The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This role carries significant responsibility for the safety and security of communities across the country, including Tribal Nations.

The nomination of Senator Mullin (Cherokee Nation) to a cabinet-level position reflects the increasing presence of Native voices in national leadership. Representation matters, and the nomination of a Tribal citizen to such a prominent federal position is significant for Indian Country.

During his time in Congress, Senator Mullin has been a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) and engaged with issues affecting Tribal communities. He has supported efforts to strengthen economic development, infrastructure, and opportunity in Indian Country. Tribal leaders have long emphasized the importance of federal officials understanding the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States, as well as the unique public safety and homeland security challenges that many Tribal communities face.

As the nomination process moves forward, NCAI looks forward to hearing more about Senator Mullin’s priorities for DHS and how he plans to work with Tribal Nations. Robust, timely Tribal consultation and sustained collaboration with Tribal governments will be essential as DHS addresses issues such as border security, emergency management, cybersecurity, and infrastructure protection that affect Tribal lands and citizens.

NCAI remains committed to working with leaders across the federal government and with Congress to ensure that Tribal sovereignty is respected and that the priorities of Tribal Nations are reflected in national policy discussions.

About the National Congress of American Indians: 

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of Tribal governments and communities, promoting strong Tribal-federal government-to-government policies and a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights. For more information, visit 

NCAI Applauds Nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin for U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of JoAnn K. Chase (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara), a visionary leader and former Executive Director who strengthened NCAI’s national presence and advanced the rights of Tribal Nations across the United States. NCAI extends its deepest condolences to her family, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, and all who were impacted by her leadership, mentorship, and friendship.

JoAnn Chase served as Executive Director of NCAI and the NCAI Fund from 1994 to 2001. During her tenure, she transformed the organization’s capacity and reach, tripling its staff, operating budget, and Tribal membership. Under her leadership, NCAI became a stronger, more visible, and more effective advocate for Tribal sovereignty in the nation’s capital. She worked closely with Tribal Leaders, Congress, the Executive Branch, and national civil rights organizations to advance policies protecting Tribal self-determination and the rights of Tribal Nations.

“The role of Executive Director is both a privilege and an earned trust – one that requires listening, humility, and unwavering commitment to Tribal sovereignty,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. “JoAnn carried that trust with honor. Her leadership expanded NCAI’s capacity and strengthened our voice in Washington, and her legacy continues to guide the work we do for Tribal Nations today.”


Prior to serving as Executive Director, Chase held multiple leadership roles at NCAI, including Director of Governmental Affairs and Policy Analyst. Across these positions, she helped design and implement NCAI’s governmental affairs program, shaped public policy advocacy, and strengthened the organization’s legislative engagement on behalf of Tribal governments.

Throughout her distinguished career, Chase remained committed to building inclusive institutions and strengthening Native leadership. Following her tenure at NCAI, she served as Director of the American Indian Environmental Office in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she provided national leadership on environmental protection and Tribal consultation. She later continued her work in philanthropy, policy, and the arts, championing initiatives that expanded opportunity and representation for Indigenous Peoples and communities of color.


NCAI honors JoAnn Chase’s enduring contributions to Tribal Nations and to the generations of Native leaders who continue the work she helped strengthen. Her legacy lives on in the institutions she helped build and in the continued advancement of Tribal sovereignty across Indian Country.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of JoAnn K. Chase, Former Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians

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

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

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

2026 ECWS Policy Resolutions Now Available

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, a lifelong champion for civil rights and human dignity whose leadership helped shape national movements for justice, inclusion, and opportunity.

For decades, Reverend Jackson pushed the country to do better by building coalitions, organizing alongside working families, and insisting that those too often excluded from decisions and resources be heard and respected. His steady voice reminded the nation that rights are not abstract, and dignity is not negotiable.

Tribal Nations know the long work of protecting the people — defending sovereignty, strengthening communities, and holding the United States to its promises. Reverend Jackson’s example reflects the power of principled leadership and solidarity across communities, and the responsibility to keep pressing forward when progress is resisted.

“Reverend Jackson devoted his life to advancing dignity and opportunity for those too often excluded from it,” said Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and to all who drew strength from his message. May his legacy continue to move our nation toward fairness, respect, and equality for all.”

NCAI extends condolences to Reverend Jackson’s family, friends, and all those who carry his work forward.

National Congress of American Indians Mourns the Passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson

The National Congress of American Indians mourns the passing of Jim Gray, former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, and extends its deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the Osage people.


