Executive Council Winter Session 2024

On Friday, December 1, 2023, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), represented by the Native American Rights Fund (NARF),

 a case brought against it in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota. The case, which was brought by the Virginia-incorporated Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA), alleges that NCAI somehow conspired with the Washington, DC, National Football League team when they changed their name to the Washington Commanders. However, the only act that plaintiffs allege is that NCAI issued a press release supporting the Commanders’ decision to keep their new name.

NCAI President Mark Macarro responded to the NAGA complaint explaining

, “Since 1968, the National Congress of American Indians and its Tribal Nation members have taken the position that the Washington NFL team should change its dehumanizing and derogatory name. Issuing a press release applauding the team’s decision to drop a derogatory name is far from unlawful. All the complaint shows is that NCAI exercised its right to free speech on an important issue that affects Native Americans across the country.”

Race-based mascots, logos, and symbols became popular during a time in our country when racism and cultural oppression were the norm. Not only are they offensive and perpetuate negative stereotypes of Native people, they cause real, documented harm to the mental health of Native youth. The American Psychological Association found that derogatory representations like Native-based mascots create hostile learning environments for Native students. Studies show that the continued use of American Indian mascots teaches young people that stereotyping minority groups is an acceptable practice, further legitimizing discrimination against Native Americans.

NARF Deputy Director Matthew Campbell, who has worked in forums across the country to change harmful mascots, said

, “NCAI has advocated for the elimination of harmful mascots for decades. As an organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Native people and communities, this sort of advocacy only makes sense. The Native American Guardian’s Association may have a different opinion on this issue, but differing viewpoints are not enough to form a conspiracy lawsuit. This suit is legally unsound and disappointing to see in a time when these mascots and images have been found to harm our youth.”

https://www.narf.org/nill/documents/20231201-naga-ncai-mtd.pdf

About the Native American Rights Fund (NARF):

NARF is a non-profit 501c(3) organization focused on applying existing laws and treaties to guarantee that federal and state governments live up to their legal obligations to Native Americans. Since 1970, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has provided specialized legal assistance to Tribal Nations as well as Native American organizations and individuals nationwide to assert and defend the most important rights. In hundreds of major cases, NARF has achieved significant results in critical areas such as tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resource protection, voting rights, and Indian education. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @NDNrights to learn about the latest fights to promote justice and protect Native American rights.

About the National Congress of American Indians:

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

NCAI Defends its Free Speech and Stands Strong Against Hateful Mascots

Washington, D.C. | Today, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), and the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) celebrate the confirmation of Judge Shanlyn Park to the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai'i. Judge Park is the first Native Hawaiian woman federal judge in the state. Native Hawaiians comprise 21.8% of the population served by the district where Judge Park will preside.

...NCAI commends President Biden for nominating Judge Park, Senators Hirono and Schatz for their strong support of Judge Park, and for the votes cast by the Senate to make this historic appointment happen.

“Inclusion of Native Hawaiians in the courts that preside over matters in Hawaii is critically important to advancing trust in the judicial system and the rule of law. Judge Park’s deep experience in Hawaii state and federal courts, in criminal and civil matters, and her deep connections to the communities her district serves will be a great asset to the court and will help increase trust in the federal justice system,” said Makalika Naholowaʻa, President of the National Native American Bar Association.


“The U.S. legal system will benefit from the unique combination of wisdom, experience, knowledge, and perspective that Judge Park will contribute to the District of Hawai’i,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro, “and NCAI commends President Biden for nominating Judge Park, Senators Hirono and Schatz for their strong support of Judge Park, and for the votes cast by the Senate to make this historic appointment happen.”


Despite the outsized impact federal court decisions have on Native communities, Native people are under-represented in the federal judiciary. Even with Judge Park’s confirmation, of the more than 870 authorized federal judgeships, only seven judges from American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities currently serve on the federal bench. As a Native Hawaiian who lives, works, and volunteers in Hawai'i and who has deep ties to her community, Park understands how federal laws and policies profoundly impact the daily life of Native Hawaiian, American Indian, and Alaska Native people.


“Federal courts hear many cases involving Native people so federal court judges must be aware of the political status, legal principles, and rights of Tribal Nations and Native individuals,” said NARF Executive Director John Echohawk. “The confirmation of Judge Park takes a step in the right direction for a more balanced and representative federal judiciary system.”

