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

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

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

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

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

NCAI Honors Former National Indian Gaming Commission Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland

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

 | 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

NCAI and Google partner for the first ever Indigenous Mapping Day on August 9th.

In partnership with the National Congress of American Indians, and in honor of the United Nation's International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Google Map Maker, Google Earth Outreach and the Google American Indian Network are proud to present Google's first ever Indigenous Mapping Day on August 9, 2013.

A MapUp is a group of people coming together to improve how Google Maps represents their community. You and the members of your tribal community can add local roads, schools, health facilities, tribal offices and more. You can even map in your tribe's native language. Google Map Maker currently supports Cherokee, Navajo, Inuktitut, Inupiaq, Kalaallisut, and Hawaiian.

Many tribal communities in the United States lack accurate mapping information pertaining to roads, buildings, and information on services available to tribal members and the general public. Google Map Maker is a tool that allows tribal governments, businesses, and individual citizens to take ownership of their communities as represented on Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Maps for Mobile. This tool allows these entities to add to, edit, and improve digital local maps by mapping tribal offices, medical facilities, local roads, and everything in between! Anything from structures, landscapes, or ATM locations can be identified on Google Maps by using the Map Maker tool.


Google Maps goes to the Arctic community of Cambridge Bay

To participate in the upcoming Indigenous Mapping Day on August 9, 2013, participants will need the following:

Must have a Google account to access Google Map Maker - for more information on how to create a Google account click 

Must be affiliated with the tribe whose lands you plan to map, which includes those that are tribal members, tribal government representatives, tribal colleges, or organizations providing services on tribal lands

Must have a computer/laptop and an Internet connection

Host/participate in a local MapUp in your community by registering 

For more information contact Sarah Beccio, NCAI Communications Associate - 

NCAI & Google Partner for Indigenous Mapping Day on August 9th

Statement of Support Issued by Tribal Governments and Leading Native American, Civil Rights, Child Welfare and Legal Advocates along with Arizona and New Mexico State Attorneys General to Stop Violation of “Baby Veronica’s” Civil Rights by South Carolina Courts

 - Today, the Native American Rights Fund filed a complaint in the United States District Court in South Carolina to protect the civil rights of Veronica Brown, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who has been denied due process in the South Carolina courts. The filing comes after the South Carolina Supreme Court issued two controversial orders to the state’s family court on July 17 and 24, calling for the removal of Veronica from her father and a transfer her to the adoptive couple without a hearing of best interest.

The lawsuit was supported in a national statement released today by a broad coalition of civil rights, child welfare, adoption advocates, legal authorities, tribal governments, and Native American advocacy groups. These groups and individuals joined with the National Congress of American Indians, Native American Rights Fund, and National Indian Child Welfare Association in releasing the national statement of support for Veronica’s civil rights, and the rights of all children, to a hearing of best interest.

The litigation was filed on behalf of Veronica, by Angel Smith, an attorney appointed as counsel for the child by the courts of the Cherokee Nation, in U.S. District Court in South Carolina, and asks the Court to determine whether Veronica has a constitutionally protected right to a meaningful hearing in the state courts to determine what is in her best interests. Furthermore, the litigation asserts that Veronica, as an “Indian child” under the Indian Child Welfare Act, has a federally protected right to have the state courts fully consider and appropriately weigh her best interests as an Indian child. Daniel E. Martin, Jr., the judge for the family court system of South Carolina, is named as the defendant in the suit.

According to the filing, Veronica “doubtless has a liberty interest in remaining with her father and such an interest justifies at a minimum a plenary hearing on her current status, her relationships with others and her genuine need for stability… Despite the finding of the family court and the implicit assumption by the Supreme Court of South Carolina that [Veronica’s] best interest would be served by being with her father, two years later the court now determines, despite the passage of time and [Veronica’s] stage of development at age four, that her ‘best’ interests will now be served by being removed from him and given back to the adoptive couple. Again, this order is without any consideration to the present circumstances, psychological and emotional well-being, and future impact on [Veronica]. This is an arbitrary result, depriving [Veronica] of any opportunity to be heard on her own behalf, irrespective of the competing interests of the adult litigants in her young life.”