“Jim Gray devoted his life to strengthening the Osage Nation and advancing Tribal sovereignty through lasting nation-building,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “He led with integrity and a clear commitment to his people, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations. On behalf of NCAI, we extend our deepest condolences to the Osage Nation and to all who loved and learned from him.”


Chief Gray was widely respected for advancing nation-building and strengthening Tribal governance. During his service, he helped guide a significant restoration and modernization of Osage governance — work that centered Osage citizenship, expanded participation, and reinforced the inherent right of Tribal Nations to define their own political futures. He also brought a steady, informed voice to broader Indian Country conversations through his work in Native media and civic engagement.


NCAI honors Chief Gray’s legacy as the kind of leadership Indian Country depends on: grounded in community, focused on strong governance, and committed to sovereignty in practice — not just in principle. His work reflected a belief NCAI shares: that the strength of Indian Country is built through strong Tribal governments, accountable institutions, and informed citizens.


NCAI stands with the Osage Nation in honoring Chief Gray’s life and legacy, and in recognizing his lasting contributions to Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.


NCAI Mourns the Passing of Jim Gray, former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation

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

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

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

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

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

For more information and to access the resources, 

About the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative

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

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

 | As tensions rise across the United States, especially in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the number of incidents where Tribal citizens are being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is increasing.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is deeply troubled by these and other incidents and encourages Tribal citizens to ensure they are familiar with their rights both as citizens of their Tribal Nations and as citizens of the United States.

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has compiled 

Resources for Individuals and Nonprofits Approached by ICE

. This document includes information about Tribal citizen rights if approached at home, work, or in public.

NCAI encourages all Tribal citizens to carry at least one form of legal identification (e.g., non-expired Tribal or state ID, passport, or birth certificate). It is particularly important to note that federal law enforcement may not be familiar with Tribal IDs. If an ICE agent does not accept your Tribal ID as identification, NARF recommends that you request to speak to their supervisor. Native Americans who believe their rights have been violated can call NARF at 303-447-8760.

NCAI stands with Tribal Nations and their citizens across the United States impacted by recent ICE actions and enforcement activity. We will remain unified in supporting Tribes with accurate information, rights-based education, and coordinating resources to protect our communities and Native people.

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of Tribal governments and communities, promoting strong Tribal-federal government-to-government policies and a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights. For more information, visit 

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

Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) will deliver the annual State of Indian Nations Address on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from Washington, DC. Immediately following Keel’s address, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington State, the new chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, will deliver the Congressional Response. Both speeches will be delivered from the Newseum’s Knight Studio. The event will be broadcast live via 

The State of Indian Nations address, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. eastern, will be held at the Newseum in Washington, DC in the building’s Knight Studio for television broadcast. As is tradition, the State of Indian Nations address is scheduled just days after the United States President delivers the State of the Union.

NCAI President Keel to Deliver State of Indian Nations Address; U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell to Deliver Congressional Response

NCAI Policy Research Center Releases Brief on Violence Against Women Statistics

Washington, DC - In a letter sent to Senators Leahy and Crapo this morning, the National Congress of American Indians’ (NCAI) Taskforce on Violence Against Women expressed strong opposition to any harmful amendments offered to the Senate legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In the letter to the Senate co-authors of the legislation, NCAI expressed unified opposition to amendments to VAWA that would strip tribal jurisdiction provisions or alter the current language in S. 47 in a harmful manner.

The letter sent by NCAI Task Force co-chairs Juana Majel Dixon (

) can be downloaded here, and highlights examples of amendments which the organization opposes:

“Amendments which place more funding in the hands of federal authorities will not address…local need. We believe strongly that local government is the best government for addressing public safety concerns. For example, an amendment is being offered today which would require that tribal governments petition a U.S. District Court for an ‘appropriately tailored protection order excluding any persons from areas within the Indian country of the tribe.’ This level of procedure for an intimately local issue is not practical and will do little to improve matters on Indian reservations. Tribal courts are the appropriate venue to issue such protection orders.

Also, tribal courts and authorities are the appropriate triers of fact for domestic violence matters conducted on Indian reservations. The federal system has proven ineffective in many respects, but none as detrimental to the backbone of a community as the area of domestic violence against Native women. Further many tribal courts operate in much the same manner as state courts, albeit with smaller dockets and lesser degrees of crime as their sister governments: state and federal courts. Also, all tribal courts are bound by the Indian Civil Rights Act, which, as amended, guarantees all of the constitutional rights non-Native defendants have in state courts.”

 released today a new Policy Insight Brief titled, Statistics on Violence Against Native Women. The brief aims to provide detail on previously reported statistics and original sources of data used often in policy discussions, specifically focusing on the context in which the disproportional violence against Native women happens. The brief synthesizes data and provides context for critical tribal provisions of S. 47:

“From what we know about the high rates of intimate partner violence against Native women, about the fact that assaults against Native women tend to take place at private residences, about the reports from Native women of perceived perpetrator race, and about the high rates of interracial marriage and unmarried partners of Native women, it is clear that violence against Native women tends to be perpetrated by non-Native men.”

