The National Congress of American Indians mourns the passing of Louise Benson, former Chairwoman of the Hualapai Tribe, who passed away at the age of 83. A dedicated leader and steadfast advocate for her people, Chairwoman Benson leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership, economic development, and long-term investment in the future of the Hualapai Nation.

During her tenure, Benson played a central role in the development of Grand Canyon West, transforming it into a globally recognized destination on Hualapai lands. She led efforts to establish the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which has welcomed millions of visitors since its opening and created lasting economic opportunities for the Tribe. Her administration also advanced critical infrastructure, including the paving of Diamond Bar Road, improving access to the region.

Chairwoman Benson was equally committed to protecting the long-term well-being of her Nation. She spearheaded a decade-long effort to secure water rights for the Hualapai Tribe, laying the groundwork for 

a historic Tribal water rights settlement

 that ensures future generations have access to essential resources. Her leadership reflected a deep commitment to sovereignty, self-determination, and the prosperity of her people.

On behalf of NCAI, we extend our deepest condolences to the Hualapai Tribe, Chairwoman Benson’s family, and all those who were impacted by her life and leadership. Her legacy will continue to shape Indian Country for generations to come.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Louise Benson, Former Chairwoman of the Hualapai Tribe

In observance of Earth Day, the National Congress of American Indians reaffirms our dedication to protecting the inherent sovereign rights of Tribal Nations. Our commitment is especially vital as sensitive ecosystems like the Boundary Waters face renewed threats from mining interests that bypass established environmental reviews. 

For Tribal Nations, environmental stewardship is not merely a matter of regulation; it is an affirmation of our sovereign rights to the land, health, and cultural survival. When federal actions prioritize extractive development by bypassing the consultation frameworks that protect our resources, they directly threaten Tribal self-determination and the federal trust responsibility. 

NCAI’s latest policy brief, “Environmental Stewardship and Tribal Sovereignty: Assessing the 2025 Executive Actions and Impacts on Indian Country,” outlines how recent federal executive actions have dismantled critical environmental stewardship offices and suspended standard consultation timelines. 

We encourage you to share this document to help raise awareness of our efforts to safeguard ancestral lands and treaty-protected resources from unilateral development. Together, we can ensure that Tribal sovereignty and the ecological integrity of our communities remain a priority for generations to come.



NCAI Celebrates Earth Day through Latest Policy Brief

— The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) met today during the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) to advance work on their renewed Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation (“the Declaration”), which was renewed and signed in a ceremony on March 24 of this year. The Declaration is a shared commitment to advancing the rights, well-being, and self-determination of First Peoples across the Canada–United States border.


Building on the momentum of the renewed Declaration, NCAI and AFN leaders met to advance collaboration and Indigenous-led solutions across key commitments. The meeting today focused on Indigenous free trade and border mobility, including the removal of tariffs on Indigenous trade, and the international trade of medicines, cultural, and traditional items related to Indigenous health. Today’s meeting reflects a continued focus on practical actions and collective leadership during a time of evolving political landscapes in both countries.

“Today’s meeting reflects the strength of our renewed kinship and our shared responsibility to act together on behalf of our Nations,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Our Peoples have always maintained connections across these borders, and through this work with the Assembly of First Nations, we are advancing practical, Indigenous-led solutions that protect our rights, support our well-being, and strengthen the future for generations to come.”


“The First Peoples have always maintained relationships that exist and extend well beyond imposed borders,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “We are joining together to make tangible progress that supports our economies, ensures our people can move freely, and ensures our rights are upheld and respected. Our unity and momentum send a clear message to all governments and Nations: we can work together in partnership to advance solutions that benefit everyone.”

The theme of the 25th session of the UNPFII is 

“Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, including in the context of conflict.”

 The AFN and NCAI recognize the importance of youth in all their work and were actively involved in today’s meeting, leading a session on Indigenous mental wellness, addictions and health.

“As young First Peoples of Canada, we are carrying both the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the strength of our Nations,” said Hanna Sewell, citizen of Batchewana First Nation and member of the AFN National Youth Council. “Our Nations are tackling mental wellness by grounding preventative solutions in our languages, revitalization of traditions, and connections to our sovereign territories. While the world is trying to adapt to the constantly changing geopolitics, young people across the globe are looking for a positive path forward that can benefit us all. We know the solutions that work. Cooperation across colonial borders allows us to share knowledge and build stronger, healthier futures for youth on both sides of the Medicine Line for seven generations to come.”