Broad National Support for the Litigation

Also today, on behalf of broad coalition of civil rights, child welfare, legal authorities, tribal governments and Native American advocacy groups, the National Congress of American Indians, along with the Native American Rights Fund and the National Indian Child Welfare Association released a national statement of support for Veronica’s civil rights to be upheld. 

 has been endorsed by a broad coalition of tribal governments, state and federal legal authorities including two state attorneys general – Arizona and New Mexico – civil rights institutions such as the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, child welfare and adoption organizations including the Child Welfare League of America, and leading national and regional Native advocacy organizations representing the interests of almost every tribe located within the United States (see full list below).

[T]he rights promised to our children are being compromised in the courts of the State of South Carolina … The recent [South Carolina Supreme Court] ruling in the case denies the basic fundamental right of an almost four-year-old Indian child to a hearing of her ‘best interests’ before removing her from her biological father after almost two years of child-rearing, bonding and establishing a loving home environment. Plainly stated, this is a denial of Veronica’s human rights and constitutional rights to due process as a citizen of the United States.

The following organizations and individuals have signed on to the letter of support for the civil rights lawsuit being filed on behalf of Veronica:

The Office of Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne

Attorney General of the State of New Mexico Gary K. King

Civil Rights, Child Welfare, and Adoption Advocacy Organizations

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

Friends Committee on National Legislation

National Latino Farmers & Ranchers Trade Association

Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska – 

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation- 

Les Minthorn, Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Enterprise Rancheria, Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe 

- W. Ron Allen, Tribal Chairman/CEO and Chairman - DOI, Self-Governance Advisory Committee (representing 253 Tribes and Native Villages throughout the United States)

Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians – 

- Chief Lynn Malerba, - Chairwoman IHS, Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (representing 336 Tribes and Native Villages throughout the United States)

Tribal President/Administrator Delia Commander

Deanna Muir, Deputy General Manager of the Tulalip Tribes

California Association of Tribal Governments

Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes

Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association

American Indian & Alaska Native Organizations

Association on American Indian Affairs Tribal Law & Policy Institute

Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association

Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium

Co-Director, American Indian Law Program Associate Clinical Professor of Law University of Colorado Law School

Distinguished Indian Law Practitioner in Residence, Center for Indian Law and Policy

Chair, Federal Bar Association Indian Law Section

Co-Director, American Indian Law Program Associate Professor of Law University of Colorado Law School

Professor of Law, Co-Director, International Law Concentration Suffolk University Law School


On July 17 and July 24, the South Carolina Supreme Court issued two controversial orders to the state’s family court calling for an expedited transfer of Veronica Brown to the South Carolina-based adoptive couple without a hearing of best interest. It is standard procedure that all custodial transfers, including adoption proceedings, require a hearing to determine the best interest of the child in advance of any transfer proceedings, an essential step the South Carolina Supreme Court failed to take, thus denying Veronica the right to have her best interests considered. One year ago the South Carolina Supreme Court, followed the family court’s finding that it was in the best interest of Veronica to be with her father stating: “Likewise, we cannot say that Baby Girl's best interests are not served by the grant of custody to Father, as Appellants have not presented evidence that Baby Girl would not be safe, loved, and cared for if raised by Father and his family.”

Click here to read additional background on the case

Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Veronica Brown

Washington, DC - The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled today to deny the appeal filed by Dusten Brown and the Cherokee Nation of the Court’s July 17 order to expedite the transfer of custody of Veronica Brown to the South Carolina-based adoptive couple. One year ago, the South Carolina Supreme Court found that denying the adoption and awarding custody to Dusten Brown was in Veronica’s best interests. Today, that same Court summarily reversed that decision based on a two-year-old record and without providing a hearing for Veronica. Jacqueline Pata, executive director of the National Congress of American Indians issued the following statement in response to today’s ruling:

“The South Carolina Supreme Court has utterly failed to evaluate Veronica’s current best interests in this case and confirmed our worst fears – when it comes to Veronica Brown, standard adoption procedures do not apply. Apparently, the Court believes that there is no need to require the family court to hold a formal and thoughtful hearing to determine what is in Veronica Brown’s best interest. Like thousands of Native American children before her, Veronica now faces the prospect of being removed from her Cherokee family, without a formal consideration of her needs, her culture and her well-being. This is an alarming failure of the judicial system, and it represents a grave threat to all children in adoption proceedings, but most notably Native American children, who deserve all the legal protections, afforded any child in this nation.”