NCAI Reiterates Support for Senate Version of Violence Against Women Act; Letter to Leahy and Crapo Calls for No Harmful Amendments to S.47

Washington, DC – Today President Obama announced his selection for the next Secretary of the Department of the Interior, nominating Sally Jewell, CEO of the outdoor company REI. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s swift action to nominate a successor for Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar:

“NCAI welcomes the news that the Obama Administration has moved quickly to nominate an innovative leader to continue the momentum of the Department of the Interior achieved under Secretary Salazar. Sally Jewell’s diverse experience in energy, conservation, and stewardship efforts, presents an exciting opportunity for the country and tribal nations to make great strides and continue the transformation of the Department of the Interior under this President.

As a key partner in advancing the trust relationship between the United States and tribal nations, the Secretary of the Interior is a critical component in carrying forward this trust and fulfilling the promise of a new era in U.S. - tribal relations. Over the last four years, this trust relationship has a new focus from all corners of government.

Ms. Jewell’s career indicates that, like other leaders in the Northwest, her efforts have often intersected with and supported the timeless wisdom of tribal nations in relation to natural resource issues. Her career has also included service on boards of organizations that have partnered with tribes to expand educational opportunities for Native people, develop renewable and responsible energy solutions with the private sector and government agencies, and emphasize the importance of Native cultures and languages.

We look forward to working with President Obama and the next Interior Secretary to ensure that tribal nations remain central stakeholders and governments in conserving and managing the natural resources, lands, and communities of North America.

NCAI urges the Senate to take swift action to consider this nomination so that Interior can carry on its work that is vital not only to the first Americans, but all Americans.”

NCAI Statement on the Nomination of Sally Jewell to Serve as U.S. Secretary of the Interior

Stafford Act passes Senate on 62 - 36 vote – Headed to President Obama’s Desk for Signature

Washington, DC – Tribal nations will soon have the same ability provided to states to make disaster relief declarations and requests for assistance directly to the President of the United States. In a 62-36 vote on Monday night, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 152, the Hurricane Sandy Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill, which includes amendments to allow tribal governments to make direct requests for emergency assistance to the President under the Stafford Act. Under current law, tribes must seek assistance through a state governor’s office, often causing critical delays in emergency response on tribal lands. The legislation, which also includes $50 billion in Hurricane Sandy relief funding, passed 241-180 in the House of Representatives two weeks ago and now goes to President Obama’s desk to be signed into law.

“Some tribal nations in the U.S., many in remote areas, are larger than some states and every tribal nation has unique disaster response and recovery requests. The final passage of this bill marks a historic moment in tribal emergency preparedness and response. Our nations, devastated too often by natural disasters with disproportionate impacts, will be more capable to respond immediately to major disasters, and the bipartisan support for this legislation should not go unnoticed,” said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI. Keel is also the Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma.

NCAI further acknowledges that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) made the tribal amendments to the Stafford Act its sole legislative priority under Administrator Craig Fugate’s direction. The need for this critical policy change has been called for repeatedly in FEMA tribal consultations and meetings with tribal leaders during NCAI conventions.

“State and tribal governments will now be able to access disaster assistance as needed to aid the people, local communities, and regions in recovering quickly from catastrophic situations. NCAI looks forward to the signature of this landmark legislation by President Obama. NCAI is prepared to work with FEMA to ensure its implementation contains fair and inclusive eligibility criteria and will benefit the maximum number of tribal communities,” concluded Robert Holden, NCAI’s Deputy Director and longtime coordinator of emergency management policy and response efforts at NCAI.

Tribal Nations Set to Gain Authority to Make Disaster Declarations Directly to U.S. President

Bipartisan Senate support for S. 47 includes key Republican Senators with tribal constituencies Crapo, Murkowski, and Collins

Re-introduced bipartisan S. 47 bill provides locally-focused solutions to address violence against Native women 

 – The National Congress of American Indians is calling for immediate action on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) as members of Congress weigh newly introduced legislation in both the Senate and House. NCAI is pointing to the support of key Republicans with tribal constituencies, in both the Senate and House, who are supporting the newly introduced measures or similar measures in the past with key protections for Native American women.

