50 people per square mile and proclaimed that Lifeline was, “intended to support the construction of [telecommunications] facilities in Indian Country, but has instead encouraged abuse of the program in large cities (like Tulsa, Oklahoma and Reno, Nevada) and suburban communities (like Chandler, Arizona).”

NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata and NPM Board Chair Matthew Rantanen issued a joint response stating, “We are supportive of sensible reforms to the Lifeline program to cut waste, fraud, and abuse. However, Commissioner Pai’s understanding of enhanced tribal support disregards the program’s purpose to provide affordable phone services for low-income residents on tribal lands. It is also important to note that areas like Chandler, AZ are not located within the legal boundaries of any tribal lands. These misinterpretations overshadow the needs of the over 40 percent of tribal lands lacking access to vital telecommunications services.”

NCAI and NPM assert that restricting enhanced tribal support to county level metrics—instead of the legal and historical boundaries of tribal lands—will further impede the build out and adoption of communications services in Indian Country. Additionally, Commissioner Pai’s statements regarding Lifeline’s purpose as an infrastructure program is greatly misguided as other programs regulated by the FCC are specifically designed to support infrastructure build out.

During the FCC’s initial rulemaking last year to reform the Lifeline program, Oklahoma was targeted as the center of ‘waste, fraud, and abuse’ because most of the state was recognized as ‘tribal land’. Since then, Commissioner Pai has specifically targeted the enhanced tribal support without recognizing the unique tenants of federal Indian law and the legal tribal lands status of Oklahoma and elsewhere. “Commissioner Pai’s remarks overall are unfair to Indian Country and its citizens who need these vital services for healthcare, emergencies, social services, and to provide contact information for job applications,” conclude Pata and Rantanen.

The FCC is set to make a final ruling on proposals to finalize reforms to the Lifeline Program during its 

Native Public Media is a national organization dedicated to bringing media opportunities to Native Americans across the United States on multiple platforms including radio, television and the Internet. There are currently 56 Native owned and licensed radio stations serving tribal communities. NPM provides programs and services to the Native media network in areas of regulatory compliance, digital literacy, community engagement and telecommunications and communications policymaking. For more information visit

NCAI and NPM Oppose FCC Commissioner Pai’s Lifeline Proposal

NCAI Supports Responsible, Informed Response to California ICWA Case

A number of media outlets recently reported on the placement of an American Indian child named Lexi with her relatives in Utah, instead of remaining in foster care in California. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) stands firmly with the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), who released a 

 calling for an informed, balanced response to Lexi’s case. NCAI encourages a better understanding of why Lexi and 

 children should be afforded placement with their families if possible. 

Long considered a best practice in childcare, kinship placement creates stability while nurturing ties to the child’s extended family and community. Under the 

 (ICWA), kinship-based placements must be considered as soon as it becomes clear that the eligible child will be removed from their home. There is nothing unusual about child placement with relatives after a stay in a foster home. The only unusual factor in this case is that the foster family in California used extended litigation to prevent placement of a Native child with her family. 

Kinship child placement is the law in 45 states, and also under ICWA. Federal law under title IV-E of the Social Security Act also requires that states “consider giving preference to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver when determining placement for a child….” NCAI works tirelessly with partners like NICWA to raise awareness of the benefits and legality of kinship placement for Native children, and encourages informed discussion around cases like Lexi’s.

“Lexi should have gotten a stable, long-term kinship placement years ago,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. “This is why laws like ICWA exist. Regardless of a child’s Indian status, the goal of foster placement has always been to provide a safe and loving 

 home. It is regrettable that Lexi and her relatives have been dragged through a lengthy legal process, and NCAI extends its support to her family for their long-term stability and well-being.”

Supreme Court Unanimously Holds Reservation Boundaries not Diminished in Favor of the Omaha Tribe in

On Tuesday, March 22, 2016, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in a unanimous decision written by Justice Clarence Thomas in favor of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska in 

 (14-1406) that an 1882 Act of Congress did not diminish the Tribe’s reservation. The judgment upholds the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

“The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold the Omaha Tribe’s reservation lands which were established by treaties is a substantial victory for Indian Country,” said NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. “The ruling in 

 reaffirms long settled legal precedent protecting reservation lands from erroneous claims of diminishment. It also provides tribes with additional certainty when exercising jurisdiction, self-governance, and self-determination over their lands.”

