June 14–17, 2026 | Renasant Convention Center

Join us for NCAI's 2026 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace! Work collaboratively with federal partners and Tribal organizations to defend and enhance Tribal sovereignty. 

Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and partners from across Indian Country will gather for daily thematic programming featuring plenary panels and breakout sessions highlighting Tribal civic engagement, pertinent legislation and advocacy updates, and Tribal governance best practices.

Register Now for Mid Year 2026

Tribal Leaders Media Training & Communications Fellowship

Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University

Open to Tribal Leaders and Tribal communications professionals, the fellowship provides targeted learning and hands-on practice to increase communication skills and expand media presence to meet their community needs.

Build the skills to amplify your Tribal Nation’s priorities in today’s media landscape.

By the end of this training, participants will know how to:

Create strong narratives, tell compelling stories, and deliver effective messages.

Use their voices and digital tools to advocate for policy change at all levels.

Build and maintain relationships with news outlets and media professionals.


I have never been in a room full of people who look like my cousins, studying communications. I was moved. I felt like I was part of something important and I am a vital piece moving forward.

 Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Arizona State University

 includes lunch and snacks for all program days

Transportation to and from the program site, lodging, and additional meals are not included. A room block is available at the U.S. government rate.

 who understand the unique media landscape of Indian Country

 and storytelling techniques to mobilize your communities & advance policy

 reporters, Tribal leaders, and political strategists on the importance of communications.

 and pitch stories that matter while navigating diverse interview environments.

fellows will receive 50% off their registration fee for NCAI's 83rd Annual Convention & Marketplace

 in October 2026 after successful completion of the program.

Register Now for the 2026 Tribal Leaders Media Training & Communications Fellowship

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) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) today renewed their shared commitment to unity, cooperation, and mutual support through a Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation among the Indigenous Peoples and Nations of North America. The declaration was signed during the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s Reservation Economic Summit (RES).

The declaration formalizes collaboration between NCAI and AFN to advance the well-being, rights, and priorities of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and First Nations on issues of shared international concern.

“Though borders were imposed upon our homelands, the relationships among our peoples never ceased,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Trade did not end. Traditions endured. Our kinship has remained strong across generations. By renewing this declaration with the Assembly of First Nations, we reaffirm that our voices are strongest when we stand together in mutual respect, solidarity, and collective purpose.”

The renewed declaration reflects the enduring ties among Indigenous Nations across North America and strengthens collaboration on shared priorities, including international advocacy, sovereignty, and engagement with future generations of Indigenous leaders.

“With this agreement, we look forward to working alongside President Macarro today and the NCAI in unity, solidarity and friendship to realize the full potential our First Nations economy in North America,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Despite the risks we face with Canada-US trade and the growth of extremism around the world, I am optimistic because First Nations on both sides of the Medicine Line are already making so much positive change. Unlike colonial governments, our leaders are showing it is still possible to tackle difficult cross-border discussions and shine a light on solutions. United, we can do anything we put our minds to.”

Leaders noted that RES provided an important space to publicly advance this renewed commitment. International convenings like RES create opportunities for Indigenous leaders to strengthen relationships, align priorities, and build momentum for cooperative action across Nations and across borders.

NCAI and AFN emphasized a shared belief that Indigenous youth must remain central to this work, ensuring that future generations inherit strong relationships, strong institutions, and strong pathways for collaboration.

“We are grateful to NCAIED and RES for creating the space for this important moment,” said Macarro. “This renewed declaration is a sacred affirmation that we are, and have always been, relatives — yesterday, today, and forever.”

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.

NCAI and Assembly of First Nations Renew Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation at Reservation Economic Summit

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a time to recognize the ongoing impact of HIV in Native communities and to strengthen efforts to protect the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native people.

For decades, Tribal Nations, Native organizations, and public health leaders have worked to raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care. NCAI has supported these efforts through policy resolutions that call for sustained federal investment in Tribal health systems, culturally appropriate education and prevention programs, and stronger partnerships to address HIV and related health disparities in Indian Country.