On Tuesday January 22, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) reintroduced the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (S. 47), coauthored by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID). The bill, which reauthorizes the landmark VAWA law that first passed more than 20 years ago, strengthens and improves existing programs that assist victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The S. 47 version of the bill ensures important protections for Native women facing domestic and sexual violence on reservations across the country. The bill reflects the bipartisan agreements reached in the 112th Congress on VAWA and is supported by key Republican Senators with tribal constituents including Senator Crapo the coauthor from Idaho and co-sponsors Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME). Other co-sponsors include Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Bennet (D-CO), Cantwell (D-WA), Casey (D-PA), Coons (D-DE), Durbin (D-IL), Hagan (D-NC), Kirk (R-IL), Klobuchar (D-MN), McCaskill (D-MO), Mikulski (D-MD), Murray (D-WA), Shaheen (D-NH), Tester (D-MT), Udall (D-CO), and Whitehouse (D-RI).

“NCAI is encouraged by this bi-partisan step to act on VAWA in the 113th Congress and it is clear there is support across the board for a VAWA that includes the tribal provisions. These narrow provisions are vital to the safety of our Native women and to the Native and non-Native communities where violent offenders are left unchecked if they commit specific crimes of domestic or sexual violence on tribal land. This is a clear sign that members of both sides of the aisle support this legislation and we are urging both the House and Senate to work together,” remarked NCAI President Jefferson Keel.

The House also put forward VAWA legislation on Wednesday, with Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and John Conyers (D-MI) introducing a House companion bill (H.R. 11). In the 112th Congress, the Senate version, which included tribal provisions, passed the Senate. In the final months of the 112th Congress, Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) of the House offered H.R. 6625, known as the Issa/Cole bill, which contained language to address court jurisdiction and tribal judicial parity in prosecuting non-Indian defendants. Congressman Cole also spoke out in favor of the Senate’s previous version of VAWA S.1925. NCAI supported the Issa/Cole language.

After tireless advocacy during the 112th Congress for a comprehensive VAWA, NCAI and members of NCAI’s Violence Against Women Task Force are actively meeting with members of Congress this week to garner additional support for the newly introduced bill. 

NCAI Calls for Action on Violence Against Women Act Legislation in 113th Congress

Tribal nations represented throughout Presidential
Inauguration weekend events

On Monday January 21, 2013, NCAI President Jefferson Keel attended President Barack Obama’s second Inaugural Address joining members of Congress, Cabinet officials, Justices of the Supreme Court, former presidents, governors, other dignitaries, and civil rights organization leaders on the inaugural platform to usher in the 44th President of the United States’ second term. President Keel began the morning with the first family and guests of the Administration at St. John's Church for prayer services near the White House. On the Sunday prior to the inauguration President Keel was also invited to and attended a reception at the home of the Vice-President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, in recognition of the weekend’s inaugural events.

“Tribal nations were represented throughout the Presidential Inauguration events this weekend and I was proud to have represented Native people in honoring the President as he begins his second term. From the morning prayer to his ceremonial swearing in to the Inaugural Parade, tribal nations were present, a reminder that as sovereign nations, we are also active members of the American family of governments,” said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI and Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. Keel made the statement from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian where NCAI held a tribal nations strategy session the day after the Inauguration.

The Inauguration included Native people in many ways. The official Inaugural Parade featured six Native groups including; Kamehameha Schools Warrior Marching Band, Honolulu, Hawaii; Native American Women Warriors, Pueblo West, Colorado; Navajo Nation Band, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah; The Tribes of North Dakota, North Dakota; Utuqqagmiut Dancers, Wainwright, Alaska; and the Wind River Dancers, Wind River Indian Reservation, Wyoming. Two Native American inaugural balls were also held over the weekend.

NCAI’s event on Tuesday January 22nd, “Setting Our Nation-To-Nation Agenda for the Next Four Years: Tribal Nations, Congress, and the Obama Administration”, focused on moving immediately on key priorities for the next four years. The meeting brought together tribal leaders and advocates who were in Washington for the inaugural weekend to form a unified path for working with the Obama Administration and all members of Congress over the next four years. Among the presenters were Kevin Washburn, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Jodi Gillette, the White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, and Charlie Galbraith Charles Galbraith the White House Associate Director from the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public engagement.

“Although Native Americans or tribes weren’t mentioned specifically in the President’s inaugural speech, tribal nations are a priority of this Administration and it was reflected in our prominence in the weekend’s events. The fact that as the President of NCAI, I was able to be with the President during the prayer service and on the platform to commemorate his inauguration, speaks volumes to our nation-to-nation relationship,” continued Keel.

