 voting rights organizations’ an emergency restraining order restricting the United States Postal Service (USPS) from implementing its 

. If the order is lifted, the rule will have immediate effects in Indian Country, including new USPS requirements for outbound federal ballot mail complicating nontraditional tribal addressing systems, and exacerbating technological challenges posed by limited and unreliable internet access on Tribal lands, amongst others. USPS declined to engage in Tribal consultation pursuant to 

. It also declined to conduct a Tribal impact assessment of the rule’s implementation, as previously 

requested by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump

 blocked USPS from implementing Section 3 of 

, which governs voting by mail. On August 24, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a separate order in 

 blocking implementation of the executive order, finding that the challenge was premature because USPS had not yet issued its final rule. On August 26, the 

 injunction was vacated, allowing plaintiffs to amend their complaint following the USPS issuance of the final rule. The plaintiffs sought emergency relief, which remains in effect pending briefing on the preliminary injunction. A hearing has been set for September 3, 2026.

“American Indian and Alaska Native voters face chronic barriers to access the ballot box without additional last-minute, hasty changes to the federal transmission process,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. “Voting by mail ensures access to the polls and is the only feasible option in many rural Tribal communities, despite longstanding problems with USPS infrastructure and unreliable services. NCAI demands that the administration cease any changes to the existing processes. Creating significant confusion and administrative challenges will disenfranchise millions of voters, especially Native voters, ahead of the November election.”

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET, a three-part 

 will begin to bolster Native civic engagement, elevate voter rights information, and discuss timely issues affecting participation across Indian Country. The first webinar in the series, 

NCAI Native Civic Power Series: Sovereignty at the Ballot Box

will focus on recent issues that Native voters face to access the ballot box, how to mobilize the Native vote, and opportunities to participate in civic engagement prior to the November election. It will also provide practical information and resources for advocates to make their voices heard through civic engagement activities. 

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 Continues to Monitor Federal Court Order Restricting USPS Mail Ballot Rule Implementation Before November Elections

National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers

United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund

 issue this joint statement to record our strong and unified position in support of the protection of the Section 106 process of the 

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

 and the fulfillment of the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations. The Section 106 process provides Tribal Nations with an important seat at the federal decision-making table, helping the federal government avoid harming cultural heritage sites and uphold its legal obligations while streamlining permitting. Doing so would help to avoid costly delays that can arise when these considerations are not taken into account from the beginning.

On July 24, 2026, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted 15-5, with two abstentions, to advance proposed revisions to the regulations implementing the Section 106 process at 

. Our organizations strongly oppose this rulemaking and believe it should not move forward in its current form. The proposed revisions are now undergoing executive branch review before being published as a proposed rule. As proposed, the revisions violate the United States’ trust and treaty obligations, exceed the boundaries of administrative authority, and attempt to alter responsibilities established by federal statute.

The Section 106 process reflects Congress’s recognition that federal agencies should understand the consequences of their decisions before historic and culturally significant places are damaged or lost. For Tribal Nations, the Section 106 process is inseparable from their inherent sovereignty, the unique legal and political relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States, and the trust and treaty obligations owed to Tribal Nations. It is for this reason that Congress included Tribal Nation-specific provisions within the NHPA. Federal decisions affecting sacred places, ancestral lands, burial places, traditional cultural places, cultural heritage, and cultural landscapes implicate these unique trust and treaty obligations and political relationships, which extend far beyond ordinary stakeholder engagement. Government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations must be understood within that distinct legal and political relationship.

The draft revisions improperly advanced by the ACHP raise significant and, in our view, illegal and disqualifying concerns about the Tribal consultation framework that these obligations and relationships require. The proposed revisions would significantly expand federal agency discretion over whether and how consultation with Tribal Nations occurs, including, for example, by narrowing when the Section 106 process is triggered for a “federal undertaking” and what qualifies as a “historic property.” The proposed revisions would also decrease the instances in which impacts on Tribal Nations’ cultural heritage are considered “effected” sufficient to trigger consideration of mitigation measures, and they would limit Tribal Nations’ participation in deciding on and carrying out mitigation measures. Conversely, these revisions would allow project applicants and other non-federal parties to assume a greater role in activities that are inherently federal functions, which are non-delegable. They would further shorten critical stages of the Section 106 process and attempt to limit judicial review.