NARF is a non-profit 501c(3) organization focused on applying existing laws and treaties to guarantee that federal and state governments live up to their legal obligations to Native Americans. Since 1970, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has provided specialized legal assistance to Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide to assert and defend the most important Native rights. In hundreds of major cases. NARF has achieved significant results in critical areas such as tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resource protection, voting rights, and Indian education. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @NDNrights to learn about the latest fights to promote justice and protect Native American rights.

About the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA):

The National Native American Bar Association was founded in 1973 to advance justice for all Native Americans and the inclusion of Native Americans in all aspects and levels of the legal profession. NNABA is the national professional trade association for Native American lawyers, including members from American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities and tribes across the United States. Learn more at www.nativeamericanbar.org.

Judge Shanlyn Park Confirmed to U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai'i

L to R: NCAI President Mark Macarro, First Vice President Brian Weeden, Recording Secretary Nickolaus D. Lewis, and Treasurer David Woerz.


On Friday, November 17, 2023, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) swore in the newly elected 2023-2025 NCAI Executive Committee at the 80th Annual Convention & Marketplace. The organization’s Executive Committee is comprised of four Executive Board Officers and Regional Vice Presidents and Alternates from each of the 12 NCAI regions.

Newly elected NCAI President Mark Macarro, Chairman of Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, expressed a message of unity and healing on the horizon for Indian Country.

“I am deeply humbled and pleased to have been chosen by the National Congress of American Indians to lead this esteemed organization over the next two years,” said President Mark Macarro. “The next two years will undoubtedly present challenges, but together, we are ready for the journey ahead. I dedicate myself not only to the tribal leaders and delegates of NCAI, but to all of Indian Country, and I look forward to what we can achieve together.”

President Mark Macarro is joined by newly elected NCAI First Vice President Brian Weeden, who also serves as the Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

“As the newly elected First Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians, I am deeply honored to serve in a role that represents not just my Tribal Nation, but all Native Nations,” said First Vice President Weeden. “We look forward to working together as a team to address the various issues facing us all in Indian Country and promise to work for all of our relations as we uphold our trust responsibilities.”


Nickolaus D. Lewis, Lummi Nation councilmember, was elected to the position of Recording Secretary.

“Serving on the NCAI Executive Board as Recording Secretary is a position dedicated to serving all of Indian Country, and I am humbled with the opportunity to be a servant for all of our people in this role,” said Recording Secretary Lewis. “There is a lot of work ahead, and it starts with working to earn our people's trust. It will take time, but the commitment to be held accountable is going to always be there. Please know that I am committed to this work for uplifting all of our peoples and our future generations.”


David Woerz, Chickasaw Nation Legislator, was elected to the position of NCAI Treasurer by acclamation.

“I am honored to be elected as Treasurer of the National Congress of American Indians. I am also excited about the future of NCAI. The Executive Committee and Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. have spent the last 18 months examining our policies and procedures. As a result, NCAI has better checks and balances, a vastly improved workplace culture, and renewed energy. We have expanded staff and finally evolved from the post-pandemic issues many organizations experienced. I will fulfill my duties as Treasurer with honor, integrity, and in compliance with the NCAI Constitution. I realize it is much more than just finances, our organization is dynamic with many moving parts. It will be a challenge, but one I am excited to meet.”


The NCAI Executive Board Officers are joined by Regional Vice Presidents and Alternates from the 12 NCAI regions. Elected by their respective Regional Caucuses, the Regional Vice Presidents and Alternates serve alongside the Executive Board Officers for a two-year term. The 2023-2025 Regional Area Vice Presidents and Alternates are listed below:

 Ryman Lebeau, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

 J. Garrett Renville, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate

 Randi Lone Eagle, Summit Lake Paiute Tribe

 Raymond Aguilar, Pueblo of Santo Domingo

 Reggie Wassana, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes

Leonard Fineday, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe - Leech Lake Band

 Michelle Beaudin, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior

 Brad Killscrow, Delaware Tribe of Indians

 Leo Sisco, Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Nation

 Jennifer Finley, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe of the Flathead Reservation

Loni Taylor, Chippewa Cree of the Rocky Boy's Reservation

 Rodney Butler, Mashantucket Pequot Tribe

National Congress of American Indians Announces Newly Elected 2023-2025 Executive Committee

 | In a historic move coinciding with National Philanthropy Day, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is proud to announce the launch of its philanthropic arm, the 

. The day marks a profound and unprecedented commitment to supporting Tribal Nations on their transformative journey toward shared prosperity and resilience.