“The National Congress of American Indians refuses to stand by as the rights of this child are violated. Together with the Native American Rights Fund and the National Indian Child Welfare Association we are preparing to file litigation in order to protect Veronica’s civil rights. On behalf of all Native American children, we will pursue every legal option available to us to ensure that standard adoption procedures are upheld in this case.”

“Let me add that I believe the South Carolina Supreme Court has shown willful disregard for the facts when it claims Dusten Brown has not been involved in the life of his daughter. On the contrary, Dusten Brown has gone to extensive lengths to maintain his family and to care for Veronica. The Court’s willingness to ignore these facts and rush a resolution in this matter is deeply troubling. “

South Carolina Supreme Court Denies Rights to Baby Veronica

Lack of hearing to determine best interest driving concerns of child’s rights violations

Washington, DC – Three of the nation’s leading tribal organizations announced today they are in the early stages of pursuing litigation to protect the civil rights of Veronica Brown, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who has been denied due process in the South Carolina courts.

Late Wednesday of last week the South Carolina Supreme Court issued a controversial order to the state’s family court calling for an expedited transfer of custody to the South Carolina-based adoptive couple without a hearing of best interest for Veronica. It is standard procedure that adoption proceedings require a hearing to determine the best interest of the child in advance of any transfer proceedings, an essential step the South Carolina Supreme Court failed to take, thus denying Veronica the right to have her best interests considered.

Leaders of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) said they were compelled to begin a process to represent the rights of Veronica in the situation, based on the Court’s order.

“When it comes to adoption proceedings, every court in this country has a legal obligation to put the best interests of a child first – every time, no matter the race of the child. This did not happen here. The South Carolina Court’s order represents a perilous prospect for not only Veronica, but any child involved in a custody proceeding in this country,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director of NCAI. “In a rush to judgment, the South Carolina Supreme Court ordered Veronica to be removed from her biological father without any consideration for her best interests. The decision contributes to the long and sordid history of Native American children being removed from their families without any consideration of their best interests. The National Congress of American Indians refuses to stand by as the rights of this child are violated.”

Terry Cross, Executive Director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association outlined the history of best interest determinations within the case and how they run contrary to the order issued by the court last Wednesday:

“Two years ago, both the South Carolina Supreme Court and Family Courts held best interest hearings and determined that it was in Veronica’s best interest to be with her father and that he was fit parent,” said Cross. “As a result the South Carolina Supreme Court transferred custody to Mr. Brown. The legal system worked then, but it is being ignored now. It is unconscionable that no best interest hearing has been held in conjunction with the latest transfer order. Every child deserves to have his or her best interests considered – that is a fundamental right, and one that should not be denied any child.”

The previous ruling by the South Carolina Supreme Court, ruled in favor of the father establishing that putting Veronica in Brown’s care was in best interest. No best interest has ever been established for a transfer to the adoptive couple during the entire time of the case. The organization’s pointed to the court’s findings to favor Brown, thus leading to the placement (

“The family court found persuasive the testimony that Father was a good father who enjoyed a close relationship with his other daughter…” (p.22)

“We can only conclude from the evidence presented at trial that Father desires to be a parent to Baby Girl, and that he and his family have created a safe, loving, and appropriate home for her….” (p.23)

“Likewise, we cannot say that Baby Girl's best interests are not served by the grant of custody to Father, as Appellants have not presented evidence that Baby Girl would not be safe, loved, and cared for if raised by Father and his family.” (p.26)

Additionally, the presenters addressed the issue that certain provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act no longer applied. Cross identified that in the court’s own decision in the original case it was stated that;

‘South Carolina courts have a long history of determining custody disputes based on the "best interests of the child.”…This important history is not replaced by the ICWA's mandate.” (p.24)