John Echohawk, Executive Director of Native American Rights Fund, said, “I congratulate the Omaha Tribe and its attorneys on today’s unanimous decision. Every judge that heard this case, from the District Court all the way to the United States Supreme Court, has affirmed and followed long-standing legal rules protecting reservation lands. This tribe’s hard-won victory is also an important win for Indian Country.”

At issue in the case is whether the 1882 Act of Congress, which opened the western end of the Omaha Tribe’s reservation to settlement, diminished the boundaries of the reservation or opened the land to settlement while keeping the reservation intact.

Justice Thomas writing for the unanimous Court held that “[t]he 1882 Act bore none of [the] hallmarks of diminishment . . . [and] it is clear that the 1882 Act falls into another category of surplus land Acts: those that ‘merely opened reservation land to settlement and provided that the uncertain future proceeds of settler purchases should be applied to the Indians’ benefit.’”

Further, the Court found that the “subsequent demographic history” of the land being occupied by a majority of non-Indians “cannot overcome our conclusion that Congress did not intend to diminish the reservation in 1882. . . [a]nd it is not our role to ‘rewrite’ the 1882 Act in light of this subsequent demographic history.”

NCAI, along with NARF as co-counsel, filed an amicus brief in support of the Omaha Tribe, joined by many tribal Nations and other intertribal organizations. We congratulate the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska for this historic victory.


In 1854 and 1865, the Omaha Tribe entered into treaties with the United States to “cede, sell, and convey” land in present-day Nebraska while establishing a reservation for the Omaha Tribe. When the Tribe came back to Congress in 1872 to sell more land, instead of entering into a treaty for the land changing the reservation boundary, Congress authorized the Secretary of the Interior to open parts of western end of the reservation land to sell for the benefit of the Tribe.

With few parcels sold, the Tribe requested that Congress open more lands to sale in 1882. Under the 1882 Act, nearly 50,000 acres were opened for sale to both Indians and non-Indians and the City of Pender, Nebraska was established by non-Indian settlers.

When the Omaha Tribe amended its Beverage Control Ordinance in 2006 it applied it to all businesses located within the reservation, including retailers in the Town of Pender. The town brought suit, and the state of Nebraska joined the town, claiming that they were not within the boundaries of the reservation or Indian country, so the ordinance does not apply.

The Omaha Tribe won in both the federal district court and 8th Circuit, the Supreme Court’s ruling affirmed those decisions.

The Native American Rights Fund is a non-profit organization that has been protecting the legal and sovereign rights of tribes and Native people within the American legal system for 45 years. NARF is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado with offices in Anchorage, Alaska, and Washington, D.C. For more information visit

Supreme Court Unanimously Holds Reservation Boundaries not Diminished in Favor of the Omaha Tribe in Nebraska v. Parker

Department of the Interior Cancels Oil and Gas Lease Threatening the Badger-Two Medicine

Today, Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will cancel an oil and gas lease held by Solonex LLC in the Badger-Two Medicine area. Located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana, the Badger-Two Medicine area contains sensitive plant and wildlife, and holds immense cultural and religious significance to the Blackfeet people.

In 1982, absent of tribal consultation and a thorough review of environmental and cultural studies, the U.S Forest Service granted 47 oil and gas permit leases in and around the Badger-Two Medicine area. For over two decades the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana and many non-Native conservation and historical preservation groups have sought the cancellation of these permit leases. While a number of these leases were subsequently cancelled through Congressional action and other measures, the Blackfeet Tribe has sought the cancellation of the remaining leases that would cause irreparable damage to Badger-Two Medicine.

“Today’s cancellation of the lease held by Solonex LLC signifies a major victory in the tribe’s 34 year struggle to protect this sacred place from development that would have caused irreparable damage to the Badger-Two Medicine,” stated NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata. NCAI began working with the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana in early 2016, and wrote a 

 to Secretary Jewell urging the cancellation of any oil and gas leases threatening the Badger-Two Medicine. NCAI’s mission includes the protection of Native sacred sites and historic places.

DOI Cancels Oil and Gas Lease Threatening the Badger-Two Medicine

National Congress of American Indians and Native American Rights Fund on President Obama’s Nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States

Today, President Obama took an important step by nominating Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court,” said Brian Cladoosby, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). “Supreme Court Justices are responsible for legal decisions affecting the lives of all Americans, and we strongly urge the Senate to move quickly to fulfill its constitutional duty by holding confirmation hearings.”