"Today marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing journey towards equity and empowerment for Tribal Nations," said Greg Masten (Yurok), President of the newly formed NCAI Foundation. "The NCAIF is not just a foundation; it's a beacon of hope and a testament to our unwavering commitment to uphold tribal sovereignty, empower our leaders, and build a resilient future for our youth and our Nations. Through the NCAIF, we are forging true partnerships between Tribal Nations and Philanthropy, dedicated to creating a future where Tribal Nations thrive, supported by the resources and recognition they rightfully deserve."

The NCAI Foundation's mission is multifaceted, focusing on four core areas: Upholding Tribal Sovereignty, Empowering Tribal Leadership, Cultivating Youth Leadership, and Fortifying Tribal Nations. By offering grant funding under the Fortifying Tribal Nations program, NCAIF aims to be a catalyst for change, providing more than just financial resources but also serving as a pivotal connecting point for Tribal Nations and the philanthropic sector.

Despite American Indian and Alaska Natives representing nearly 3 percent of the U.S. population, 

they have historically received less than 0.5 percent of philanthropic dollars for their strategies or initiatives1

​. NCAIF seeks to address this disparity by ensuring that more resources are directed toward supporting tribal communities in diverse areas of work.

A cornerstone of NCAIF's approach is the innovative Equity and Sovereignty Framework. This framework guides the foundation’s grantmaking processes, ensuring they are deeply rooted in principles of equity and respect for tribal sovereignty. The framework will also inform NCAIF’s approach to address the philanthropy sector's interaction with Tribal Nations, emphasizing collaboration, respect for tribal governance, and the promotion of culturally appropriate practices. It's a significant step toward rectifying historical imbalances and fostering true, respectful partnerships between philanthropic entities and Tribal Nations.

Traditional Philanthropy vs. Equity & Sovereignty Framework

Traditional philanthropy often operates with a top-down approach, where donors decide what is best for beneficiaries, which can unintentionally perpetuate systemic inequities.

• Shared Ownership: The new framework ensures that Tribal Nations are active participants in decision-making, creating solutions that are rooted in their lived experiences.

• Cultural Respect and Integration: While traditional philanthropy may sideline Native wisdom, the equity and sovereignty approach centers connection and respect.

• Long-term Solutions: Rather than temporary fixes, this approach seeks sustainable, regenerative change, grounded in the unique needs and aspirations of each Tribal Nation.

"As we stand at the threshold of a new era with the launch of the NCAI Foundation, I am reminded of the profound responsibility we carry as stewards of our communities' future," said Larry Wright, Jr., a citizen of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and the Executive Director of NCAI. "Our leadership is charting a strategic course for the organization and the NCAI Foundation that is a journey of both honor and duty. The Equity and Sovereignty Framework is more than just a policy tool; it is a commitment to Tribal Nations that every decision we make, and every partnership we forge will be done with the utmost respect for our sovereignty and with an unwavering focus on equity. This is our pledge to create a lasting impact that honors the past while building a resilient and prosperous future for tribal communities."

The Foundation will soon announce various opportunities for Tribal Nations to apply for grant funding. These initiatives, which reflect the priorities identified by tribal leaders and representatives in recent dialogues, emphasize areas such as education, infrastructure, cultural preservation, economic development, environmental, and addressing social inequities.

NCAIF is set to redefine the philanthropic landscape for Tribal Nations. By embracing the wisdom and expertise of Tribal Nations, the Foundation is poised to foster strategic partnerships and drive significant change. The initiative is more than just a response to historical disparities; it is an opportunity to embark on a transformative journey, forging pathways to a future of shared prosperity and resilience for Tribal Nations.

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

National Congress of American Indians Announces Launch of New Foundation on National Philanthropy Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - To mark the start of Native American Heritage Month, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving Tribal Nations, is proud to announce the unveiling of its new visual identity. This transformative moment in NCAI’s 80-year history is the result of years of collaborative efforts led by tribal leaders and feedback from across Indian Country.