During the meeting, NCAI and AFN reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, strengthening advocacy at the international level, and advancing shared priorities through coordinated action. The NCAI and AFN will continue to meet regularly as affirmed in the Declaration. This work reflects a renewed and focused leadership approach rooted in unity, respect, and the enduring kinship among First Peoples.

###

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 www.ncai.org.

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.

First Nations Leaders from Canada and the United States Demonstrate Unity and Joint Action at UNPFII

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.


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.”

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

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) emphatically condemns the hateful, genocidal statement of Ann Coulter on July 6, 2025, through a post on the social platform X, declaring: “We didn’t kill enough Indians.” There is no place in society for this direct incitement of hatred and violence toward American Indian and Alaska Native people.

“These words are not provocative social commentary; they are a violent attack on Native people and Tribal Nations. Celebrating genocide against Tribal Nations crosses every moral line,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Careless comments like this glorify the darkest chapters of U.S. history and actively endanger Native peoples' lives today. We will not sit silently at attempts to normalize this abhorrent behavior. We demand an immediate retraction and public apology — and we expect leaders of every political persuasion to denounce this abomination without equivocation.”

“Free speech does not confer a license to advocate for or justify mass murder — past or present,” added NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “When a public figure with more than two million followers romanticizes extermination, it fuels harassment, hate crimes, and political violence. Silence from elected officials and media outlets will only normalize this genocidal history. We call on them to speak up now.”

NCAI further demands that X enforce against vitriol like this and send a message that such inciting hate speech will not be tolerated by banning this individual from their platform. Instead of amplifying divisive and inhuman perspectives, let us turn our attention to celebrating the powerful, nation-building contributions of Tribal Nations to the United States.

NCAI encourages all Americans to learn more about the many contributions that Native peoples and Tribal Nations have made and continue to make to this country. Visit a Tribal Nation near you, explore the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., or New York, read from abundant award-winning literature produced by American Indians and Alaska Natives. We encourage all media outlets, elected leaders, educators, and individual Americans to uplift these living stories of service, innovation, and cultural resilience. In centering these and other Native achievements, we reject hatred and misinformation, celebrate our Tribal sovereignty, and honor our shared community and history.

For more than 80 years, NCAI has advanced the inherent sovereign rights of American Indian and Alaska Native Nations and fought for truthful, respectful representation. We will continue to confront negative rhetoric that demeans and threatens our people and build solidarity against hate in all its forms. The next national convening of Tribal Nations, NCAI’s 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace, will be held in Seattle, Washington, in mid-November 2025.

NCAI Condemns Ann Coulter’s “We Didn’t Kill Enough Indians” Violent and Shameful Hate Speech Targeting Tribal Nations 

 The National Congress of American Indians mourns the passing of Robert Tippeconnie, who walked on July 3, 2025. For more than a decade, he served on NCAI’s Executive Committee—first as Southern Plains Alternate Vice President and later as Regional Vice President—bringing the voices of Comanche, Kiowa, Apache, Wichita, and other Southern Plains Nations to the national stage. A lifelong public servant, he also held multiple leadership roles within the Comanche Nation, most recently as Secretary/Treasurer, where he championed transparent governance and sound stewardship of tribal resources.

Secretary/Treasurer Tippeconnie’s advocacy resonated far beyond any single title. He was instrumental in shaping NCAI’s positions on land and water policy, advancing the HEARTH Act and other laws that strengthen tribal self-determination. He pressed federal partners to adopt budgets that honor the trust responsibility and insisted that Native students have equal access to quality education. Colleagues remember him for his calm wisdom, his ability to find consensus, and his unwavering belief that sovereignty and culture must guide every decision.

Indian Country has lost a steady and generous leader, but his legacy lives on in the institutions he helped shape and in the generations of young people he mentored to lead with courage and compassion. NCAI extends its deepest condolences to the Tippeconnie family, the Comanche Nation, and all who were touched by his life of service. May his memory continue to inspire us in the work ahead.