The organization’s also highlighted the comments of Paul Clement the official representative for the child in the U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments, and the lawyer arguing for attorney for the Guardian Ad Litem, stating that if remanded back to the South Carolina Court there was every expectation that a hearing of best interest for Veronica must be held in order to uphold her rights;

“I'm here representing the guardian who represents the best interest of the child. From the child's perspective, the child really doesn't care whose fault it was when they were brought in one custodial situation or another. They just want a determination that focuses on at the relevant time, that time, what's in their best interest. And so in the same way that we think if you rule in our favor and you remand to the lower court that there has to be a best interest determination that takes into account the current situation,” (p.24)

 of this exchange between Clement and Justices. 

John Echohawk, Executive Director of NARF, the nation’s leading non-profit law firm which has represented the interests of Indians and Indian tribes in federal and state courts since 1970 outlined the next steps to be taken by the organizations:

As you know, the Supreme Court of South Carolina issued its order last Wednesday, and gave Dusten and the Cherokee Nation five (5) days to file their petitions for rehearing. Those petitions will be filed today.

When, as anticipated, the Supreme Court of South Carolina denies those petitions for rehearing, its order will become final and this case will be remanded to the State Family Court [quote] “for the prompt entry of an order approving and finalizing Adoptive Couple’s adoption of Baby Girl” [end quote]. As reflected in the order, the courts of the State of South Carolina can summarily terminate Dusten’s rights as a father and—without any hearing on what is in the best interests of this Indian child—and without any regard for due process of law to protect her civil rights—can remove Baby Veronica from her Indian father, her Indian family, and her Indian tribe with whom she has been living with for the past 18 months.

As Executive Director of NARF, I have instructed my legal staff to work with local counsel in South Carolina and Oklahoma to determine our best legal recourse through the federal courts to protect the rights of Baby Veronica. In this case, we strongly believe that federal civil rights laws are being violated, that other applicable provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act are being ignored by the state courts, and that the principles underlying treaty and international law protecting the rights of indigenous peoples are being undermined.

National Native Organizations Announce Pursuit of Civil Rights Lawsuit for Baby Veronica

Washington, DC - The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has released the following statement regarding yesterday’s 

 calling on the South Carolina Family Court to order a transfer of custody of Baby Girl – Veronica - to the Adoptive Couple involved:

“We are witnessing the final steps in a forced removal of a Native child from her father, her family, and her Native community.

NCAI is astounded and alarmed that the South Carolina Supreme Court has issued an order to transfer Veronica, the daughter of Dusten Brown, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, to the adoptive couple and doing so without holding a hearing to determine the best interests of the child. There is no scenario in which the best interests of this three year old child will be served by removing her from her loving father and family raising her in Oklahoma. Mr. Brown pursued his right to care for his biological daughter since the moment he learned of the adoption. A removal of the child will be extremely traumatic for her and is clearly not in her best interest.“

NCAI Statement on South Carolina Order to Remove Veronica – Baby Girl - From Father and Family

Washington, DC – The National Congress of American Indians has issued the following statement by President Jefferson Keel on the passing of President Dr. Clinton M. Pattea of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

“Throughout his long career, Dr. Pattea built a lasting foundation for Indian Country’s success by championing Native rights and advocating for all Native peoples. His commitment to tribal economic success and improving the education, health, and wellness of our children is a legacy that will benefit our nations for generations to come. Dr. Pattea was a shining example of courage and leadership for all Americans. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pattea family, and all of the citizens of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, as they face the loss of such a great leader.”

NCAI Issues Statement About Passing of President Dr. Clinton M. Pattea of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

Washington, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released a statement today reflecting on the life and contributions of former Board Member Marge Anderson, who passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at the age of 81.


Marjorie Anderson was the first woman to lead an American Indian tribe in Minnesota. She served as Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians from 1991 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012. During her outstanding career she served on the Executive Board of the National Congress of American Indians.


NCAI President Jefferson Keel stated on her passing, “We know that her spirit and example lives on, encouraging all Native peoples to stand up for what they believe in and accept the challenge of serving in leadership roles.”