“We’re focused on major issues in the near term and in the years to come. Immediately we are continuing our advocacy efforts to call on members of Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In addition, fixing land into trust challenges presented by the Supreme Court’s 

 decision remains at the top of our priority list. In the months ahead we’ll monitor the government’s federal trust responsibility to uphold the tribal budget and focus on the implementation of major legislation like the Affordable Care Act and the Tribal Law & Order Act. While there is so much more to do, we’re very optimistic as NCAI, tribal nations, and advocates begin our work in partnership with the 113th Congress and the Obama Administration,” Keel concluded.

President Keel will next deliver a major address at the 2013 State of Indian Nations, scheduled for the February 14th at 10:30 a.m. eastern from the Newseum in Washington, DC – just days after the President Obama’s State of the Union address. The event will be broadcast live from 

 and on television and followed by a Congressional Response and a Question & Answer session. 

NOTE 01/25/2013: The content of this release was modified to add information about President Keel's attendance at the Vice President's home and President's Keel's tribal affiliation and office held.

NCAI President Jefferson Keel Attends 57th Inaugural Address

a statement released by the U.S. Department of Interior

 today, it was announced that Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will return to his home state of Colorado, having “fulfilled his promise to President Obama to serve four years as Secretary. Secretary Salazar has informed President Obama that he intends to leave the Department by the end of March.”

NCAI released the following statement regarding the announcement:

“Secretary Ken Salazar will be remembered for the promises he kept and the trust he rebuilt with tribal nations and Native people. His legacy among tribes is rooted in the depth of the relationships he forged between American Indian and Alaska Native governments and the United States government during the first term of the Obama Administration. Tasked with reinvigorating the government’s trust relationship with tribes, Secretary Salazar lifted the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs to new levels of visibility and accountability, and made a personal commitment to that effort. As a true partner and friend at the table with tribes he brought a clear determined focus to close dark chapters of the past and usher in a new era of tribal relations.

Salazar’s leadership was crucial in settling historic trust cases, supporting and implementing landmark legislation, improving consultation with tribal governments and communities, and working with tribes to protect our land, cultures, and resources.

Most importantly, Salazar’s enduring legacy will be his stewardship of the annual White House Tribal Nations Summit, which the Secretary convened, and in December of 2012 was held for a fourth straight year. During these annual events, it was clear that his words and his intentions were centered in a deep respect for the constitutional relationship between our nations and a responsibility to uphold it. This level of engagement, with members of the Cabinet and the President of the United States directly working with tribal nations, is an example of the most fundamental responsibility of governments world-wide to consult and work together with Indigenous peoples and governments. Secretary Salazar’s commitment to these efforts should not be over looked in that context.

While his leadership and presence will be missed, NCAI will work with tribal governments and citizens to communicate tribal priorities to the federal government during his transition from his position.

NCAI looks forward to working with the President and Congress to ensure a qualified Secretary of the Interior is appointed, who from day one will carry on the work of Secretary Salazar and include tribal nations as central stakeholders and governments in conserving and managing our natural resources and lands that are so vital not only to the first Americans, but all Americans.”

NCAI Statement on Scheduled Departure of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has released the following statement in support of the First Nations of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) efforts to hold the Canadian government accountable to its commitment to consultation.

On Friday January 11, 2013, AFN will host a meeting of a delegation coordinated by AFN and Prime Minister Stephen Harper and members of his Cabinet. The meeting comes after AFN and First Nations have called for improved nation-to-nation consultations following legislation passed by the Canadian Parliament in December 2012, Bill C-45; 

. AFN and First Nations expressed opposition prior to and following the passage of Bill C-45, which fails to respect the Treaties and rights of First Nations.

“NCAI supports AFN and the rights of Canada’s First Nations to nation-to-nation consultation and calls on the Canadian Government to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, of which Canada and the United States have both adopted. As stated in the Declaration, and has been proven time and time again, consultations between indigenous peoples including tribal nations and the governments of North America, are essential to crafting a vision for a shared future,” said Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI, the United States’ oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization.

“We stand united as the tribal nations of North America, as a family of first peoples and first governments of this land, and we stand united to protect our rights. There may be a border separating Canada and the United States, however as first Nations of North America we are not separate, and we will not be divided. And nor should we be divided in our nation-to-nation relationships,” continued Keel.

