WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians is grieving for Cedarville Rancheria today. When he learned of the tragedy, President Brian Cladoosby remarked:

“A great sorrow stretches across Indian Country for the heartbreaking tragedy in the Cedarville Rancheria community. I know that the country is joining us in prayer for the victims, their families, and the tribe as they gather their strength to walk together during this time.”

Tragedies like this know no boundaries of ethnicity, government, or religion and they are happening far too frequently. Our hearts are heavy as we lift up the families affected by this senseless act of violence.

Lifting Up Our Prayers For Cedarville Rancheria

WASHINGTON, DC – For the first time in decades, tribal nations will receive full payment on contracts signed with the federal government. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) have submitted plans to 

pay their 2014 contracts with tribes in full.

Many issues face Indian Country but one of the most far-reaching is the fiduciary relationship between tribal nations and the federal government. In setting out plans to pay their contract support cost requirements in full, the federal government will begin to treat tribal nations with the respect and honor due to them.

Under the Indian Self-Determination Act, the United States enters into inter-governmental contracts with tribes under which tribes administer federal programs for the benefit of tribal members. The Indian Self-Determination Act represents the cornerstone of this nation’s federal policy toward tribes for more than a third of a century and represents one of the most successful policy eras for tribes in US history.

Yet, time and time again, BIA and IHS have failed to pay the contract support costs in full while expecting the programs to be fulfilled completely. This cycle of negotiating contracts and then refusing to pay the agreed upon amount has prevented tribes from achieving self-determination and progress towards self-sufficiency. When Indian contract and self-governance compact contract support costs are short funded, tribes are actually penalized for exercising their self-determination rights, by being compelled to reduce program operations to cover these unavoidable costs.

While this recent development is a positive step for future contracts, federal agencies must also speed up the settlement of past claims. Agencies owe tribal nations millions of dollars in unpaid contract support costs – money that is critical for tribes to achieve full self-determination.

The National Congress of American Indians is committed to working with tribal nations and the federal government to ensure full payment of future contracts and to resolve the millions of dollars of debt owed to tribes.

For additional background information on Contract Support Costs, please read NCAI’s 

 on Contract Support Costs or the summary briefing document.

Contract Support Costs To Be Paid IN FULL By Federal Government

WASHINGTON, DC – National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Brian Cladoosby attended the State Dinner in Honor of French President Francois Hollande. After spending the evening with world leaders and American political elites, President Cladoosby remarked:

"Tonight was a true reflection of the place of Native governments on the global stage. The tribal nations of this country were honored and represented alongside foreign nations and the United States. I am so excited to help connect tribal leaders with those I met tonight and to do whatever I can to advance the goals of tribes and Native peoples."

The presidents of the National Congress of American Indians, the United States, and France enjoyed a meal 

 and were entertained by Mary J. Blige. The 

 included high-level officials from the Obama Administration, officials from the French government, members of Congress, state and local elected officials, and celebrities.

NCAI President Cladoosby Joins President Obama, World Leaders At State Dinner

WASHINGTON, DC – National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Brian Cladoosby has been selected to serve on the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

As part of his duties as one of five Primary At Large Representatives, President Cladoosby will provide critical tribal guidance for HHS priorities and budget items as well as participate in forums and meetings to ensure the perspectives of tribal nations are fully included in policy discussions. The first gathering of STAC will be February 12-13, 2014 in Washington, DC.

President Cladoosby joins a talented group of tribal leaders also serving as At Large Representatives:


Lt. Governor, Chickasaw Nation
Former President, NCAI


Chairman, Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians


1st Vice President, Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribe

, President Cladoosby repeatedly called for increased cooperation between the federal government and tribal nations. Since STAC began in 2010, NCAI has consistently encouraged other cabinet secretaries to follow Secretary Sebelius’ lead and engage tribal leaders at the highest level of their agencies to strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship. President Cladoosby is eager to join tribal leaders from throughout the nation as they assist the Secretary and her department in their efforts to better serve Indian Country.

NCAI President Appointed To HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) set the tone for the coming months guided by tribal resolutions passed by organization members.

NCAI publishes this annual document as part of its mission to serve as a forum for unified policy development among tribal governments. Tribal leaders respectfully request that these recommendations be considered as part of the appropriations process.

An honorable budget for Indian Country will empower tribes so they can provide their people with good health care, quality education, decent and adequate housing, and public safety. These services – that every American expects – meet the needs of Native peoples, benefit residents of surrounding communities, and fulfill trust and treaty obligations to tribal nations.