The Mille Lacs Band economic development was enhanced through her efforts to invest tribal revenue into schools, social programs, infrastructure and environmental protection. Mrs. Anderson was also a driving force in promoting the separation of powers in tribal governments.


She is survived by her husband Merlin Anderson, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.


Our thoughts are with the Anderson family and Mille Lacs Band.

NCAI Remembers Marge Anderson, First Woman To Lead An American Indian tribe in Minnesota

The 2013 Mid Year Conference was full of significant announcements that affect our nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government. On Wednesday, President Obama signed an Executive Order creating the White House Council on Native American Affairs. The Executive Order establishes a national policy to ensure that the federal government engages in a true and lasting government-to-government relationship with tribal nations.

NCAI President Jefferson Keel released a statement welcoming the President’s Executive Order, calling it “a very strong step forward to strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship.” President Keel noted that the Council “has been a top priority of tribal leaders from the earliest days of the Obama Administration.”

On Thursday morning, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell provided her first address to tribal leaders at the 3rd General Assembly. Secretary Jewell noted that President Obama and former Secretary Ken Salazar “opened a new chapter” in relations with tribal nations. She promised to “keep that chapter open” and “take it to the next level.”

Also on Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius announced a final rule that all American Indians and Alaska Natives eligible to receive care through the Indian Health Service will be exempt from the minimum essential coverage requirement in the Affordable Care Act.

Mid Year 2013 Newsletter

This is the first time Secretary Jewell will be addressing tribal leaders attending an NCAI Conference. Please join our 

NCAI Mid Year Conference LIVE STREAM- Department of the Interior, Secretary Sally Jewell Addresses the Third General Assembly

NCAI Statement on President Obama’s Executive Order
Establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs

Secretary Jewell to Meet with Tribal Leaders on Thursday Morning

Reno, NV- In Washington today, President Obama signed an 

Executive Order creating the White House Council on Native American Affairs

. The Executive Order establishes “a national policy to ensure that the federal government engages in a true and lasting government-to-government relationship” with tribal nations. In advance of tomorrow’s address by Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to the General Assembly of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid Year Conference in Reno, Nevada, NCAI President Jefferson Keel released the following statement:

“President Obama’s Executive Order represents a very strong step forward to strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship. The Council has been a top priority of tribal leaders from the earliest days of the Obama Administration. It will increase respect for the trust responsibility and facilitate the efficient delivery of government services.

The Executive Order represents an important commitment to:

Effective tribal policy development coordinated with the White House Domestic Policy Council;

Increased engagement with tribal nations and Native peoples through the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs;

Effective and efficient consultation under Executive Order 13175; and

The ongoing success of the annual White House Tribal Nations Summit.

We look forward to working with President Obama, Secretary Jewell, and other members of the Cabinet to ensure that the Council advances our nation-to-nation relationship and builds a prosperous future for generations to come. “

The Council has been a top priority of tribal leaders from the very earliest days of the Obama Administration. At the NCAI Annual Convention in 2009, anticipating the first annual White House Tribal Nations Summit, the membership of NCAI passed 

resolution PSP-09-008 “Reaffirmation of the Nation-to-Nation Relationship.”

 The resolution called upon the President to establish an Executive Branch Nation-to-Nation Council chaired by the Secretary of the Interior.

In 2012, following the President’s successful reelection campaign, NCAI urged the President to “Create an Interagency Native Policy Council” as one of nine transformative actions that would strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship.

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 Statement on President Obama’s Executive Order Establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs

Reno, NV – On Tuesday June 25, President Obama and his Administration released 

an action plan to address the threats posed by climate change

. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released the following statement from the organization’s national Mid Year Conference in Reno, Nevada:

“NCAI welcomes President Obama’s important plans to address climate change. American Indian and Alaska Native people live on the front lines of a changing world, where the disruptions to our natural resources caused by changes in the climate are having real and measurable effects on the livelihoods of Native people. We agree with the President that responding to the very real threat of climate change is a moral obligation to future generations.