Taken together, the ACHP’s proposed changes extend well beyond matters of regulatory procedure and raise broader questions about the implementation of responsibilities Congress established under the NHPA, including those of the ACHP, the National Park Service and other federal agencies, State Historic Preservation Officers, Tribal Nations, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and other participants responsible for implementing the law. The proposed changes also raise questions about the extent to which administrative revisions may alter authorities established by statute or assigned elsewhere within the federal historic preservation framework.

Additionally, although project applicants and contractors may appropriately assist federal agencies with administrative aspects of inherently federal functions, private parties are not owed trust and treaty obligations and do not share the government-to-government relationship with the United States as sovereign Tribal Nations do. The distinction between providing assistance with and input on the Section 106 process and exercising federal governmental responsibility is therefore critical. Federal obligations to Tribal Nations remain regardless of who is seeking approval for an undertaking.

While efficient and predictable federal decision-making is an important policy objective, meaningful Tribal consultation and the historic preservation review it supports are not sources of delay when implemented correctly. When conducted early, consultation with Tribal experts can identify conflicts before substantial resources are committed, allow projects to avoid culturally sensitive places, inform alternatives, and reduce the potential for disputes, litigation, and subsequent project delays. A process that appears administratively shorter may ultimately create greater uncertainty when concerns are not identified until after significant decisions and investments have been made.

The consequences are particularly significant because damage to historic and cultural heritage is irreversible. Once a sacred place is destroyed, ancestral remains are disturbed, or a cultural landscape is fundamentally altered, consultation after the fact cannot restore what has been lost. The Section 106 process provides a mechanism for considering those consequences 

We raise these concerns while acknowledging that the Section 106 process, as it exists today, is far from a perfect safeguard. In practice, the process can be unevenly applied and vulnerable to political pressure that too often favors project proponents and federal agencies over the Tribal Nations whose irreplaceable sacred places and cultural heritage are at stake. The Section 106 process does not always protect what it should, and for this reason it must not be weakened in the manner that the proposed revisions would allow. The United States must instead remain steadfast in supporting a clear, affirmative policy of protecting Tribal Nations’ sacred places, ancestral lands, and cultural heritage — protection that a procedural review mechanism like the Section 106 process can help support.

As federal policymakers continue to consider matters involving federal permitting, infrastructure, energy development, federal lands, and historic preservation, the current proposed changes to the Section 106 regulations raise important questions about the relationship between legislative action, administrative reform, and congressional intent. Central among them is whether the proposed changes to 

 remain consistent with the United States’ trust and treaty obligations and the text, structure, and purposes of the NHPA, as well as preserve the respective responsibilities Congress established within the federal historic preservation system.

The process by which these substantial changes to the Section 106 regulations were developed is also significant. ACHP members were provided roughly one week to review a nearly complete draft before the July 24 vote — without consultation with Tribal Nations — despite a more deliberative process having been contemplated earlier. Changes affecting a longstanding federal statutory framework and the federal government’s relationship with sovereign Tribal Nations warrant careful consideration and meaningful participation by, and consultation with, Tribal Nations.

For Tribal Nations, participation in this revision process cannot be reduced to ordinary public participation or stakeholder engagement through the Federal Register. Public comment and government-to-government Tribal consultation serve different purposes and fulfill different legal obligations. Consultation recognizes the sovereign status of Tribal Nations, the unique legal and political relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States, and the trust and treaty obligations owed to them. Any federal consideration of changes affecting that relationship or those obligations should preserve that distinction. Our organizations’ position is that the integrity of the Section 106 process rests on meaningful government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations; federal accountability for carrying out consultation obligations; recognition and protection of sacred places, traditional cultural properties, and cultural landscapes; respect for the statutory responsibilities established under the NHPA; and consideration of harm to historic and cultural heritage before it becomes irreversible.

We call upon members of Congress, federal agencies, preservation organizations, state governments, Tribal Nation leaders, and the American public to recognize that what Tribal Nations work to protect ultimately benefits us all, and that future generations depend upon the choices made today. For generations, Tribal Nations have fulfilled our traditional responsibility to protect the places that define who we are as Peoples. The federal government carries its own responsibility to honor its commitments, uphold its trust and treaty obligations, and engage Tribal Nations as sovereign partners. The Section 106 revisions advanced by the ACHP fail to fulfill that responsibility.