Despite representing a small share of the U.S. population, Native communities have experienced disproportionate impacts from HIV and related health inequities, underscoring the need for continued attention, resources, and culturally grounded public health strategies.

Today we honor the work of Tribal health professionals, community advocates, and Native organizations working to expand awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure Native people have access to prevention, testing, and care.

Learn More about NCAI's Resolutions on HIV/AIDS:

TUL-05-011: Support for the National HIV/AIDS Partnership

SAC-06-002: Support the National American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

SAC-06-039: CDC to Continue Support for American Indian and Alaska Native STD/HIC Education and Prevention Programs

AK-21-019: Support for of Ending HIV Epidemic in Indian Country

Indian Health Service National HIV/AIDS Program

Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US Homepage

NCAI Recognizes National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

 | 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.

About the National Congress of American Indians: 

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

 – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Eugenia “Gena” Tyner-Dawson, a longtime federal and Tribal policy leader working to make Tribal communities safer and eliminate the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis.

Gena, a native of Wichita, Kansas, was a member of the Sac and Fox Nation and descendant of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. Her career began in law enforcement and direct Tribal service as a Certified Peace Officer in Oklahoma. She spent 11 years serving her own Tribal Nation – directing core community programs and serving in multiple governance roles including volunteering as a deputy court clerk and reserve police officer.

From there, she became a lobbyist for Tribal governments and national Tribal organizations in Washington, D.C. She entered federal service in 1998 with the Indian Health Service (IHS), Office of Tribal Self-Governance. She spent nearly 30-years working throughout the federal government, most recently serving for 7 years in the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) as Senior Policy Advisor for the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Justice Policy Coordinator, and as the Not Invisible Act Coordinator the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Gena retired from federal service in February 2025. Even in retirement she was a fierce advocate for her community, recently running for and being elected Treasurer for Sac and Fox Nation.

Before joining the DOI, she spent over two decades working in federal leadership across the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and IHS impacting Tribal policy at national scale, including her time as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Attorney General for Tribal Affairs & Executive Director of the DOJ Justice Programs Council on Native American Affairs. She also served as Acting Executive Director of the HHS Intradepartmental Council on Native American Affairs and Acting Deputy Director of the Indian Health Service.

A trusted advisor to Cabinet-level leadership across multiple federal departments, Gena directed major Tribal government programs in housing, social services, education, public safety, health, and governance. In recognition for her exceptional leadership in advancing Tribal sovereignty and intergovernmental coordination, she was awarded the 2019 NCAI Governmental Leadership Award and honored by the Sac and Fox Nation at the 2019 Executive Council Winter Session.

“Gena believed that if we worked together we could create a better future for our children, families and communities,” said Meghan Bishop, Director of Policy who worked closely with Gena at DOI. “Gena was tough, fierce, and held everyone to account - she believed firmly in a future that was free of violence and full of hope.”

“For decades, Eugenia advanced Tribal public safety and justice – linking federal policy to on-the-ground solutions for MMIP, survivor support, and law enforcement capacity,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Because of her leadership, more Tribal Nations have the tools to protect our people and pursue justice. We honor her by continuing this work with urgency and purpose.”

NCAI extends our deepest condolences to the Tyner-Dawson family, Sac and Fox Nation, and to all who are grieving the loss of such a hero. We honor her dedication and integrity through our work as we carry on the legacy of her achievements.

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 Eugenia Tyner-Dawson

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

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) strongly condemns the large-scale reductions in force (RIFs) purportedly resulting from the ongoing government shutdown, which disproportionately impact Tribal programs — particularly those supporting health care, housing, economic development, and education in Native communities.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought’s notice that “The RIFs have begun” on X (formerly known as Twitter) obscures the fact that these cuts represent the people and programs that are essential to the basic functioning of Tribes and their communities. Any reductions in force represent an immediate and direct threat to the sovereignty, well-being, and future of Tribal Nations, undermining decades of progress toward equitable federal-Tribal relations and self-determination, and are a direct affront to self-governance and self-determination.

