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

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

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

2026 ECWS Policy Resolutions Now Available

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information and to access the resources, 

About the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative

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

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

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

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

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has compiled 

Resources for Individuals and Nonprofits Approached by ICE

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

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

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

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

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

. – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is pleased to welcome Leonard Fineday as NCAI’s new General Counsel. A citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Fineday brings extensive legal, governance, and policy experience in service of Tribal Nations. He most recently served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee and has held senior roles across Indian Country, including Tribal Attorney, General Counsel, Legal Director, Executive Director, and Tribal Court Judge.

“Leonard brings a rare combination of deep legal expertise and lived leadership in Tribal governance,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “He understands what it takes to defend Tribal sovereignty in the courts, in Congress, and in day-to-day nation-building. We’re honored to welcome him to this role and grateful he is stepping in at a moment when Tribal Nations need strong, principled legal strategies more than ever.”

In addition to his leadership across Indian Country, Fineday has deep leadership experience within NCAI, most recently serving as Midwest Regional Vice President from 2023 to 2025 and as Recording Secretary from 2024 to 2025. He was appointed to NCAI’s Resolutions Committee last year and led the foundation of the NCAI Cannabis Task Force, serving as Chair since 2025. He brings a regional and national perspective through his service with intertribal organizations, state commissions, and boards focused on justice, education, and economic development.

Fineday’s legal work has supported landmark land restoration efforts, federal and state legislative advocacy, governance reform, and complex financing and regulatory matters. As General Counsel, Fineday will strengthen NCAI’s legal strategy, advocacy efforts, and government-to-government engagement in defense of Tribal sovereignty.

Please join us in welcoming Leonard Fineday to this critical role.

NCAI Welcomes Leonard Fineday as NCAI’s General Counsel

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California, who served the people of Northern California’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.

Throughout his service, Congressman LaMalfa consistently advocated for the rural communities he represented, with a focus on agriculture, forestry, water, and wildfire response — issues that affect Tribal Nations and non-Native communities alike across the region. He also actively engaged on critical issues impacting Tribal communities, including work related to Tribal land and culturally significant agricultural resources. Among his legislative efforts was his support for legislation such as the Pit River Land Transfer Act, which returned ancestral federal land into trust for the Pit River Tribe, strengthening Tribal sovereignty and stewardship of culturally significant lands. He also engaged in legislation related to culturally significant agricultural resources, including the Indian Buffalo Management Act and the Native American Seeds Act, which support Tribal food systems, traditional agriculture, and resource management.

“On behalf of NCAI, we extend our deepest condolences to Congressman LaMalfa’s family, loved ones, staff, and constituents,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We respect his commitment to the people he served and his willingness to engage on matters affecting Tribal communities — especially efforts tied to land stewardship and Tribal agriculture. We honor his public service and keep his family and community in our prayers during this difficult time.”

NCAI offers sincere condolences to all those mourning this loss and extends prayers for comfort and healing.


NCAI Mourns the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne).

“Ben Nighthorse Campbell stood at the intersection of our peoples’ history and future,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “His extraordinary life and accomplishments broke barriers and left a path for all those who seek to follow as leaders in Indian Country and in America.”

“I will miss the counsel and wisdom of my old friend,” President Macarro added.

Senator Campbell, a trailblazing statesman, helped transform federal Indian policy and elevate the voices of Tribal Nations across the United States. As the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Senate in more than six decades — and the only American Indian to chair the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs — Senator Campbell brought the concerns of Tribal Nations to the center of national decision-making.​ Senator Campbell was a tireless champion for Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and the well-being of Native communities throughout his time as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator. He advanced key legislation for Indian Country, including the establishment of the National Museum of the American Indian, major water rights settlements for Tribal Nations, and critical investments in Indian health, education, infrastructure, and public safety. His legacy also includes broader national achievements, such as his work on national parks, public lands, and protections for law enforcement officers through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Act.​

Beyond elected office, Senator Campbell’s life reflected a profound commitment to service and excellence. A member of the Northern Cheyenne Council of Forty‑Four Chiefs, a three-time U.S. judo champion and Olympic team captain, and a renowned jeweler, he carried his culture, discipline, and creativity into every arena. He earned global respect for building bridges between peoples and nations, as underscored by his awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Freedom and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun.​

NCAI extends heartfelt condolences to Senator Campbell’s family, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and all those whose lives he touched through his leadership, mentorship, and friendship. May his memory be a blessing and a charge to continue the work of strengthening Tribal Nations and upholding the inherent rights and dignity of Native 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.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell

In this episode of The Sentinel, we honor and celebrate the Two-Spirit community. We uncover the origins of the term ‘Two-Spirit’ and how Native people acknowledge and reclaim this tradition and identity today. We listen to recorded excerpts from the Two-Spirit Panel held at the 2025 NCAI Executive Council Winter Session, where our panelists and guests discussed the community's current challenges and how tribal leaders can advocate for their Two-Spirit relatives.

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