The current debate therefore extends beyond the merits of a single proposed regulation. It concerns the continued implementation of a statutory framework established by Congress in furtherance of the United States’ trust and treaty obligations and the balance between administrative efficiency, federal accountability, sovereignty retained by Tribal Nations, and the protection of places that cannot be replaced once they are lost. Our organizations stand united in this position. We will continue to work together, and with Tribal Nations across the country, to ensure that the Section 106 process is strengthened rather than weakened, and to advance a clear federal policy that protects Tribal Nations’ sacred places, ancestral lands, and cultural heritage while preserving meaningful government-to-government Tribal consultation and federal accountability.

As this rulemaking proceeds through executive branch review and toward publication in the Federal Register, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the National Congress of American Indians, the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund will continue to make our position known, will mobilize Tribal Nations and allies to participate fully once the formal public comment period opens, and will pursue every avenue available to protect and mitigate harm to our shared cultural heritage. The future of the Section 106 process must be grounded in mutual respect, enforceable accountability, and genuine partnership, not administrative expediency or diminished protections.

About the National Congress of American Indians:

About the Association on American Indian Affairs:

The Association on American Indian Affairs is the oldest national Native non-profit protecting sovereignty, preserving culture, educating youth and building capacity. The Association was formed in 1922 to change the destructive path of federal policy from assimilation, termination and allotment, to sovereignty, self-determination and self-sufficiency. Throughout its more than 100-year history, the Association has provided national advocacy on watershed issues that support sovereignty and culture, while working at a grassroots level with Native Nations to support the implementation of programs that support Native Peoples. 

About the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers: 

NATHPO is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization, founded in 1998, of Tribal preservation leaders protecting culturally important places that perpetuate Native identity, resilience, and cultural endurance. Connections to cultural heritage sustain the health and vitality of Native peoples. We provide guidance to preservation officials, elected representatives, and the public about national historic preservation legislation, policies, and regulations. We promote Tribal sovereignty, develop partnerships, and advocate for Tribes in governmental activities on preservation issues. For more information visit our website at 

About United South and Eastern Tribes (USET):

Established in 1969, the United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET) is a non-profit, inter-Tribal organization serving 33 federally recognized Tribal Nations from the Northeastern Woodlands to the Everglades and across the Gulf of Mexico. USET is dedicated to enhancing the development of Tribal Nations, improving the capabilities of Tribal governments, and improving the quality of life for Indian people through a variety of technical and supportive programmatic services.

Joint Statement on Protecting Section 106 Process of NHPA

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) commends Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for today’s decisive action in signing 

 halting all new exploratory mining leases and operations within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Rainy River Headwaters Watershed. This historic directive safeguards one of the nation's most vital ecological, cultural, and economic landscapes from irreversible industrial damage.

NCAI recognizes the Bois Forte Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa — all signatories to the 1854 Treaty — for their unwavering leadership and commitment to protecting their ceded territory. For years, these Tribal Nations have stood alongside local communities, conservation advocates, and allied Tribal Nations to defend the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Rainy River Headwaters Watershed from the threat of toxic runoff, habitat fragmentation, and acid mine drainage associated with sulfide-ore copper mining. Earlier this year, the three 1854 Tribes, along with the Red Lake Nation, entered into a historic cross-border agreement with the Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation (formerly Lac La Croix First Nation) in Ontario, Canada, to work collaboratively to protect treaty-guaranteed resources within the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed. Today’s executive order honors the critical importance of treaty rights and acknowledges that this pristine ecosystem is far more valuable left intact than mined for short-term gain.

“The protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Rainy River Headwaters Watershed is not just an environmental imperative; it is a fundamental defense of Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. While this executive order provides crucial immediate relief, it also underscores the urgency for permanent congressional action,” said Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. Exploratory mining leads to large-scale extraction, threatening ancestral lands and the fragile ecosystem with heavy machinery and toxic chemicals. Any pollution from drilling would irreversibly damage both Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Rainy River Headwaters Watershed. This executive order prevents devastation and safeguards our clean drinking water, protects sacred cultural sites and treaty resources in the ceded territory, and ensures the continued strength of the regional outdoor economy.