"Targeting people who manage and support programs that are the backbone of Tribal communities — our health, our homes, our economic futures, and our children's education — is not just short-sighted, it's an abdication of the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations," said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. "Our communities are not expendable. These actions are a betrayal of the promises made to Tribal Nations, and we will not remain silent as the very infrastructure of our future is dismantled."

This year is the 50th anniversary of the passage of the 

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA)

, which shifted the United States government’s policy from one of Indian reorganization to self-determination. In the past 10 months, Tribal Nations have seen continued impact on the people, programs, and funding that are fundamental to Tribal self-determination, upholding trust and treaty obligations, and bound to Tribal Nations’ inherent right to sovereignty. These hits collectively undermine the intent and purpose of ISDEAA. The actions taken by OMB and agencies are an affront to the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Tribes, and must not stand.

NCAI calls upon the Office of Management and Budget and subject agencies to immediately rescind these ill-advised reductions in force, restore positions and funding appropriated to Tribes and Tribal programs, and uphold its responsibility to consult with Tribal Nations before taking actions that affect our people. NCAI further urges Congress to end the shutdown immediately and fully fund Tribal programs to prevent further disruption across Indian Country.

Tribal Nations have honored their commitments. It is past time for the federal government to do the same.

Access NCAI's Resource Hub on the Federal Shutdown Here

NCAI Strongly Condemns Large-Scale Federal Layoffs Harming Tribal Programs

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) commends Representatives Tom Cole (R-OK) and Norma Torres (D-CA) and Senators Heinrich (D-NM) for presenting resolutions recognizing the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. “These resolutions are not just about a single day — it’s about truth, recognition, and respect for who we are as Native people,” said Larry Wright Jr., NCAI Executive Director. “For far too long, our histories and contributions have been ignored or erased. Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides an opportunity to reclaim our rightful place in the story of this nation — not just in the past, but in the present and future.”


These resolutions are more than symbolic; it is a meaningful step toward honoring the strength, resilience, and ongoing leadership of Tribal Nations. NCAI stands with Tribal communities across the country in urging the House to adopt this resolution, and in doing so, help ensure that our children and future generations see themselves reflected with pride and accuracy in the national narrative.


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 Supports House Resolution Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be hosting Tribal Consultations notwithstanding the federal government shutdown. To access registration links and further details, please visit the event pages below:

USDA Tribal Consultations on the Department Reorganization Plan in D.C.

 | Tuesday, October 14 at 2:00-5:00 p.m. ET

USDA Tribal Consultations on the Department Reorganization Plan in Denver, CO

 | Thursday, October 16 at 12:00-3:00 p.m. MT

USDA Tribal Consultation on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

 | Wednesday, October 22 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET

USDA to Host Tribal Consultations Notwithstanding Federal Government Shutdown

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) supports the efforts of U.S. Senators, including Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), in working together in a bipartisan manner to find a path forward to a continuing resolution that would reopen the federal government. Their leadership and collaboration in this critical moment are deeply appreciated across Indian Country.

Government shutdowns have a devastating and disproportionate impact on Native American communities. Tribal Nations have a unique government-to-government relationship with the United States, and many essential services in Tribal communities are directly funded and administered through federal agencies. When the federal government shuts down, it delays critical infrastructure projects, interrupts food assistance programs, and stalls law enforcement and public safety operations on and around Tribal lands.

“These disruptions are not just inconvenient — they are harmful and, in many cases, life-threatening,” said Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director of NCAI. “A lapse in federal funding undermines Tribal self-governance, strains already under-resourced programs, and creates uncertainty for thousands of Native families who depend on federally funded services to meet basic needs.”

We urge all members of Congress to continue working toward a long-term funding solution that respects treaty and trust obligations to Tribal Nations and ensures the stability and continuity of services our communities rely upon.