“Tribal nations of the United States have recently engaged in extensive and improved nation-to-nation consultations as a result of the Obama Administration’s commitment to upholding the U.S. President’s Executive Order on Consultation. These consultations have resulted in strong tribal nations, and a stronger America. We look forward to hearing from AFN the results of tomorrow’s discussions with Prime Minister Steven Harper and the Canadian Government. We stand ready to support AFN and the First Nations of Canada as they take important action to protect the rights, lands, and resources of First Nations and people,” Keel concluded.

NCAI Statement of Support for Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Rights of Canada’s First Nations to Consultation

First round of Cobell settlement checks scheduled this week

On Monday the Indian Trust Settlement Administrator began issuing checks for the Cobell settlement to an estimated 400,000 American Indians who are Individual Indian Money (IIM) account holders. In an effort to raise awareness about the possibility of fraud and scams targeting these account holders the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has released a Public Service Announcements (PSA) for radio stations as part of the organization’s 

“This settlement can benefit you, your family and your communities, but we must all be aware of the potential negative impacts. You or others may be a target for scams,” says NCAI’s Jefferson Keel in the radio PSA being distributed to Native American radio stations throughout the United States (click here to download). “Dishonest people know about the settlement and are figuring ways to take money from you. Be aware and be watchful. If you suspect a scam, you can contact your State’s Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection or your tribe.”

Keel and NCAI is also encouraging Native people to become educated and visit the organization’s site full of information on the issue at 

. NCAI has also developed an “alert” with information for tribes to provide to their members (download here).

Keel closes the PSA by saying, “Remember, it’s your money, it’s Native money. Let’s keep it that way for generations to come.”

NCAI outlines specific ways in which recipients may be targeted. Individuals in these circumstances usually get mail, phone calls, and email with ideas for how to spend the money. For example, individuals or their family might get offers for new or used vehicles, credit card or loan offers, rent-to-own “deals”, or an advance on the money. The organization is encouraging individuals to determine how to save or spend their money, and to be wary of scams that encourage people to “Act Now!”, make big promises, offer no risk, or tell people to “keep it secret” referring to the offer.

NCAI says the best way to protect Native money is to make a plan, “take your time” when deciding how to spend the money”, ask questions, and talk to someone your trust.

 settlement payments, being made by the Indian Trust Settlement Administrator, will be distributed in two payments with the first being the $1,000 to everyone in the class. These payments are expected to be mailed on Monday December 17, 2012. The remaining payments will go out within six months of the first payment. $1.5 billion is slated for individuals in these initial payouts. $1.9 billion will go to repurchase fractionated interests over the next 10 years. A major number of the recipients are in Montana, North and South Dakota, Idaho, Washington, California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

NCAI has also learned that the court will issue an order this week appointing a "special master" to oversee the distribution of the funds with a focus on efforts to locate all eligible beneficiaries. Efforts will be made to reach out to tribes to help locate members who may be eligible but who may need to update their addresses.

NCAI is directing individuals who have questions about payments for class members of the 

 settlement, to contact the claims administrator, Garden City Group, Inc., directly.


Mail: Indian Trust Settlement, P.O. Box 9577, Dublin, OH 43017-4877

Trust Beneficiary Call Center -- beneficiaries can contact the Trust Beneficiary Call Center for the Office of Special Trustee, toll-free, at 1-888-678-6836

Cobell Settlement Money on the Way; NCAI Launches Radio Ad Campaign to “Protect Native Money”

Former Chairman of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii Passes On

U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii passed away, Monday December 17, 2012, at the age of 88, with his wife and son by his side at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, DC. A World War II combat veteran, Inouye served the second-longest term of any U.S. senator in history, representing the great State of Hawaii since its statehood in 1959. Inouye was a prominent member and leader of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, serving as its chairman for ten years during two different periods. He passed away from respiratory complications.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released a statement following the loss of a great friend and warrior for the rights of all people, including Indigenous peoples and tribal nations:

“Senator Inouye was one of the most honorable and courageous men modern Indian Country has known. He was a distinguished warrior, and he served his country and people with dignity and a strong sense of advocacy. As a member and chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs he championed the rights of Native peoples, and we will always remember him for holding the line on numerous issues critical to cultural protection and tribal sovereignty. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. This country has lost a true patriot and statesman.

In the words of our Native Hawaiian brothers and sisters we say 

 for his service and commitment and will forever remember this son of Hawaii as a great leader.”

Inouye's outstanding commitment to Indian affairs was demonstrated by his long service on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, serving as the Chairman from 1987 - 1995, the Vice-Chairman from 1995 - 1997, and again as Chairman from 2001 - 2003. He was slated to continue his role as a committee member in the 113th Congress.