The FY 2015 budget requests were compiled with the help of tribal leaders, Native organizations, and partner groups. NCAI is grateful for their contributions and participation in the creation of these requests.

The arguments laid out at the 12th annual State of Indian Nations by NCAI President Brian Cladoosby and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) are in line with the recommendations made in the FY 2015 budget request. Each speaker remarked on the great opportunities before Indian Country, if only tribes had the resources due to them.

“This is an exciting time for Indian Country. Tribes are meeting our challenges head on, improving the lives of our people and our neighbors, and preparing the next generation for even greater achievements. … But our ability to contribute to the collective prosperity of the country is threatened by the federal government’s failure to keep its promises.”

“The federal government must treat tribes as trusted allies and honor the contracts and treaties we agreed to. It must live up to its trust responsibilities, but then step aside and let tribes take the reins and determine your fate.”

Following the State of Indian Nations address, President Cladoosby said:

“It was wonderful to see so many tribal leaders and Native youth gathered today. As I said earlier, we are much stronger together. With friends like Senator Jon Tester in Congress, I am confident that Indian Country will achieve many of our goals in the coming months.”

The National Congress of American Indians is committed to furthering the goals and priorities of tribal leaders. The release of the FY 2015 budget request and the delivery of the State of Indian Nations establish those priorities set forth in tribal resolutions and will guide our work.

NCAI Sets 2014 Agenda With Budget Proposal, State Of Indian Nations

WASHINGTON, DC – Swinomish Tribal Chairman and President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Brian Cladoosby had the chance to meet with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and members of the Tulalip Tribe to discuss the importance of supporting Native youth through positive youth development programs. The Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country serves over 85,000 Native youth in over 200 clubs nationwide in Indian country. After the meeting with Tulalip Tribe – the 6th Tribal Club – and Tulalip Chairman Mel Sheldon, President Cladoosby said:

“What an inspiration to see the incredible work of the Boys and Girls Clubs! There is nothing more important than supporting young people and encouraging them to make positive decisions. I am excited to continue working with the Clubs on bringing education, career, and healthy living choices to Native youth and the children of all communities.”

Providing opportunities for the next generation is the greatest responsibility of this generation. With that duty in mind, President Cladoosby has focused on education and Native youth in his first months at NCAI. He and the organization are committed to strengthening the partnership between NCAI and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country began over 20 years ago and has grown dramatically ever since. Under the leadership of Brian Yazzie, the National Director of Native American Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Boys & Girls Clubs offer multiple programs specific to tribal communities. These programs include the On the T.R.A.I.L. (Together Raising Awareness for Indian Life) to Diabetes Prevention Program which provides youth with tools to prevent type 2 diabetes through self-esteem and prevention activities. The T.R.A.I.L program has served nearly 12,000 Native youth in 85 tribal communities. Robbie Callaway, of FirstPic, Inc. who was instrumental in beginning the Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country initiative stated:

“President Cladoosby and NCAI’s support for Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country has the ability to help increase opportunities for Native youth across the country and create sustainable programs throughout Native communities.”

NCAI has a long history of working hand in hand with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, including the passage of a resolution in 2004 endorsing a permanent endowment for the Boys and Girls Clubs for their work in Indian Country. FirstPic, Inc. has worked with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and NCAI throughout this initiative to implement high quality programming for Native youth. Executive Director Jacqueline Pata sits on the Native American Advisory Council for the Clubs and has made the partnership between NCAI and the Boys and Girls Clubs a priority for the organization.

NCAI President Commits To Strengthening Partnership With Boys And Girls Clubs Of America

FY 2014 Omnibus Restores Some Funds to Tribal Programs

WASHINGTON, DC - In response to a controversial bill signed into law on Thursday, December 19th by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, making it easier for schools with Native American mascots to keep them and harder for people who want to change the nicknames to challenge them, National Congress of American Indians President Brian Cladoosby issued the following statement:

"I was deeply saddened to hear that Wisconsin Governor Walker signed a misguided bill that protects racist stereotypes reinforced by using Native American names and images as school mascots. Many communities, even some in Wisconsin, have recognized that these nicknames do not honor Native people and rejected these outdated notions. Wisconsin just took a big step backward in the journey toward a more inclusive and respectful society."

NCAI President: Gov. Walker "Just Took a Big Step Backward" By Signing Mascot Bill

In a unanimous vote, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights has joined the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Oneida Nation, and numerous media outlets in taking a stand against the name of the Washington, DC football team.