Again, we thank the Senators from both sides of the aisle for prioritizing the well-being of Native Americans and Alaska Natives and taking meaningful steps to end this harmful shutdown.

                                                               ###

NCAI Supports Bipartisan Talks to Reopen Government

NCAI Congratulates William “Billy” Kirkland III on His Confirmation

 The National Congress of American Indians congratulates William “Billy” Kirkland III (Navajo) on his confirmation to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. This is a well-deserved recognition of his commitment and leadership to Tribes and Tribal members throughout the country. NCAI looks forward to his swearing in and the important work to follow. His service will be vital in strengthening tribal sovereignty, advancing self-determination, and supporting Native communities across the nation.

Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act (H.R. 5257)

, aims to resolve a significant legal issue that has affected Tribal Nations for over a decade.

In 2009, the Supreme Court's decision in Carcieri v. Salazar created uncertainty regarding Tribal trust lands. The ruling limited the Department of the Interior's authority to take land into trust to only those Tribal Nations "under federal jurisdiction" as of 1934. This decision upended 75 years of federal practice and led to costly lawsuits challenging the status of Tribal lands, creating heavy administrative burdens for both Tribal Nations and the federal government.

The Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act offers a straightforward solution. The bill legally reaffirms the status of all land taken into trust for any federally recognized Tribal Nation before the bill's enactment.

" because it secures all past land-into-trust actions but does not alter the process for future applications.

Trust land is essential for Tribal Nations to build housing, schools, and hospitals and to pursue economic development. By reaffirming the status of these lands, the legislation seeks to restore stability and protect Tribal sovereignty from expensive and burdensome lawsuits.

Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act One-Pager

As legislation moves forward, future updates will be posted on the Lands and Natural Resources policy advocacy page.

Unpacking the "Carcieri Fix" and What H.R. 5257 Means for Tribal Sovereignty

— 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.


NCAI Statement on Pentagon Decision to Maintain Medals for Soldiers at the Wounded Knee Massacre

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Ernie Stevens, Jr., a towering advocate for Tribal sovereignty and a peerless champion of Tribal gaming. For more than two decades as Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), Chairman Stevens brought together Tribal Nations, educated policymakers, and protected the rights of Tribal governments affirmed in federal law.

A citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Chairman Stevens dedicated his life in service to Indian Country. Before leading IGA, he served his Nation as an elected Tribal councilman and helped guide national intertribal advocacy as a former First Vice President of NCAI. He also led the reactivation of the IGA-NCAI Tribal Leaders Task Force in 2023. His leadership at IGA — spanning more than a dozen consecutive terms — coincided with the growth of Tribal government gaming into the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry, strengthening of Tribal economies, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and generating revenue essential to providing critical services in Native communities.

Under his watch, Tribal gaming revenues rose from approximately $11 billion in 2000 to more than $43.9 billion in 2024. He tirelessly educated the media and Congress on the fact that Tribal gaming builds nations and is an essential tool in supporting healthcare, housing, education, public safety, and cultural revitalization across Indian Country. His lifetime of work and dedication to Indian Country has been recognized widely, including being inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame and through numerous national honors.


Chairman Stevens led with honor, humility, humor, and heart. He built coalitions, mentored the next generation, and always showed up — on Capitol Hill, in statehouses, and at Tribal community events — whenever Indian Country called. His legacy is measured not only in economic milestones, but in the relentless exercise of Tribal sovereignty and the countless leaders he lifted along the way.


“We lost a warrior today,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Ernie Stevens' voice and work carried forth a family legacy of service with great honor. Not only a national leader, but a smoke dancer and cultural practitioner, he represented the best of what we aspire to be as leaders in Indian Country.”


“Ernie had a gift for bringing people together,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “He believed in unity, and he proved that when Indian Country speaks with one voice, we not only win, but we make lasting change.”