NCAI Honors the Life and Legacy of Robert Tippeconnie (Comanche Nation)

WASHINGTON, D.C. July 2, 2025 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) supports the Navajo Nation in responding to the fast-moving Oak Ridge Fire, which has forced evacuations in the areas of Hunters Point, Oak Springs, St. Michaels, and Fort Defiance. NCAI urges an immediate government response that assists the Navajo Nation and the residents of the area through the federal trust and treaty responsibility to Tribal Nations and their homelands. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are risking their lives to safeguard families, livestock, property, and sacred landscapes.

“Protecting life, land, and culture is the bedrock of the trust responsibility,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We call on the Administration to deploy every resource—ground crews, aviation assets, and disaster funds—at the speed this emergency demands.”

“Indian Country is on the front lines of a changing climate,” added NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. “The Navajo Nation, like so many other Tribal Nations, faces this crisis with courage. Now the federal family must match that courage with action—today and over the long term.”

NCAI encourages residents of the affected areas to monitor Navajo Nation emergency alerts, comply with evacuation orders, and observe all Stage 2 fire restrictions and fireworks bans, as the tribal, federal, and state partners work to combat the flames. NCAI will monitor developments along with the Navajo Nation until every evacuee returns home safely and long-term recovery efforts are secured.

NCAI Calls for Swift Federal Response to the Oak Ridge Fire in Support of Navajo Nation

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) joins Indian Country in profound sorrow at the news that Chairman Arlan D. Melendez (Reno-Sparks Indian Colony) has walked on. A tireless champion of sovereignty and economic self-determination, Chairman Melendez served his Nation and Native peoples for more than three decades. Elected chairman in 1991, Melendez oversaw major expansion of his tribe’s land base and enhanced health and social-service programs.

“Chairman Arlan Melendez devoted his life to servant leadership grounded in humility, courage, and an unwavering commitment to tribal sovereignty,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “His example strengthened not only the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, but Tribal Nations across the United States. We mourn his loss and honor the legacy he leaves for future generations.”

Beyond his own community, he served as NCAI Western Regional Vice President, co-chair of NCAI’s Taxation Sub-Committee, Vice President of the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, and, in 2005, became only the second American Indian appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam era, Chairman Melendez received lifetime-achievement honors from the Native American Finance Officers Association and the Indian Health Service, among others. His commitment to unity and collaboration left an indelible mark on Indian Country.

“We are proud to have stood beside Chairman Melendez in countless policy battles,” added NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “From federal tax equity to health-care parity, Chairman’s steady voice reminded Washington that trust and treaty obligations are non-negotiable. His wisdom will continue to guide NCAI’s work.”

NCAI offers its deepest condolences to the Melendez family, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, and all who were inspired by his leadership. May his memory remain a blessing and a call to continued action on behalf of Native peoples everywhere.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Chairman Arlan D. Melendez, Renowned Leader of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, Minnesota’s 11 Tribal Nations, and all Minnesotans mourning the tragic shootings that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025.

We mourn the senseless murders of Speaker Emerita and Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Representative Hortman was an exceptional public servant and a staunch advocate for Tribal Nations who championed sovereignty, environmental protection, education equity, and stronger government-to-government ties between the State of Minnesota and Tribal Nations. Her principled leadership left an indelible legacy in Indian Country.

NCAI joins all Minnesotans in hoping and praying for the full recovery of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were both wounded in a related attack.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hortman family, the Hoffmans, their loved ones, and the people of Minnesota,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Speaker Hortman was a true partner to Tribal Nations. Her legacy of respect, collaboration, and advocacy will not be forgotten. In this moment, we must unite to support all those impacted by these devastating acts of senseless and tragic violence.”

According to acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Joseph Thompson, multiple other Minnesota state lawmakers were targeted by the alleged gunman that morning. NCAI urges federal, state, and local authorities to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into all incidents, ensuring that every fact is brought to light and that those responsible are held fully accountable. We further call on policymakers to strengthen the safeguards that protect public servants and the communities they represent.

NCAI unequivocally condemns violence, especially violence directed at public officials whose duty is to serve the people. Attacks that target leaders undermine our democratic governmental institutions, jeopardize community safety, and erode the trust that is essential to all healthy communities and their government-to-government relationships. NCAI stands in solidarity with the families of the victims, Tribal Nations, and the people of Minnesota in this time of profound loss. We share in the sorrow felt by all Minnesotans. Together, we recommit ourselves to justice, unity, and the preservation of peace across Indian Country and beyond.