Throughout his incredible tenure, Inouye worked closely with NCAI and American Indian and Alaska Native tribes as he advocated for tribal sovereignty, tribal colleges and universities, and housing and community development, among many other issues. He also supported the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and was later able to secure funding for Native Hawaiians to purchase property as a part of the Home Lands effort. Senator Inouye was honored by NCAI in 1999 with the NCAI Leadership Award for his service to Indian Country.

The official statement released by Inouye's office 

describes his long history of military service:

“Senator Inouye began his career in public service at the age of 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after Imperial Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He served with 'E' company of the 442 Regimental Combat Team, a group consisting entirely of Americans of Japanese ancestry. Senator Inouye lost his arm charging a series of machine gun nests on a hill in San Terenzo, Italy on April 21, 1945. His actions during that battle earned him the Medal of Honor.”

Inouye, a second-generation Japanese-American, was a true son of Hawaii who created a national legacy of leadership. His role as the first Japanese-American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, and later the first in the U.S. Senate, blazed a trail for the record number of Asian Americans now serving in Congress. Fourteen total members were set to make up the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in 2013, with five new Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders elected to serve in the 113th United States Congress - the largest caucus of Asian American and Pacific Islander Members in any single congressional session.

NCAI Remembers Inouye as a “Distinguished Warrior”

Recap of Statements by Republican and Democratic members;
Path forward on VAWA remains open in lame duck but window closing

Washington, DC – On Thursday December 13, House Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) held a meeting with Republican members of both the House and Senate to discuss the tribal provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. In a statement provided to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) by Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), Cole spoke to the meeting and the bipartisan support for the tribal provisions.

"We had a very productive meeting today (Thursday) to determine the way forward for tribal provisions in the Violence Against Women Act. Majority Leader Cantor appreciates the seriousness of the problem and is genuinely trying to find an appropriate solution that can pass both houses of Congress,” said Representative Cole in a statement sent to NCAI.

“In my view, the best remedy is to provide tribal communities with the same authority granted to every other local municipality to police their communities and protect their residents,” continued Cole. “There is bipartisan support to give tribal law enforcement authorities the necessary jurisdiction and resources to combat the epidemic of domestic violence against Native American women in Indian Country. I appreciate the efforts of Rep. Issa and Sen. Crapo to advance creative legislative solutions. This is a serious problem that is not going away, and we'll continue to work for a solution in the next Congress if time runs out in this session."

NCAI’s Executive Director Jacqueline Pata responded to yesterday’s developments, issuing the following statement.

“We’re very appreciative of the Majority Leader Cantor’s focus on VAWA and this critical issue for protecting Native women. This meeting indicates that progress is being made and we continue to hope that members will find a path forward on tribal provisions that address the jurisdictional gap at the root of the problem and protect Native women,” said NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata. “We’re going to keep urging bipartisan collaboration by congressional leadership to pass an inclusive VAWA until the day the legislation passes in the House and Senate. Native women and all other victims who suffer from domestic violence and related crimes depend on this outcome and we remain committed to seeing that day become a reality.”

Last week, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Tom Cole (R-OK) introduced H.R. 6625, a new stand-alone house version of VAWA which contains language to address tribal court jurisdiction and judicial parity in prosecuting non-Indian defendants. NCAI is supportive of this legislation, and in a letter to the Senate authors of VAWA, Senators Leahy (D-VT) and Crapo (R-ID), NCAI called for support of this legislation.

referenced the House Leader’s meeting in a statement

 on the bipartisan progress being made on VAWA, “I have heard that Republican leaders are meeting today to finally discuss the issue,” Leahy said. “It is my hope that they will show real leadership by supporting crucial protections for tribal women, rather than offering empty proposals that do not change existing law and will not move us forward or help us to address this crisis.”

, Patty Murray referenced the failure of Congress to agree on an inclusive, bipartisan VAWA: “Today marks 18 years to the day since President Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act into law. And since that day, this law has protected countless women across the country - as seen most directly by the fact that annual rates of domestic violence have dropped by more than 60 percent. But Madam President, today also marks a far less celebratory day in the history of this critical bill. And that is because today is also the 139th day of delay by the House of Representatives since the Senate passed an inclusive, bipartisan VAWA bill by a vote of 68-31.”

House Majority Leader Hosted Meeting on Tribal Provisions of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Significant progress is being made on the long sought after Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization, including the critical tribal provisions of the bill, and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is calling on House Majority Leader Cantor and authors of recent Senate and House legislation to continue discussions and pass final legislation.