American Indian and Alaska Native sovereign Nations are affected by the federal courts to a greater degree than almost any other group in the country. For Native people, many issues of daily life are matters of federal law. As the confirmation process advances, tribal leaders will be doing their job and taking a close look at the record of Judge Garland. In February, NCAI’s Executive Committee passed a resolution calling on President Obama and the U.S. Senate to move expeditiously to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities to fill the current vacancy on the Supreme Court so that the important work of the Court can continue without interruption; and urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to include in its confirmation proceedings a public discussion of the U.S. Constitution and its relationship to tribal self-government.”

John Echohawk, Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, offered the following assessment:

“Chief Judge Garland appears to have a very limited record on Indian law issues. We do know he voted against Indian interests in 

San Manuel v. National Labor Relations Board

, a 2007 decision by the D.C. Circuit which held that the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) applies to tribally-owned businesses located on Indian reservations. This decision has led to continuing litigation by the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) against Indian tribes, and the possibility of labor strikes that would cripple tribal governmental functions. For 70 years, the NLRA had been consistently interpreted to exempt all government entities from coverage, including Indian tribes. The 

 decision truly undermined the ability of Indian tribes to be politically self-governing and economically self-sufficient.”

NCAI President Cladoosby concluded:

“It is critical that the next Supreme Court Justice recognize and uphold tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and the federal trust responsibility. We urge the Senate to move forward with the process, to hold hearings, and to consider the record of Judge Garland.”

NCAI and NARF on President Obama's SCOTUS Nomination

Press Release: Indigenous Peoples Attend Prime Minister Trudeau State Visit

Washington, DC – Today on March 10th, Indigenous peoples from Canada and the United States gather with other distinguished guests at The White House South Lawn to welcome Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. The Prime Minister, who was elected and supported by a large number of the Indigenous peoples of Canada, will meet with President Obama, who many tribes say has been the best US President for Indian Country. It is a historic moment to have these world leaders together, with their experience and tremendous support for Indigenous peoples, as they tackle some of the challenges that face our Indigenous communities.

There are critical issues from both nations that Indigenous peoples care about such as climate change, mental well-being, education of our youth, and languages. It is anticipated that climate change is on the agenda of topics to be discussed at today’s events. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Brian Cladoosby remarks, “Our Indigenous communities have felt a direct impact from climate change. Including Indigenous voices, with our irreplaceable practices and perspectives, will only strengthen the power of the effort. Climate change is here now, the time for action is also right here, right now.”

Further, many American Indian and Alaska Natives tribes share boundaries, waterways, hunting grounds, and natural resources with Canada. The health of our rivers, streams, and ecosystems are paramount to Indigenous peoples on both sides of the border, especially those who rely on our traditional and customary ways of life. It is imperative that the U.S., Canada, American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, and Canadian First Nations work together to collectively solve these issues.

NCAI applauds the recognition for the needs of Indigenous science and knowledge as well as inclusion of our communities addressing adaptations, while still retaining our cultural, languages, and values. We will be sharing today’s events through our Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr.

Indigenous Peoples Attend Prime Minister Trudeau State Visit

Press Call Today: Alaska Native Leaders Urge Alaska Senators to Consider Eventual SCOTUS Nominee

 On Thursday, March 10 at 12:00 AKST / 4:00 EST, Alaska Native leaders will host a press call to urge their senators to give a fair hearing and a timely vote to the forthcoming Supreme Court nomination. 

Speakers will include leaders from the Alaska Federation of Natives and National Congress of American Indians.

RSVP is requested to 

: Alaska Native Leaders Urge Alaska Senators to Consider Eventual SCOTUS Nominee



: Thursday, March 10 at 12:00 AKST / 4:00 EST



Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians

Alaska Native Leaders Urge Alaska Senators to Consider Eventual SCOTUS Nominee

In this episode of The Sentinel, we honor and celebrate the Two-Spirit community. We uncover the origins of the term ‘Two-Spirit’ and how Native people acknowledge and reclaim this tradition and identity today. We listen to recorded excerpts from the Two-Spirit Panel held at the 2025 NCAI Executive Council Winter Session, where our panelists and guests discussed the community's current challenges and how tribal leaders can advocate for their Two-Spirit relatives.

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