NCAI extends our deepest condolences to the Stevens family, the Oneida Nation, and IGA. We honor Chairman Stevens by continuing the work he devoted his life to: defending Tribal sovereignty, advancing self-determination, and building a future worthy of the next seven generations.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.

 | The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mobilized Tribal leaders and organizations from across Indian Country this week for the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days, held September 16–18 in Washington, D.C. Over the three-day event, Tribal leaders met directly with members of U.S. Congress, Congressional staff, and federal agencies to advocate for the priorities of Tribal Nations and reaffirm the inherent sovereignty of Native Peoples.

Throughout the week, leaders highlighted critical policy issues, including, but not limited to: Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, public safety, housing, Tribal taxation and economic development, self-determination, Tribal sovereignty and self-governance, agency hiring freezes, and holistic approaches to supporting the well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native families.

“This gathering demonstrates the strength and unity of Tribal Nations when we speak with one voice,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Tribal Unity Impact Days is a reminder to Congress and federal partners that sovereignty is not negotiable; It is the foundation of our government-to-government relationship. Together, we are advancing solutions for the future of Indian Country.”

On Capitol Hill, Tribal leaders met with members of Congress, ensuring that Native voices remain central to the federal decision-making process. The event concluded with a press session at NCAI’s Embassy of Tribal Nations, where leaders emphasized that sustained, long-term investments in Tribal communities are necessary for self-determination and success.

“Indian Country has always persevered in the face of challenges,” added NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “By standing together, we honor the strength of our ancestors and continue the work of building a stronger future for Tribal Nations. We thank the members of Congress and the administration who stand with us... Thank you for listening and committing to a stronger Nation-to-Nation relationship.”

Strengthening Tribal Voices — NCAI Hosts 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days in Washington, D.C.

NCAI is proud to announce the official logo for NCAI’s 82nd Annual Convention and Marketplace, which will be happening on 

This year’s logo was created by Nizhonia Toledo, a 21-year-old artist and enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Her work is grounded in community, tradition, and the belief that art is a living expression of culture.

Learn more about Nizhonia and her inspiration behind the artwork below.

My name is Nizhonia Toledo. I am a 21-year-old artist and a proud enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. From a young age, art has been more than a hobby for me, it has been a powerful outlet and a constant companion throughout my life.

My work is deeply rooted in my culture, community, and family. These connections are not only my inspiration, they are the heart of everything I create. Through my art, I honor the traditions and stories that have shaped me while carving space for contemporary Indigenous expression. I create not just for myself, but for those who came before me and those who will follow.

Art is my way of keeping our culture alive, of telling truths that words sometimes cannot, and of offering healing and hope. It’s my purpose, my passion, and my offering to the world.

The meaning behind the logo I created for the NCAI 82nd Annual Convention and Marketplace is, we are sovereign. We are resilient. We are culture in motion.

At its heart stand four Indigenous figures, adorned in traditional regalia, embodying the sacred diversity and collective strength of our peoples. They represent past, present, and future generations. Our ancestors who paved the way, our leaders who carry the fire today, and our youth who will rise to continue the legacy. Together, they form a circle of protection, reminding us that sovereignty is not given, it is inherent, lived, and defended.

Behind them rises Mount Rainier, not just as a geographical landmark, but as a spiritual and cultural backbone. It is the watchful guardian, rooted in ancient memory, standing as a symbol of the land we belong to, not land we own, but land we are in relationship with. The evergreen trees surrounding it echo our commitment to preserve, protect, the natural world, as our ancestors have always done.

The waters below represent life, renewal, and ceremony. From these waters comes the salmon, carried proudly by one of the figures, a revered first food and relative, vital to our sustenance, traditions, and ecological balance. The salmon tells a story of migration, return, and sacrifice, a reflection of our people's journey and resilience.

Held in another hand are huckleberries, another first food, symbolizing connection to land and seasonal gathering. These foods are more than nourishment, they are cultural memory, living traditions, and reminders that every act of harvesting is an act of prayer.