As NCAI approaches its 80th anniversary, this landmark rebrand signifies a bold step toward the future while honoring its rich legacy of tribal policy advocacy. The timely launch during Native American Heritage Month underscores the organization's long-standing commitment to safeguarding traditional laws, cultures, and ways of life, while championing a more representative and empowered future.“

Today is a pivotal moment in NCAI’s history,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “It represents more than just a change in our visual identity—it is a profound commitment to unity, solidarity, and a brighter future for Tribal Nations. This rebrand is a symbol of our collective strength as Native peoples, and we invite all of Indian Country to join us on this exciting journey.”

Central to NCAI's rebrand is a captivating new logo—a symbol of hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of Tribal Nations. The logo features key elements such as 12 feathers representing the 12 NCAI regions, a forward-looking eagle symbolizing progress and advocacy, and soaring wings embodying the spirit of hope for the next seven generations. The organization is also making waves in the digital landscape with a brand new 

’ podcast and blog, reinforcing its dedication to amplifying the voice of Indian Country.“

Within this rebrand, we have completely transformed NCAI’s digital presence, ensuring that our resources are more accessible than ever,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “This new website not only showcases our fresh identity but also serves as a hub to explore NCAI’s 80-year legacy, discover key resources, and stay updated on issues that matter most to Tribal Nations. It is a true reflection of who we are, and it’s designed to be a valuable asset for all who rely on us.”

To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, experience the next chapter of NCAI's journey at the upcoming 

NCAI 80th Annual Convention & Marketplace

. Follow us on social media at @ncai1944 and use the official hashtag #NCAIRebrand to join the conversation. 


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

National Congress of American Indians Unveils New Visual Identity, Marking a Historic Milestone in 80-Year Legacy

"Senator Cornyn's recent derogatory remarks, 

referring to his colleagues as a 'bunch of wild Indians,'

 is more than just disappointing; but deeply disrespectful. It perpetuates damaging stereotypes about our diverse and vibrant American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This is especially disconcerting as we approach Native American Heritage Month, a time meant to celebrate and honor these communities. NCAI strongly disapproves of the Senator’s comments and encourages the Senator to seize this moment as an opportunity to educate himself about the rich history, struggles, accomplishments, and dignity of Native peoples. Our nation's commitment to understanding and respect should be a standard held high by all our public servants."

Fawn Sharp
President, National Congress of American Indians

NCAI Condemns Senator Cornyn's Comments, Urges Cultural Education

Washington, DC – On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce published a notice in the Federal Register on 

Formal Tribal Consultation on World Intellectual Property Organization Intergovernmental Committee Negotiations

. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) applaud the decision to hold this long overdue consultation. (

).

Since 2016 NCAI, represented by NARF, has called on the federal government to engage in government-to-government consultation on tribal intellectual property issues. These efforts included NCAI passing resolutions in both 2016 and 2022 calling for immediate and direct consultations regarding international negotiations happening at the World Intellectual Property Organization

“The United States federal government needs to ensure free, prior, and informed consent from Tribal Nations as it develops positions to be taken in these international negotiations around genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions. Tribal Nations have sovereign rights and authority as the holders and guardians of these aspects of our cultures that must be respected by the United States. The upcoming consultations are a necessary step to ensure that these legal and moral requirements are met,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.

“The United States Patent and Trademark Office has taken positions in negotiations at the World Intellectual Property Organization more aligned with corporations that want to access and use Indigenous Peoples’ genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions than with the United States’ role as trustee for Tribal Nations. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their cultural and intellectual property, as well as the obligation for the United States to take measures to protect those rights. It is good that the United States is living up to its obligation to consult with Tribal Nations, and the concern now is to ensure that the consultation is meaningful and actually impacts the United States’ negotiation positions,” explained NARF Staff Attorney Sue Noe.

In the upcoming consultation announced on Tuesday, the USPTO will seek tribal input on how to best protect genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions as they are being discussed at the World Intellectual Property Organization. The Federal Register notice provides details for online webinars to be held in January 2024. Two of the four webinars will be for federally recognized Tribal Nations and two will be for state-recognized Tribal Nations, tribal members, Native Hawaiians, and inter-tribal organizations. The USPTO also invites related written comments, to be submitted by February 23, 2024.




The webinars for federally recognized Tribal Nations and their proxies will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET and Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET. The webinars for state-recognized Tribal Nations and other tribal members, Native Hawaiians and their representatives, and inter-tribal organizations will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET and Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET. 

 in advance to participate in one of these webinars.