“We commend the 1854 Tribes for fiercely defending their ceded territory and the critical resources within it,” said Lenny Fineday, General Counsel of the National Congress of American Indians. “Governor Walz has demonstrated meaningful leadership by listening to Tribal Nations, respecting Tribal stewardship, and recognizing the lasting consequences these activities could have for treaty-protected lands and resources. We extend our deepest appreciation to Chairman Carlos Hernandez, Chairman Bobby Deschampe, Chairman Bruce Savage, and all the 1854 Tribal leaders for their steadfast leadership and advocacy in this fight. NCAI stands with all Tribes and First Nations within the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed and supports their efforts to secure permanent protections for these waters for generations to come.”

While this executive order is a significant step forward, NCAI remains focused on the ultimate goal: permanent federal protections for these lands, waters, and treaty-protected resources. NCAI supports the 1854 Tribes in their push for federal legislation that would permanently withdraw the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Rainy River Headwaters Watershed from mineral leasing and development. Guided by 

, which calls for the protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, and treaty-protected rights, NCAI will continue advocating for federal action that respects Tribal sovereignty, fulfills treaty obligations, and permanently safeguards these critical headwaters for generations to come.

NCAI Applauds Historic Executive Order Protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Rainy River Headwaters Watershed from Exploratory Mining 

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) joins the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Indian Country in mourning the passing of Chairman Ellery “Ken” Choke.

Chairman Choke was a respected leader who placed his people and community at the center of his service. His leadership reflected a deep commitment to the sovereignty, well-being, and future of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, as well as a commitment to strengthening relationships throughout the South Sound region and across Indian Country.

“On behalf of NCAI, I extend our deepest condolences to Chairman Choke’s wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, the Nisqually Tribal Council, and the entire Nisqually community,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr., “Chairman Choke understood that Tribal leadership is grounded in service to one’s people. He carried that responsibility with dedication and advocated tirelessly for the rights, resources, and future of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Indian Country has lost a valued leader, and we stand with the Nisqually people as they honor his life and legacy.”

Chairman Choke’s advocacy reflected many of the principles at the heart of NCAI’s mission, including defending Tribal sovereignty, protecting treaty rights and natural resources, and holding the federal government accountable for fulfilling its trust and treaty responsibilities. Most recently, he brought the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s priorities directly to Congress, where he testified in support of federal legislation to restore Tribal ownership of the Clear Creek Hatchery. This effort was rooted in self-determination, stewardship, and the protection of the Tribe’s treaty-reserved fishing rights.

His community-first approach to leadership was especially evident in his commitment to the 2026 Paddle to Nisqually. His dedication to this gathering reflected his commitment to culture, connection, and future generations.

NCAI holds Chairman Choke’s family, loved ones, and the Nisqually Indian Tribe in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We honor his service, mourn his passing, and recognize the lasting impact of his leadership.

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

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Nisqually Tribal Chairman Ellery "Ken" Choke

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) sent a letter to Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael S. Selig formally requesting government-to-government consultation with federally recognized Tribal Nations before the Commission takes final action on its proposed amendments to Rule 40.11 concerning event contracts and prediction markets.

The proposed rule could have significant consequences for Tribal sovereignty, Tribal regulatory authority, Tribal-state gaming compacts, and the governmental revenues on which Tribal Nations rely on to provide essential services. NCAI has asked the Commission to suspend further action on the rule until meaningful consultation has occurred.

“Tribal Nations are sovereign governments, not private industry interested parties in a federal rulemaking process,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “A public comment period does not replace the federal government’s responsibility to engage Tribal Nations through meaningful, timely, and good-faith government-to-government consultation.”

In its letter, NCAI expressed concern that the CFTC has not conducted dedicated consultation with Tribal Nations regarding the proposed rule. NCAI emphasized that Executive Order 13175 requires federal agencies to obtain meaningful Tribal input when proposed actions may affect Tribal sovereignty, self-government, or economic interests.

The letter also underscores that Tribal gaming revenues fund health care, education, public safety, housing, infrastructure, elder services, emergency response, and cultural and language preservation. Any federal action that could affect these revenues is not simply a commercial matter—it directly affects the ability of Tribal governments to serve their citizens.

NCAI requested that the CFTC conduct formal consultation, evaluate the proposed rule’s Tribal implications, include consultation materials in the administrative record, and ensure that any final regulatory framework recognizes and preserves Tribal sovereignty and regulatory authority.

NCAI stands ready to work with Chairman Selig and Commission staff to establish an appropriate consultation process before any final rule is adopted.