The regalia, beadwork, basketry, and adornments worn by each figure are expressions of culture, not frozen in time, but alive, evolving, and passed on through generations. They reflect pride in identity, language, and history. Each pattern woven with purpose, each bead a heartbeat of tradition.
Encircled in red and black, this emblem does not just frame a community, it protects it. Red for the blood we come from, black for the land we come from. The circle is sacred. It symbolizes unity among all Tribal Nations, and it affirms that despite colonization, and forced displacement, we are still here. Still rising. Still sovereign.

Join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Seattle, Washington, for its 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace from November 16 - 21, 2025 at the Seattle Convention Center.

Now more than ever is an essential moment for Indian Country to unite, amplify voices, and shape a powerful collective future. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and allies from across Indian Country will gather to tackle critical issues, strategize for the future, and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships.

Additionally, attendees will be able to browse the NCAI Marketplace, which features a variety of booths ranging from Native artists to federal job recruiters and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the ongoing mission of NCAI. 

Stay tuned for more information, including registration opening soon!

Meet Nizhonia Toledo, the Native Youth Artist Who Designed NCAI's 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace Logo

 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Attorney Michael (Mike) E. Taylor, the Quinault Indian Nation, Tulalip Tribes, and all those whose lives he touched. We are profoundly saddened to learn of his 

, and his absence will be strongly felt across Indian Country.

Mike Taylor’s career embodied the spirit of unwavering dedication to Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. He played an instrumental role in the 

 litigation, which produced the historic 

 affirming fishing rights for Tribal Nations. His strategic and steadfast advocacy ensured that the treaty rights of the Quinault Indian Nation among others in the suit — and all sovereign Tribal Nations — were recognized and upheld under the law.

At NCAI, we honor those who embody the resilience, courage, and vision necessary to protect our homelands and lifeways. Mike Taylor stood as a beacon of commitment: His legacy endures in the restored waters where Tribal fishers cast their nets and in the strengthened sovereignty of every Tribe that continues to draw strength from his work. As we reflect on his contributions, we also remember the warmth and generosity of spirit he shared.

In this time of grief, we stand united with all Tribal communities in honoring his memory. May his family, colleagues, and all who loved him find comfort in the depth and reach of his impact on Indian Country.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Attorney Michael E. Taylor, Champion of Tribal Sovereignty and Treaty Rights

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends our heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the four medical personnel who tragically lost their lives in Tuesday’s plane crash near the Chinle Airport on the Navajo Nation.

“The lives lost in this tragedy represent the very best of humanity: individuals who chose to dedicate their careers to helping others, especially in some of the most remote and underserved areas of our country,” said NCAI Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Indian Country mourns with the Navajo Nation and all who grieve this profound loss. We honor these fallen heroes and reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting the important work of medical professionals in tribal communities.”

Medical professionals are vital in addressing the long-standing health disparities across Indian Country. Their work is essential in ensuring access to quality, culturally competent care for Native communities.

We honor the memory of those who perished and offer prayers for healing, strength, and peace to their families and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.

NCAI Mourns the Fatal Medical Transport Plane Crash on the Navajo Nation

— The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) expresses strong support for the 

Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2025

, a draft bill released by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The comprehensive draft bill aims to enhance the well-being and future opportunities of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth and families, marking significant legislative action and funding to improve their lives.

Rooted in the recommendations provided by 

The Way Forward Report of the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children

 (the Commission), the draft legislation addresses critical areas such as child welfare, justice systems, physical and behavioral health, housing stability, education, culturally relevant child care, and improved research and data collection. The Commission conducted 61 regional public hearings, virtual hearings, and site visits to learn from Native communities and witness programs serving Native children and youth and transmitted 29 recommendations to Congress that addressed the needs of Native youth and families from a cultural, traditional, and holistic perspective. Senator Murkowski has shown that she listened to the Commission, as demonstrated by the incorporation of their recommendations into this draft legislation.