NCAI Mourns the Tragic Loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Violence Impacting Minnesota Leaders

 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) today reaffirms its long-standing opposition to the use of unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots, caricatures, and symbols. These depictions are not tributes — they are rooted in racism, cultural appropriation, and intentional ignorance. For too long, they have perpetuated harmful stereotypes that degrade, dehumanize, and visit harm on the well-being of Native peoples.

NCAI has helped lead Indian Country’s consensus-driven movement to retire harmful Native “themed” mascots from sports, schools, popular culture, and media for generations. NCAI resolutions 

 passed via consensus among member Tribal Nations 

 addressing the issue of inappropriate and stereotypical Native representation date back to 1950. Today’s renewed statement comes in response to recent public endorsements by political figures supporting unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots — a stance that NCAI and Tribal leaders nationwide unequivocally reject.

“Native people are not mascots,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We have our own languages, cultures, and governments — our identities are not anyone’s mascot or costume. No political endorsement or misguided notion of ‘honoring’ us will change the fact that these mascots demean our people, diminish the enduring vibrancy of our unique cultures, and have no place in our society.”

 in recent years reflects this: the monikers, images, and fan behaviors associated with Native “themed” mascots cause Native people harm, especially impacting Native youth. Retiring these harmful mascots is an important and necessary first step toward creating an appropriate and respectful learning environment for 

 students. Absent a formal agreement with a sovereign Tribal Nation, NCAI supports the retirement of Native “themed” mascots in public K-12 schools across the United States.

"It’s time to choose respect over ignorance," said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Our youth deserve to see themselves treated with dignity, not as punchlines or cartoonish relics of the past. The continued defense of these mascots is a refusal to confront racism. Enough is enough.”

Out of respect for tribal sovereignty, NCAI encourages school districts, regardless of their mascot, to consult with nearby Tribal Nations to discuss ways to honor their unique histories, cultures, languages, and peoples in curricula and beyond. There is no better way to ensure their rich histories, deep connection to the land, and ongoing contributions to our communities are never forgotten than to teach their stories and value their collaboration. Honor Tribal Nations by respecting their perspectives, uplifting their voices, and championing their wealth of knowledge, particularly in matters directly impacting their citizens and Indian Country as a whole.

“As Tribal leaders, we have a responsibility to our future generations,” added President Macarro. “Our children deserve to attend schools where their cultures are celebrated instead of mocked, and where curricula on tribal histories and contemporary realities are robust and tribally-informed. We will not rest in this pursuit.”

 including political leaders at every level 

 to join in this effort to retire unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots, promote respectful learning environments for all, and celebrate Tribal Nations and Native peoples as the sovereign communities they are, with the honor and respect that they deserve. NCAI urges Secretary McMahon and the Department of Education to affirm the sovereign right of Tribal Nations to actively participate in the education of their students by supporting decision-making authority at the local level. Finally, NCAI demands that Secretary McMahon and the Department of Education consult directly with the duly elected leaders of sovereign Tribal Nations and prioritize their input when making decisions or issuing statements on matters of importance to Indian Country. This is an issue of tribal sovereignty. NCAI remains committed to ongoing dialogue and partnership.

NCAI Reiterates Opposition to Racist Native “Mascots” Amid Political Endorsements of Harmful Imagery

L to R: Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, President Shannon Holsey, and Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.

 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs's recent signing of Emily's Law, establishing the Turquoise Alert System — a mechanism designed to quickly disseminate information about missing or endangered persons 65 years of age or younger in lieu of Amber Alerts or Silver Alerts. This law is a meaningful step toward addressing the deep and persistent disparities in response and justice when people from Indian Country disappear.

The law was named in honor of 14-year-old Emily Pike of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, whose tragic disappearance and death underscore the urgency of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis. Emily's Law ensures that cases like Emily's no longer fall through the cracks of existing alert systems by creating a new 'Turquoise Alert' system in the state. NCAI hopes that the State of Arizona and law enforcement agencies elsewhere will treat all cases of missing Native children seriously and use these alert systems with all urgency in times of crisis.

Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new 'Missing Endangered Persons' Emergency Alert System Code (MEP)

 will go into effect in September 2025. This regulatory change expands critical alert messages to include populations outside of Amber Alerts. While not specific to Indigenous people, the new MEP code will ensure the Wireless Emergency Alert system delivers rapid response messages to the public via television, radio, and wireless phones, including for federal Ashanti Alerts and state-enacted alerts, such as Silver Alerts and Arizona's new Turquoise Alert.

The Turquoise Alert System will further align Arizona’s system with federal efforts advocated for by NCAI. The system is a state-level reflection of the goals outlined in NCAI Resolutions 

: it recognizes the unique vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous communities, eases cross-jurisdictional cooperation between tribal, state, and local authorities, and leverages technology to alert the public in critical moments.

Emily's Law is a significant milestone in the collective effort to prevent further tragedy. “As advocates and allies, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing federal, state, and tribal collaboration in order to close existing gaps, raise awareness, and ultimately bring our missing relatives home,” says Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and Co-Chair of NCAI’s Task Force on Violence Against Women. “The implementation of Emily's Law not only serves as a crucial step towards addressing the needs of Indigenous communities but also reinforces our shared responsibility to create a more just and equitable society for all.”

The passage of Emily’s Law would not have been possible without the leadership of tribal officials like Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, who collaborated with state lawmakers to advance this urgent and long-overdue legislation. Although Emily was not a member of his tribe, Governor Lewis is committed to protecting Indigenous people in Arizona and beyond from the systemic neglect that characterizes the response to missing person cases across Indian Country.

“We cannot allow jurisdictional gaps and systemic inaction to continue costing Native lives. Emily’s Law represents a powerful commitment to protect our children — every Indigenous child in every corner of Arizona deserves to be seen, heard, and swiftly brought home if they go missing,” said Governor Stephen Roe Lewis. “This law is a legislative victory and a moral imperative that could — and should — be replicated and implemented in every state.”

His advocacy underscores the vital role tribal leaders play in shaping policy that addresses the unique needs of Native communities. NCAI commends this example of intergovernmental partnership and urges continued collaboration to ensure no more Indigenous lives are lost due to inaction.

NCAI Applauds the Signing of Emily's Law and the Implementation of the Turquoise Alert System in Arizona

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), in partnership with the National Tribal Water Council (NTWC), submitted a formal comment letter this month to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), urging stronger protections for waters and wetlands vital to Tribal Nations — both on and off tribal trust lands following the Sackett v. EPA decision. In response to the Federal Register’s Notice regarding the final response to Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the establishment of a public docket, the letter outlines NCAI’s recommendations to ensure Tribal interests are effectively represented in federal rulemaking concerning the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The letter draws on nine foundational NCAI resolutions — underscoring the organization’s longstanding and consistent defense of Tribal water rights.

“NCAI is taking every opportunity to ensure that Tribal voices are heard and respected in federal rulemaking,” said 

. “We refuse to allow federal rollbacks to erode our rights or diminish our role as stewards of the land and water.”

In 2007, Michael and Chantell Sackett, an Idaho couple seeking to build their home, became involved in a legal dispute with the EPA over the federal protection status of wetlands on their property. This seemingly local issue escalated to the Supreme Court, culminating in a landmark 2023 ruling in favor of the Sacketts.

The decision excluded approximately 70 million acres of wetlands — around 84% of areas previously covered under the Clean Water Act. These wetlands are not only ecologically significant but also hold cultural and subsistence importance for Tribal Nations. With fewer waters now under federal protection, Tribal communities face greater risks from pollution, overdevelopment, and habitat loss. The decision also threatens Tribal water sovereignty and the ability to safeguard treaty-reserved rights.

“Tribes across the country must assert their inherent jurisdiction to enact water protection laws for their tribal waterways in response to the erosion of federal protections,” said 

In its comment letter, NCAI urges the EPA and Corps to take immediate and concrete steps to protect waters and wetlands vital to Tribal Nations — both on and off tribal trust lands in the wake of 

. The letter includes the following core recommendations:

Establish clear, consistent criteria for determining which waters remain protected under federal law.

Ensure Tribal Nations have a meaningful role in identifying and protecting waters critical to their communities.