NCAI encourages Tribal Nations to submit their own letters to the CFTC formally requesting government-to-government consultation in support of NCAI’s request and to strengthen the administrative record regarding this rulemaking. A template letter is available that Tribal Nations may use to submit the request to the CFTC. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact NCAI General Counsel Leonard Fineday at lfineday@ncai.org.

NCAI Sends Letter to CFTC Chairman Requesting Formal Tribal Consultation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As wildfires continue across the Pacific Northwest and Western U.S., the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends its deepest solidarity and support to the affected Tribal Nations and communities. Tribal Nations are facing evacuations, threats to and the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and hazardous air conditions. The fires have also caused significant risks to Tribal homelands, sacred sites, and natural landscapes that have shaped and sustained Native communities since time immemorial.

“Tribal Nations are once again on the front lines – protecting their citizens, homelands, sacred places, and surrounding communities under extraordinarily difficult conditions,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. “NCAI stands with every family who has been displaced, every community facing loss, and every responder working tirelessly to protect lives and lands. Federal and state agencies must act with urgency, coordinate directly with Tribal governments, and ensure that lifesaving resources and long-term recovery assistance reach affected communities without unnecessary barriers or delays.”

Tribal Nations and their citizens across the Pacific Northwest are among those facing the direct and immediate effects of these fires. Affected Tribal Nations include the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indians Reservation, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians. NCAI extends its deepest gratitude to Tribal fire crews, first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers, and Tribal leaders working to protect their communities and provide assistance under dangerous conditions.

Tribal Nations as sovereign governments are essential partners in emergency response and relief efforts. NCAI calls on federal and state agencies to coordinate directly with affected Tribal Nations and provide necessary emergency resources– including shelter, firefighting and prevention support, health services, infrastructure restoration, and long-term support and recovery assistance. Assistance should immediately be provided directly to Tribal Nations without unnecessary administrative burdens.

NCAI also recognizes the urgent needs of Tribal communities and encourages individuals, partner organizations, and allies to support Tribal-led relief efforts. Direct donations and other resources can help provide emergency supplies, shelter, food, and other resources needed to support communities affected by the fires.

The effects of these fires will continue for years after they are extinguished. NCAI remains committed to advocating for the Tribal and federal resources, partnerships, and assistance necessary to support Tribal communities in protecting their citizens, homelands, and cultural resources for generations to come.

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation: 

https://yakama.com/programs/signal-peak-and-ransier-fire-updates/

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/TUN5ZX9Q8BYF4

Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon Wildfire Recovery Fund:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-confederated-tribes-of-the-warm-springs-reservation-of-oregon-ctws-wildfire-recovery-fund

American Red Cross – Washington Wildfires: 

https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/washington-wildfires-2026.html/?alloy_redirect=eyJ2IjoxLCJhZCI6IjY3NDQyNToxOjB8MiJ9

The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA NW)

collecting emergency supplies to support relatives and families affected by the recent wildfires, including several of NARA NW staff who have lost their homes or been displaced.

Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday from noon to 4:00 p.m. at either of the following locations:

Gresham Outpatient, 355 NW Division St., Gresham, Oregon

RiverHouse Administration,211 SE Caruthers St., Portland, Oregon

For questions or assistance, call the NARA NW Disaster Relief Line: 971-710-3116.

NCAI Stands in Solidarity with Tribal Nations Affected by Devastating Western Wildfires

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) welcomes the 

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

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

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

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

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

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

NCAI on the Passage of the DOI Appropriations Bill

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

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

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

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

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

During his first administration, President Trump signed into law the 

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

, which provided critical resources to support language revitalization efforts throughout the country. EO 14224 raises concerns that the current administration is moving away from this mission, undermining efforts to revitalize Native American languages and turning away from acknowledging and honoring the important contributions that Native American languages have played in America’s history. For example, notable Native Americans acted as early translators between their relatives and English-speaking settlers to ensure peace and provide life-saving resources to the earliest immigrants in this nation’s history.

“An English‑only mandate does not strengthen America; it silences and excludes the first voices that shaped it,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Native languages played a vital role in American history by recording our treaties, guiding our governments, and protecting the nation’s very freedom. Native languages used by Native warrior codetalkers were instrumental in America’s victory in both World Wars. The complexity and expressiveness of these languages we made into unbreakable codes. Banning our Native languages from federal engagement would betray that legacy, violate the trust responsibility of the United States, and exclude Native peoples from contributing to the future of this nation and their Tribal Nations in ways we cannot begin to foresee.”