The Leadership Conference is the nation’s premier civil and human rights coalition representing more than 200 diverse national organizations. Today, members 

 calling upon the Washington, DC team “to change its team name, and to refrain from the use of any other images, mascots, or behaviors that are or could be deemed harmful or demeaning to Native American cultures or peoples” and notes that using this slur as the team’s name “cannot in any reasonable way be viewed as honoring the culture or historical legacy of any particular Native American tribe or individual.”

The resolution also urged state, local, and federal governments to “to end any preferential tax, zoning, or other policy treatment that could be viewed as supporting the franchise as long as it retains its current team name.”

The NAACP, National Council of La Raza, American Association of People with Disabilities, the ACLU, National Organization for Women, and the Anti-Defamation League are just some of the organizations represented by the civil and human rights coalition.

In response to the unanimous support of the resolution, Jacqueline Johnson Pata, Executive Director of NCAI, remarked:

“By recognizing the ongoing disparagement of American Indian and Alaska Natives and asking the NFL to change the name of the DC franchise, the Leadership Conference reconfirms its commitment to fighting for equal rights for Native peoples. Passing this resolution at their annual meeting further proves that LCCHR is fully behind this work and NCAI is proud and happy to have them on our team.”

Over 200 Civil Rights Organizations Call For Washington, DC Football Team To Change Its Name

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds the House of Representatives for unanimously passing 

The bill, co-sponsored by Reps. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Tom Cole (R-OK), allows for the construction of a Native American Veterans’ Memorial on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian. Tribes have long been working for a monument in our nation’s capital to honor our Native veterans’ service.

NCAI is looking forward to celebrating and honoring the dedication and commitment of Native veterans with a physical monument to their bravery. In partnership with the National Museum of the American Indian and tribal government across the country, NCAI will work to raise the funds for the project and to design a memorial worthy of these warriors.

The Senate will soon take up this bill’s companion, S. 1046. NCAI encourages the Senate to take swift, unanimous, and bipartisan action to send the legislation to the White House for President Obama’s signature.

NCAI Applauds House of Representatives for Passing Bill Allowing for Native American Veterans’ Memorial

NCAI President Brian Cladoosby, Swinomish Tribe:

“A great leader has returned to the Creator. Indian people, like others who have suffered injustice and oppression, have long identified with the struggle for freedom and equality of the South African people. For us, Nelson Mandela has been and will always be an inspiration.


Mandela was relentless in the pursuit of justice, committed to respect for the common humanity we all share and dedicated to the improvement of the lives of his people. May we honor his memory by recommitting ourselves to effort worthy of his example on behalf of all those for whom equality is still a dream."

NCAI President Releases Statement on Nelson Mandela's Passing

 – Following the White House Tribal Nations Conference, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is pleased with the prospect of progress on addressing the challenges of climate change in Indian Country.

During the Conference, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and many government officials— including President Obama—spoke to the severe impacts climate change has had on American Indians and Alaska Natives while focusing on how the federal government can work with tribal leaders to best address these challenges.

Secretary Jewell set the tone for the conversation on climate change by remarking on the importance “of the ongoing dialogues we need to have as we work together toward tribal self-determination and self-governance and promoting prosperous and resilient tribal nations.”

Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz discussed the over 30 Alaska Native villages that are facing imminent threats from rising seas levels and how hydroelectric and other energy projects have been stymied by climate change. Further, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy encouraged inter-governmental communication by asking tribal leaders to “help us explain why Climate Change must be addressed now and why it is our responsibility” to combat it for seventh generation and beyond.

President Obama reasserted his dedication to protecting tribal lands:

“The health of tribal nations depends on the health of tribal lands. So it falls on all of us to protect the extraordinary beauty of those lands for future generations. And already, many of your lands have felt the impacts of a changing climate, including more extreme flooding and droughts. That’s why, as part of the Climate Action Plan I announced this year, my administration is partnering with you to identify where your lands are vulnerable to climate change, how we can make them more resilient.”

The Climate Action Plan includes the President’s Executive Order “Preparing the U.S. for the Impacts of Climate Change” and his appointment of two tribal leaders to the twelve-member Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.

It is critically important that tribal leaders are at the table because too often, Native voices are left out of federal conversations around mitigating the effects of climate change. Indian Country faces some of the most difficult challenges stemming from climate change because of the remote location of many tribal lands and, particularly in Alaska, the dependence on the land and animals for subsistence living. NCAI applauds the Administration for this effort and is hopeful that by working together, government-to-government, tribal communities will have the tools necessary to address climate change.