Develop a robust plan to address the increased risks to Tribal waters caused by the narrowed WOTUS definition.

Respect and uphold Tribal sovereignty, including inherent rights to manage and govern water resources.

Recognize and incorporate Tribal legal authorities and Indigenous Knowledge in water policy and management.

NCAI also calls for the federal agencies to obtain Tribal consent in decisions affecting Tribal waters and to increase support for Tribal water quality programs — needs that have grown even more urgent in light of reduced federal oversight.

“When used effectively, Clean Water Act provisions such as Treatment as a State (TAS) and Section 401 are essential tools for Tribal Nations to assert their sovereignty, protect treaty rights, and safeguard their waters — particularly as federal protections weaken,” said Dr. Viswatej Attili, Environmental Analyst with NCAI’s Institute for Environmental Sovereignty. Dr. Attili, whose work at NCAI includes water quality and critical technologies, headed the organization’s response to the EPA and Corps’ request.

A Continued Commitment to Tribal Sovereignty

NCAI’s comment letter is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Tribal Nations remain at the forefront of decisions affecting their lands and waters. As always, NCAI is leveraging every opportunity to defend Tribal sovereignty and advocate for policy that reflects Indigenous priorities, rights, and values.

 decision has changed the regulatory landscape — but it has not changed NCAI’s mission. By acting quickly and clearly, NCAI continues to affirm the vital role of Tribal Nations in shaping water governance and protecting the natural resources that sustain their communities.

Protecting Our Waters: NCAI Stands Firm on Tribal Sovereignty After Sackett Decision and Federal Rollbacks

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announces the 

 of the much-anticipated Minority and Missing Report, a comprehensive review of the disproportionate impact of missing persons cases among Indigenous persons and minority communities. This groundbreaking report has been produced in partnership with key law enforcement agencies and community organizations and sheds light on a critical issue that has long been underreported and underinvestigated.

The report highlights the key findings collected over the past year from a review of publicly available state agency data, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Crime Information Center’s Missing Person’s File, and data from community groups such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The report also calls for an increase in resources for law enforcement agencies and public awareness efforts to combat the ongoing minority and missing, and murdered and missing Indigenous persons crises. The findings also underscore the unique challenges faced by Native American communities, particularly women and girls, who experience disproportionate rates of abductions, disappearances, and violence.

A significant and growing number of minorities, particularly Black and Indigenous people, remain unaccounted for in the United States. The data suggests systemic disparities in the reporting of missing persons cases involving these communities, even within the same state.

Law enforcement agencies report a lack of resources, training, and protocols tailored to addressing cases involving minority and marginalized groups, which often leads to delayed responses and unresolved cases.

There is a marked difference in media coverage and public attention given to missing persons cases based on race and ethnicity, with cases involving People of Color receiving significantly less media coverage compared to their white counterparts.

“We have long known that American Indian and Alaskan Native families suffer from a crisis of missing persons, but this report finally puts the full scope of this tragedy into focus,” said Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians. “By collaborating with our partners in law enforcement and community organizations, we are shedding additional light on this critical issue and creating a framework for better response and accountability, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of justice.”

NCAI has long advocated to bring awareness and action to the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and Relatives crisis facing American Indians and Alaska Natives. To further expand these efforts, NCAI has joined the Minority and Missing Initiative with the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Child ID Program, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the National Football League Alumni Association’s Caring for Kids Campaign. These organizations have worked tirelessly together to assess the challenges and propose solutions to ensure that missing persons cases are treated with the urgency and importance they deserve, regardless of the individual’s race or ethnicity.

“I am grateful for the work of NOBLE, NCAI, and FBI-LEEDA to compile the most comprehensive report on minority and missing, and murdered and missing Indigenous persons, bringing attention to these important crises. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every child is brought home safely to their families,” said Kenny Hansmire, Executive Director of the National Child ID Program.

Increased resources and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations to enhance outreach and information sharing.

A national campaign to raise awareness about missing persons in marginalized communities, including a commitment to equitable media coverage.

The development and implementation of targeted training programs for law enforcement officers to address the cultural and systemic barriers contributing to the disparities in response.

A national public awareness campaign to raise awareness amongst the public, particularly within minority communities.