Since 1995, NCAI has opposed, through its resolution process, any proposed legislation, orders, or amendments that impose English as the official language of the United States or that hinder or harm the maintenance, preservation, and use of Native languages.

: Opposing HR 123, “English” as the Official Language

: Opposition to “English Only” Legislation

: A Resolution Strongly Opposing An Election Ballot Requiring the State Of Alaska To Use English Only

NCAI calls on the Administration and Congress to exempt tribal governments and Native American languages from English-only mandates and fully consult with Tribal Nations on any federal actions that impact language rights and Tribal sovereignty.

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 Protection of Native Languages

 — In response to President Donald Trump’s public threat to block a new stadium deal unless the Washington Commanders reinstate their former name and his demand that the Cleveland Guardians also revert back, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) unequivocally opposes any effort to revive racist mascots that demean Indigenous communities. Since 1950, NCAI’s priorities have included the eradication of harmful, unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots and propaganda.

“Any attempt to distract by invoking our names and purporting to speak for our communities is an affront to Tribal sovereignty and is not taken lightly. For seventy-five years, NCAI has held an unbroken voice: Imagery and fan behaviors that mock, demean, and dehumanize Native people have no place in modern society. NCAI will continue to stand in support of the dignity and humanity of Native peoples,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro.

NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr., responded

 to a mascot-related decision by the Department of Education, noting “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.”

 for “eliminating a brand that disrespected, demeaned, and stereotyped all Native people.” In July 2021, 

 for “[taking an] important step forward in healing the harms its former mascot long caused Native people, in particular Native youth.” Our position and that of Indian Country broadly — rooted in unanimously passed resolutions reflecting the perspectives of hundreds of Tribal Nations — has not changed.

Tribal governments have been outspoken and unambiguous on this issue for generations. Contrary to President Trump’s assertion that “[o]ur great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen,” Indian Country has repeatedly come together to condemn the unsanctioned use of harmful Native “themed” mascots, particularly those which sexualize, stereotype, or dehumanize American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Conditioning federal policy or development deals on the revival of racist language contradicts the government’s responsibility to uphold tribal rights and dignity, threatens the integrity of lawful governance, and opens the door to further discriminatory policy demands. We are not your mascot. We are not your distraction.

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

NCAI Condemns President Trump’s Call to Reinstate Harmful Mascot Imagery

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is pleased to announce Meghan Bishop (Sugpiat/Native Village of Afognak) as our new Policy Director. With nearly two decades of experience in law and public policy, Ms. Bishop brings a deep commitment to justice reform, tribal self-governance, and child and family welfare, further strengthening NCAI as a national unifying voice for Tribal Nations.

Ms. Bishop joins NCAI following her tenure as Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where she managed a complex portfolio spanning public safety, social services, education, Tiwahe, the PROGRESS Act, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) initiatives. She also served as Acting Associate Director for Tribal Justice Support within the Office of Justice Services, overseeing a $65 million budget and providing technical assistance to tribal justice systems nationwide. In addition, Ms. Bishop represented the Department of the United States Sentencing Commission Tribal Issues Advisory Group and led the Indian Child Welfare Act Interagency Workgroup.

Before entering federal service, Ms. Bishop practiced law in Oregon, where she founded and operated a juvenile defense firm. She represented clients in both tribal and state courts, mentored attorneys statewide, and advocated for systemic reforms in juvenile and child welfare law. Her leadership extends across multiple professional legal organizations, and she has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Bishop holds a Master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University, a J.D. from Willamette University College of Law, and a B.A. in Psychology and Humanities from Ohio Wesleyan University. She is a member of the Oregon State Bar.

“Meghan’s expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication to tribal sovereignty make her an outstanding addition to our policy team,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Her track record of advancing justice and strengthening tribal self-governance will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for Tribal Nations and their underserved communities.”

As Policy Director, Ms. Bishop will lead NCAI’s policy agenda, guiding strategic initiatives and providing critical analysis to ensure Tribal Nations’ priorities are represented at the highest levels of government. Her work will continue to reflect a commitment to justice, the tenets of federal Indian law and policy, and the advancement of Tribal Nations.

Please join us in welcoming Meghan Bishop to the NCAI team!

NCAI Welcomes Meghan Bishop as Policy Director

 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.

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