We applaud the inclusion of tribal governments in the Task Force on Climate Preparedness and look forward to contributing our time tested insights to address the impact of climate change. NCAI recommends that tribal governments have active and consultative roles in all federally led climate task forces and initiatives, and urges consideration of a permanent climate change adaptation advisory board to oversee federal policy development and implementation. We also recommend that the Administration explicitly include traditional ecological knowledge in their work to identify approaches to address climate change.

Tribal lands possess extensive renewable energy resources and our governments look forward to partnering with the Administration to expand the development of tribal renewable energy. We also welcome efforts to expand and modernize the electric grid and call on the Administration to prioritize tribal nations as those most underserved by the electric grid.

We were heartened by the President’s comments that his decision to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline would depend on whether it would increase emissions of climate warming greenhouse gases. Tribal nations have consistently raised concerns about the environmental impact of Keystone and the absence of meaningful consultation with tribal nations. We look forward to working with the Department of State to ensure tribal concerns are fully included in the final environmental impact statement and that meaningful consultation with tribal nations precedes any final decision regarding the Keystone XL Pipeline.

We expect that the Administration’s efforts will fit hand in hand with the federal government’s obligation and responsibility to consult with tribal nations. Under the Executive Order 13175 and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, tribal nations have the right to be involved directly in all decision-making that affects our nations and our peoples.

We look forward to working with the President and his Administration on these issues and welcome his critical leadership in this area.”

NCAI Statement on Obama Administration Plan on Climate Change

 the United States Supreme Court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), but reversed and remanded this case back to the South Carolina courts on a technicality. The narrow decision focused on the standard to determine whether this particular father’s parental rights could be terminated.

Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians delivered the following statement from the organization’s Mid Year Conference in Reno, Nevada:

“Today’s decision sends a clear message that there is no question of ICWA’s role as the most important law to protect Native children and families. The decision also affirms Congressional authority to protect Indian Children.

While we are pleased the court has upheld ICWA, we’re very disappointed for Dusten, Veronica, and the Brown family that the court has ruled to send the case back to the South Carolina courts on a technicality. However, the courts in South Carolina have previously affirmed that Dusten Brown is Veronica’s father and that he is a fit parent. We are confident that his parental rights will be upheld, and that Veronica will stay with her family.

We remain committed to Native families and we will continue to support Dusten Brown’s fight for his rights as a father and for Veronica to remain with her loving father, grandparents, and community. Dusten loves his daughter and has never given up in this process, and neither will we. “


In mid-April of 2013, the Supreme Court Justices considered an appeal by the South Carolina couple and their lawyers to the South Carolina Supreme Court decision which held the following;

1. that it was in Veronica’s best interests to be placed with her father;
2. that ICWA applied and was not unconstitutional;
3. the "Existing Indian Family" doctrine was inapplicable as an exception to the application of the ICWA in this case;
4. that the father did not voluntarily consent to the termination of his parental rights or the adoption;
5. the Appellants failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that Father's parental rights should be terminated or that granting custody of Baby Girl to Father would likely result in serious emotional or physical damage to Baby Girl.

In advance of the oral arguments, support for the position to uphold the lower court rulings and the protections of ICWA was characterized as historic. U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli and 19 states and state attorneys general were joined by 

a large array of groups who submitted 24 separate briefs

 in all. Not one state submitted briefs in support of 

.

The overwhelming support included 17 former and current members of Congress; Casey Family Programs, the Children’s Defense Fund, and 16 other child welfare organizations; the American Civil Liberties Union; broad coalitions of psychology associations, child advocates, and legal experts; adult Native American adoptees; and tribal amicus briefs which include 333 American Indian tribes.

Two national tribal amicus briefs were submitted. The first, focused on the legislative history and importance of ICWA, was submitted by the Association on American Indian Affairs, NCAI, and the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), who were joined by 30 Indian tribes and five Indian organizations. A second national tribal amicus brief addresses the constitutional issues raised by the petitioners and also includes 24 tribal nations and organizations. The members of the Tribal Supreme Court Project—Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and NCAI—in partnership with NICWA, joined together to organize the briefs in support of the father.

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Indian Child Welfare Act in Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl

In lead up to 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples tribal nations engage in global dialogue concerning the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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