National Congress of American Indians and Partners Release Groundbreaking Minority and Missing Report

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) strongly condemns the Trump administration’s reckless decision to rescind critical federal funding for Native American boarding school research, education, and preservation. The abrupt rescission of more than $1.6 million in grants, primarily from the National Endowment for the Humanities, has derailed Indigenous-led efforts to digitize records, gather oral histories, and support healing in tribal communities.

“This action is not just a bureaucratic decision conjured in ignorance — it is a betrayal of our communities, our survivors, and our sacred responsibility to the children who never made it home,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We will not allow the federal government to erase or defund truth. The Boarding School Truth and Preservation endeavor is non-partisan and is the first essential step for Americans to learn from this horrific federal policy.”

“The federal government has a moral and legal obligation to acknowledge and confront the truth about Indian boarding schools,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “This funding was never about politics — it was about healing. These cuts dishonor the memory of those who were taken and undermine the hard-won progress made by Native communities to uncover this history on our own terms.”

The boarding school era is not a distant history. It is a living, painful memory for many Native families. Our children’s stories, our ancestors’ resilience, and our communities’ healing journeys must be honored, not erased. Defunding these truth-telling initiatives is an attempt to silence the voices of survivors and deny the rightful place of Native histories in the national consciousness.

Indian Country stands firm: Native peoples will continue to protect, preserve, and elevate the truths that others seek to ignore.

The Trump Administration’s cuts strike a direct blow to organizations like the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) and other Native-led partners who have led the way in preserving and telling the truth about the federal Indian boarding school era. Their work is foundational to understanding and undoing the enduring impacts of this disgraceful period in American history.

NCAI calls on Congress to immediately restore these critical resources and to uphold the trust and treaty obligations owed to Tribal Nations. The erasure of Indigenous history is an act of violence – one that seeks not only to degrade Indian Country, but to rob all people of their right to truth, memory, and the freedom to shape their own future. It reflects a broader pattern of undermining tribal efforts when Native communities are seeking recognition and action. We will continue to demand truth, accountability, and justice for our ancestors, our communities, and our future generations.

NCAI Condemns Trump Administration’s Elimination of Boarding School Truth and Preservation Funding

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was honored to participate in the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), held from April 22 to May 2, 2025. In partnership with the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), NCAI delivered interventions focused on strengthening the participation of Indigenous Peoples across the UN system, advancing the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ intellectual property rights, and ensuring sustainable financing for Indigenous engagement in multilateral forums.

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Finally, during the thematic dialogue on financing Indigenous Peoples’ participation, NCAI underscored the tangible impacts that even modest investments in the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the UN can make. NCAI called for UN entities, Member States, and the private sector to institutionalize sustainable financial support for the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples at the UN, including through consistent funding of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, the Indigenous Coordinating Body, and other critical mechanisms​.

Together, these interventions reflect NCAI’s continued commitment to advancing Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination, strengthening the participation of Indigenous Peoples at 

 levels of decision-making, and ensuring that international commitments translate into meaningful action.

NCAI thanks the Permanent Forum, Indigenous delegates, and our partners for their continued efforts to center Indigenous Peoples' voices in the work of the United Nations and beyond, and we look forward to continuing this critical advocacy in the years ahead.

Centering Indigenous Voices: NCAI and NARF Advocacy at the 24th UNPFII

Today, Native people serve in the United States military at five times the national average yet are often overlooked and underrepresented in policy-making decisions affecting veterans as a whole. In this episode of 

, we mark the 30th anniversary of the NCAI Veterans Committee, established in 1995 to advocate for and address the unique needs of Native veterans.

We are honored to be joined by the three current Co-Chairs of the NCAI Veterans Committee and NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. Together, they reflect on their military service, share their experiences as Native veterans, and discuss the Committee’s vision and priorities for the future.

Honoring Traditions of Service: The NCAI Veterans Committee

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) stands in unwavering solidarity with Tribal Nations across Indian Country as national monuments, including indispensable culturally and spiritually significant sites, face renewed threats of revocation and degradation. Tribal Nations over centuries have been forced to defend their sacred homelands from desecration, inappropriately placed resource extraction, vandalism and looting, and management practices that threaten Tribal history and places that are embedded in Native cultures. The recent weakening of the infrastructure of the public lands management agencies, funding freezes that have stalled conservation efforts across public lands, and menacing references to privatization impact the well-being of our communities and threaten the inherent rights of Tribal Nations to steward and protect their ancestral lands, cultural resources, and sacred sites for future generations.