“NCAI commends Chairman Murkowski’s leadership and commitment to Native communities through this significant legislative proposal,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Efforts to make the Tiwahe Demonstration Project permanent, expand self-determination and self-governance in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nutrition programs, increase resources for child welfare programs, and expand grants in Public Law 102-477 plans represents an essential step forward to ensure that the voices and needs of Native children and families are not only recognized and valued, but meaningfully supported through culturally responsive policies and practices.”

NCAI appreciates Chairman Murkowski’s dedication to continued consultation and collaboration with Tribal Nations, advocates, and organizations serving Native communities. NCAI will actively participate in the ongoing legislative process to ensure meaningful outcomes for Native youth and families.

NCAI encourages tribal stakeholders to provide feedback via email on the draft language by 

. To assist tribal stakeholders in preparing their feedback, NCAI is planning a webinar in partnership with its sister organizations: Tribal Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium, Alaska Federation of Natives, National Indian Child Welfare Association, National Indian Health Board, National Indian American Housing Council, and National Indian Education Association, as well as Anita Fineday, Commissioner on the Commission on Native Children, on 

August 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET, 2:00 p.m. CT, 1:00 p.m. MT, 12:00 p.m. PT, 11:00 a.m. AK, and 10:00 a.m. HT.

If you have any questions or comments for NCAI, please email 

NCAI Strongly Supports Chairman Murkowski’s Proposed Bill Supporting Native Children and Families

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) welcomes the 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of the Interior (DOI) appropriations bill

 passed by the House Appropriations Committee this week. The bill represents significant levels of funding for Tribal Nations that will directly and positively impact the delivery of essential tribal services, including health services, social services, probate, education, and historic support for public safety and justice programs.

NCAI commends the efforts of Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), and their colleagues in the House for ensuring tribal priorities and programs are supported in this spending bill. As the Senate continues its parallel appropriations process, NCAI calls on the Senate to conform its appropriations levels to those of the House.

“This legislation is meaningful progress in honoring the federal government’s obligations to Tribal Nations,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “The bottom line is that the House Appropriations Committee, under Chairman Cole’s and Ranking Member DeLauro’s leadership, kept their commitment to Indian Country and presented a budget that supports critical programs and reflects the priorities of tribal governments.”

This appropriations bill is a step in the correct direction, though NCAI acknowledges that even with these impactful levels of funding, Indian Country continues to be widely underfunded. NCAI looks forward to hosting the 

 next month to discuss FY 2026 funding levels and will begin the formulation of its FY 2028 budget request to the Department of Interior. NCAI also looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Congress when they return from recess to ensure that this bill is enacted quickly. Tribal Nations are negatively impacted by the continuing resolution process, and quick passage of a robust appropriations bill will ensure that Tribal Nations can continue to deliver essential services to their communities without interruption.

NCAI on the Passage of the DOI Appropriations Bill

 — As the oldest and largest representative organization of Tribal Nations, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) upholds the inherent sovereignty of tribal governments and the rights of their citizens and peoples to preserve and use their languages. NCAI is concerned by the efforts of various federal agencies to implement 

Executive Order (EO) 14224: Designating English as the Official Language of the United States

On Monday, July 14, the Department of Justice released guidance on implementing EO 14224. EO 14224 revoked 

, which required federal agencies to provide meaningful access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency. With the rollback of these protections, tribal leaders have expressed concerns that their citizens who primarily speak Native languages are at greater risk of exclusion, harm, and discrimination.

“For generations, the United States’ government policies erased indigenous languages through assimilationist policies. Our recent ancestors were punished for speaking their indigenous languages — the first languages spoken in America. As their descendants, it’s our obligation to rebuild and revitalize what was taken from us. With our languages we teach our children, conduct our ceremonies, interpret the world around us, and govern our Tribal Nations within the family of United States governments,” said Mark Macarro, NCAI President. “We understand the importance of language as our tribal identity, and we won’t be diminished again for freely speaking our own languages. This is an issue of tribal sovereignty — and it’s our birthright.”

During his first administration, President Trump signed into law the 

Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act (P.L. 116-101)

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