NCAI is a membership-driven organization. Our membership is a strong representation of the many nations, villages, communities, and individuals that constitute the whole of Indian Country.
Recognized as a tribe or other identifiable group of American Indians by the Department of the Interior, Court of Claims, the Indian Claims Commission or a State.
Recognized as a member by an Indian tribe or band, or combination of tribes and bands, recognized by the Department of the Interior, the Indian Claims Commission, Court of Claims, or a State.
Learn more about Tribal and Individual representation by region.
Use this Member Portal to check and renew your membership status, update your personal information, and register for conferences using member pricing.
NCAI Membership dues cycle is from each Annual Convention to the next. The 2024-2025 Membership expires September 30, 2025.
Nearly 80 years ago, when NCAI was founded, the new organization brought together tribal leaders and tribal citizens, to speak with one voice to protect tribal sovereignty.
Today we honor that legacy by doing what no other organization, group, or lobbying effort is able to do: unify the interests of American Indian and Alaska Native nations and our people. We ask you to join us and raise your voice for all of Indian Country. It is our legacy as Native people.
NCAI is a membership-driven organization. Our membership is a strong representation of the many nations, villages, communities, and individuals that constitute the whole of Indian Country.
The organization engages in both legislative and administrative advocacy on behalf of its membership. Moreover, the NCAI strives to ensure that all member tribes and individuals are informed and educated about all such issues affecting the well-being of Indian nations.
NCAI membership is made up of tribes and individuals who have met the eligibility criteria and paid dues as outlined in the Article III of the NCAI By-Laws.
Members are determined to be in good standing upon full payment of dues and having fulfilled the requirements of the Credentials Committee.
More information on how to join or renew here.
NCAI’s membership consists of six categories:
Recognized as a tribe or other identifiable group of American Indians by the Department of the Interior, Court of Claims, the Indian Claims Commission or a State.
Recognized as a member by an Indian tribe or band, or combination of tribes and bands, recognized by the Department of the Interior, the Indian Claims Commission, Court of Claims, or a State.
Individuals that do not qualify for membership for lack of Indian ancestry. Non-Indian applicants are admitted as non-voting associate members.
Recognized as a member by an Indian tribe or band, or combination of tribes and bands, recognized by the Department of the Interior, the Indian Claims Commission, Court of Claims, or a State.
Individuals that do not qualify for membership for lack of Indian ancestry. Non-Indian applicants are admitted as non-voting associate members.
Organizations have the same rights and privileges afforded to Individual Associate members.
Pursuant to the National Congress of American Indians By-Laws, Article III – Members, Section C - Dues: “Annual membership dues shall be due and payable at the Annual Convention of each year for the following year until the next Annual Convention …”
NCAI Membership dues cycle is from each Annual Convention to the next. The 2024-2025 Membership dues expire September 30, 2025.
For further membership information email membership@ncai.org
NCAI Membership is made up of Tribes and Individuals who have met the eligibility criteria and the payment of dues as outlined in Article III of the NCAI By-Laws. Annual membership dues shall be due and payable at the Annual Convention of each year.
For further membership information, please email membership@ncai.org
All members are determined to be in good standing upon full payment of tribal dues. To become a Member Tribe in good standing, please follow these steps.
NCAI Tribal Membership dues are determined by a tribe's income and may change from year to year. More details can be found here. If you have questions about membership dues, or are unable to pay the recommended membership fee, please contact membership@ncai.org.
In order to vote, please email to membership@ncai.org an updated Tribal Delegate Resolution on your Tribal letterhead to designate who will vote for your Tribal Nation at NCAI conferences.
An explanation of the details of Tribal Nation Membership and an example Tribal Delegate Resolution can be found here.
Articles from the National Congress of American Indians Constitution and By-Laws applicable to the Membership Process:
Any Tribe, band or identifiable group of American Indians or Alaska Natives shall be eligible for tribal membership provided it shall fulfill all the following requirements:
Over $30 million
Over $20 million to $30 million
Over $10 million to $20 million
Over $5 million to $10 million
Over $1 million to $5 million
Over $500,000 to $1 million
$0 to $500,000
$30,000
$20,000
$12,000
$6,500
$1,300
$650
$150
If revenue exceeds $60 million please consider increasing your dues as a contribution to NCAI.
Each individual member is entitled to one vote. Each member tribe is entitled to 100-180 votes, depending upon the enrollment of the Tribe. Each member Tribe shall vote in accordance with the following table:
Up to & including 500
501 to 1500
1501 to 2500
2501 to 3500
3501 to 4500
4501 to 5500
5501 to 6500
6501 to 7500
over 7500
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
To join or renew online and pay by credit card, please use our Tribal Membership Portal.
To join or renew via mail or email, please complete the Tribal Nation Membership Form and email it to membership@ncai.org or mail it along with a check made payable to the National Congress of American Indians to 1516 P St. NW, Washington DC, 20005. To pay via ACH/wire transfer, please follow the NCAI Wire Transfer Instructions.
NCAI Tribal Membership dues are determined by a tribe's income and may change from year to year. If you have questions about membership dues, or are unable to pay the recommended membership fee, please contact membership@ncai.org.
To join or renew online and pay by credit card, please use our Individual & Organization Membership Portal.
To join or renew via mail or email, please complete the Individual & Organization Membership Form and email it to membership@ncai.org or mail it along with a check made payable to the National Congress of American Indians to 1516 P St. NW, Washington DC, 20005. To pay via ACH/wire transfer, please follow the NCAI Wire Transfer Instructions.