“National monuments are an essential tool for preserving the living homelands for Tribal Nations — not just federally designated and protected locations,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “They preserve vibrant landscapes with interconnected cultural, natural, and spiritual significance — not just museums exhibiting what was. These places carry the songs, the stories, the ancestors, and the spirit of our people. Any move to erase those protections is a direct affront to the sovereignty, heritage, and spiritual lifeways of the Tribal Nations who fought for their designation.”

National Monuments like Chuckwalla, Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Sàttitla Highlands, and others were designated in close federal consultation with Tribal Nations, honoring generations of stewardship and resistance. Culture and land are directly and sacredly connected for Tribal Nations across the United States. They are home to ceremonial spaces, shrines and other sites of worship, medicinal plants and resources, ancestral villages, petroglyphs, and ancient burial grounds — all of which remain vital to the cultural resilience of Native peoples.

“Attempting to strip protections from these monuments sends a dangerous signal that Indigenous history and presence can be erased at the stroke of a pen,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “These lands are sacred trust spaces, and protecting them is not just a matter of policy; it’s a matter of spiritual and cultural survival.”

NCAI brings this position forward not as an outside observer, but as the organized voice of Tribal Nations themselves. Every statement we make is grounded in resolutions that are debated, refined, and adopted by Tribal delegates during national gatherings. These resolutions emerge from sovereign governments, are brought to the floor by Tribal leaders, and are voted on by representatives chosen by their Nations. This is how the defense of Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and other sacred sites entered the national record, not through backroom negotiations but through open deliberation guided by cultural and historic responsibility. The authority we carry reflects the governance of hundreds of Tribal Nations standing together to protect what is living and sacred. The restoration of Bears Ears and the return of the name Denali were not granted; they were hard-won outcomes of sustained Tribal advocacy, made possible through this collective structure.

The 2015 restoration of the original Koyukon Athabaskan name of our nation’s high mountain, Denali, which means “The High One,” illustrates the importance of honoring Indigenous place names and cultural ties to the land and these places. Denali has life and agency; it is not just a name. Despite deeply held cultural beliefs and broad support, it faced political pushback, revealing how even symbolic recognition of tribal heritage can be ignored and contested. As sacred sites and traditional cultural properties face new threats, we must reaffirm that protecting these lands also means respecting the names, stories, and sovereignty they carry.

NCAI calls on the Administration and Congress to uphold the sovereignty of Tribal Nations by protecting these sacred lands. The intent of the Antiquities Act must be honored, not undermined. These protections were not handed down; they were secured through years of intertribal advocacy and federal-tribal consultation. Rolling them back is not just a policy reversal. It is a denial of Tribal presence, knowledge, and responsibility. It is a threat to the cultural and spiritual survival of our Peoples.

On April 7, 2025, NCAI, Tribal Nations, and the Mojave Elder Committee sent President Trump and Department of the Interior Secretary Burgum a letter regarding Chuckwalla National Monument's status as a national monument and related protections.

NCAI Stands with Tribal Nations on Threats to National Monuments and Sacred Tribal Lands

The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and a Catholic charter school cite federal Indian Boarding schools as an example of federal funding of religious education without acknowledging that the schools in question were a form of cultural genocide.

Washington D.C. — On Monday, April 7, the National Congress of American Indians, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and the Association on American Indian Affairs filed an amicus brief in 

Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond 

St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond

, both on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and the Catholic school argue that the federal government has a longstanding tradition of funding religious education—pointing to federal Indian boarding schools and treaties with Tribal Nations—as evidence that such funding does not violate the U.S. Constitution’s principle of separation of church and state.

The amicus brief seeks to clarify that federal Indian boarding schools were part of the federal government’s Indian “civilization” policy that sought to forcibly assimilate Indian children by converting them to Christianity. The brief also explains the difference between Tribal Nations directing the United States to spend Tribal money on Indian education and federal spending of public money for the religious education of Indians. The Tribal organizations explain that neither example should be mischaracterized or misused to justify federal funding for religious education today.

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