Joint Statement: United States to Consult with Tribal Nations on Protecting Tribal Intellectual Property

Today, President Joseph R. Biden announced his intent to nominate Sara Hill (Cherokee) to serve as a federal judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Hill is President Biden’s fourth Native American judicial nominee and, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, would be the first American Indian or Alaska Native woman to serve as a federal judge in Oklahoma, and the seventh actively serving as a federal district court judge in the United States.

Hill has had a long career in civil service, including as the Attorney General and the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Cherokee Nation. She has litigated at all levels of state and federal court on a diverse range of issues including the Nation’s treaty rights and the preservation of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

“NCAI strongly supports President Biden’s nomination of Sara Hill, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, to be the first-ever Native American woman to sit on the federal bench in the state of Oklahoma,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Sara Hill will bring unparalleled experience in law and policy to our justice system. NCAI urges the swift confirmation of Ms. Hill as the nomination moves before the U.S. Senate.”

“Sara Hill has a strong history of public service and possesses excellent qualifications to be a federal judge,” said Native American Rights Fund 

. “We applaud the Biden Administration’s selection of this historic nominee and urge her confirmation. She will be a strong addition to the federal judiciary in Oklahoma.”

NARF and NCAI have long advocated for increasing Native representation in the federal court system. It is imperative to have federal judges who understand the unique relationship between the United States and Tribal Nations and who reflect a more diverse swath of the districts that they serve.


NARF is a non-profit 501c(3) organization focused on applying existing laws and treaties to guarantee that federal and state governments live up to their legal obligations to Native Americans. Since 1970, the 

 has provided specialized legal assistance to Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide to assert and defend the most important Native rights. In hundreds of major cases. NARF has achieved significant results in critical areas such as tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resource protection, voting rights, and Indian education. Like us on 

 to learn about the latest fights to promote justice and protect Native American rights.



NCAI and NARF Applaud President Biden’s Historic Nomination of the First Native Woman to the Federal Bench in Oklahoma

Listen to more Episodes at ncai.org/sentinel

Native Voting Rights and Civic Participation

In 1924, The Indian Citizenship Act was passed into law, extending citizenship to all Native people. However, even after the passage of this law, states still used a variety of means to disenfranchise American Indian and Alaska Native people. In 1928, Peter Porter and Rudolph Johnson, citizens of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, attempted to register to vote and were turned away. They were denied on the basis that they were not subject to the law of the state, because they lived on a reservation and did not pay state taxes. They were therefore considered “persons under guardianship” of the federal government, which according to the state’s logic, made them ineligible to vote.

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TOP STORIES

National Congress of American Indians Unveils New Visual Identity, Marking a Historic Milestone in 80-Year Legacy

NCAI Defends its Free Speech and Stands Strong Against Hateful Mascots

Judge Shanlyn Park Confirmed to U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai'i

National Congress of American Indians Announces Newly Elected 2023-2025 Executive Committee

National Congress of American Indians Announces Launch of New Foundation on National Philanthropy Day

National Congress of American Indians Unveils New Visual Identity, Marking a Historic Milestone in 80-Year Legacy

NCAI Defends its Free Speech and Stands Strong Against Hateful Mascots

Judge Shanlyn Park Confirmed to U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai'i

National Congress of American Indians Announces Newly Elected 2023-2025 Executive Committee

National Congress of American Indians Announces Launch of New Foundation on National Philanthropy Day

National Congress of American Indians Unveils New Visual Identity, Marking a Historic Milestone in 80-Year Legacy

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MORE NEWS

NCAI Defends its Free Speech and Stands Strong Against Hateful Mascots

Judge Shanlyn Park Confirmed to U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai'i

National Congress of American Indians Announces Newly Elected 2023-2025 Executive Committee

National Congress of American Indians Announces Launch of New Foundation on National Philanthropy Day

National Congress of American Indians Unveils New Visual Identity, Marking a Historic Milestone in 80-Year Legacy

NCAI Condemns Senator Cornyn's Comments, Urges Cultural Education

Joint Statement: United States to Consult with Tribal Nations on Protecting Tribal Intellectual Property

NCAI and NARF Applaud President Biden’s Historic Nomination of the First Native Woman to the Federal Bench in Oklahoma