“We believe there is a path to bipartisan agreement on the tribal provisions of VAWA. We remain hopeful that a comprehensive VAWA bill can and will move forward before this session of Congress ends,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director of NCAI. “It’s hero time on both sides of the aisle, and we believe all the discussions happening on VAWA, in addition to the discussions surrounding the Issa/Cole version, will be successful and will protect all women, including Native women.”

a statement released last week, Senator Leahy

 referenced this letter and provided an optimistic response on the record, “the National Congress of American Indians has urged Senator Crapo and me ‘to take a serious look at the Issa/Cole provision.’ We are. I urge the House Republican leadership to do so, as well.” 

Yesterday a letter was sent by a group of bipartisan members of Congress

 calling on Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor for action on a comprehensive VAWA.

Female tribal leaders and members of NCAI's Violence Against Women Task Force are actively meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill this week to ensure Indian Country's voice is heard and to see that the tribal provisions are understood.

NCAI Statement on Bipartisan Movement on Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Tribal Provisions

Download NCAI's Complete Tribal Nations Summit Overview

The 4th Annual White House Tribal Nations Summit convened the President, eight members of his Cabinet, numerous high-level Administration officials, and hundreds of tribal leaders from across the country in our nation's capital to discuss key issues facing tribal nations.

"Three years ago, I was proud to see that this conference was the largest gathering of tribal leaders in our history," remarked President Obama, "back then an event like this was rare. Today, it's gotten routine. What I told you then is that I was committed to more than a unique nation-to-nation relationship, I was committed to getting this relationship right, so that your nations could be full partners in our economy and your children can have a fair shot at pursuing the American dream and that no one has to live under the cloud of fear or injustice."

The administration responded with action to address top tribal priorities through a number of important announcements.

Secretaries Salazar and Vilsack announced an interagency policy on sacred places. Secretary Vilsack noted that "the President is very, very insistent that these sacred sites are protected and treated with dignity and respect." Secretary Vilsack also announced his department's report on sacred places, a collaborative effort with tribes and the Forest Service, would be released 

Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Neal Wolin announced the release of a 

guidance document on General Welfare Exclusion

, which includes a wide range of benefits, for example, assistance with housing, utilities, education, job placement, elder assistance, disabilities, emergency/temporary assistance, and religious/cultural activities payments.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced 

 for the Department of Veterans Affairs to reimburse the Indian Health Service for services provided to Native veterans. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced the finalization of the 

 and several secretaries underscored key new investments that are detailed in 

Throughout the Summit, the administration also underscored its commitment to key tribal priorities during the Lame Duck session, including protecting the Indian Country budget, passing a clean 

 Fix, and reauthorization of a Violence Against Women Act with tribal priorities included. 

Secretary Ken Salazar, Department of the Interior

Secretary Arne Duncan, Department of Education

Deputy Secretary Neal Wolin, Department of the Treasury

Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank, Department of Commerce

Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Department of Health and Human Services

Secretary Tom Vilsack, Department of Agriculture

Leaders of Each Tribal Leaders Breakout Session

Secretary Ray LaHood, Department of Transportation

Secretary Hilda Solis, Department of Labor

To effectively monitor progress on tribal leader priorities, NCAI is inviting tribal leaders to share their notes from the summit breakout sessions. Please submit notes via email to Peter Morris at 

, via fax at 202-466-7797, or via phone at 202-466-7767 x210.

Save the Date! NCAI Transition Meeting - January 22

In advance of the Tribal Nations Summit, NCAI and regional intertribal organization partners developed a 

 outlining key tribal priorities. One aspect of this book was a 

Framing Paper of Nine Transformative Steps

 that the President could take to advance our nation-to-nation relationship. The nine steps are as follows: 

Establish an Administration-wide Policy on Sacred Places

Promote Economic Security by Ensuring Governmental Parity between Tribes and States

Recognize our Nation-to-Nation Relationship in International Forums

Prioritize Appointments that Impact Indian Country

Direct the Census Bureau to Lead a Periodic Indian Country Economic Survey

Ensure Tribes are Included in National Policy Reform Efforts

To continue this important work and dialogue with the administration, NCAI will host a transition meeting on 

 to set the agenda for Congress and the Administration for the next four years. 

Visit the event page for more information

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Tribal programs should be spared axe in any deal

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What you didn't see at the White House Tribal Nations Summit

President Obama Meets with Tribal Leaders 

By Deandra Corinthios WGBA-TV Green Bay, WI

Alaska Native Leaders Attend White House Tribal Nations Conference

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