Also this week, NCAI joined an 

 in support of young people suing the federal government for not acting to reverse climate change. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the 

 emphasizes the drastic effects climate change has in Native communities, particularly Alaska, and “[t]hese communities contribute little, if at all, to the problem of climate change, and, yet, bear a disproportionately large adverse impact from climate change given their unique vulnerability.” 

The brief states that “climate change ravages Native Nations, and the federal government, which includes the defendants-appellees in this case, has a responsibility to assist these Nations by rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.” The federal government has trust responsibility to tribes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and act in the best interest of tribes.

NCAI is committed to working with the Administration, Congress, and within the federal courts to ensure the voice of Indian Country is heard and tribal leaders are in involved in planning and action conversations around addressing the urgent problem of climate change.

The lawsuit was filed with the help of Our Children’s Trust, an Oregon-based non-profit orchestrating a game-changing, youth-driven legal campaign in the United States and across the globe. The following organizations joined with leading climate scientists, law scholars, national security experts, government leaders, faith groups, and environmental NGOs in signing onto the 

 brief:

Akiak Native Community
Alaska Inter-Tribal Council
Forgotten People
Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Working Group
National Congress of American Indians
National Native American Law Student Association

NCAI Joins With Other Native Organizations And The Obama Administration To Address The Effects Of Climate Change In Indian Country

WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama and thirteen members of his Cabinet joined over 300 tribal leaders at the fifth annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. Through speeches and listening sessions, the Administration highlighted the improving partnership with tribal nations and declared a commitment to elevating the relationship throughout the next three years.

The Conference included a townhall portion during which tribal leaders asked questions of several members of the White House Council on Native American Affairs. In the townhall’s opening statement, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Brian Cladoosby firmly asserted the need to establish a “trust relationship for the 21st century” and urged the Council to regularly convene cabinet officials and tribal leaders at the White House and throughout Indian Country. Other tribal leaders emphasized the importance of addressing the 

 Supreme Court decision, fully funding Contract Support Costs, and honoring the trust responsibility in the federal budget.

In afternoon remarks to tribal leaders, President Barack Obama committed to visiting Indian Country next year and echoed Cladoosby’s call for close communication between the nations:

“The Iroquois called their network of alliances with other tribes and European nations a ‘covenant chain.’ Each link represented a bond of peace and friendship. But that covenant chain didn’t sustain itself. It needed constant care, so that it would stay strong. And that’s what we’re called to do, to keep the covenant between us for this generation and for future generations.”

Attorney General Eric Holder also delivered poignant remarks as he recommitted to a close partnership with tribal nations and spoke of the progress made since Robert Kennedy's address to NCAI in 1963. AG Holder acknowledged the "injustice inflicted on Native peoples" in the past and committed to a relationship "not as a patron but a partner." NCAI welcomes AG Holder's proposed "Statement of Principles" that will guide the Department of Justice’s dealings with Indian Country.

NCAI looks forward to working with the White House to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship and continuing the policy conversations begun during the Conference. The full list of Cabinet officials participating in the White House meeting included:

Attorney General Eric Holder
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx
Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz
Education Secretary Arne Duncan
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Rand Beers
Acting Small Business Administrator Jeanne Hulit


Also participating:
Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley
Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz

Tribal Leaders Meet With President Obama And Thirteen Cabinet Officials, Emphasize Need For 21st Century Trust Relationship

On this day the National Congress of American Indians joins the nation in celebrating and honoring the dedication and commitment of veterans who have been there for us, standing guard and defending our freedom and well-being.

Most American Indian and Alaska Native veterans who have survived conflicts around the world and in peacetime to support their respective branches of military service often come back and achieve success in their daily lives. Unfortunately, there are those veterans who return to a stark reality of difficulty in finding adequate housing, employment and much needed health care.

There is commonality among these outstanding Americans whom we see every day that they do not seek extraordinary treatment even though deserved. NCAI wishes to express to veterans and their families that we sincerely acknowledge our deepest gratitude to all veterans of this nation. We also recommit our effort in pursuit and advocacy on behalf of veterans and call upon those in decision-making positions in the Congress and the Administration to prioritize programs and policies which will ensure that homelessness among veterans will be eradicated; that state of the art health care will be available near tribal and non-tribal communities; and that job training and placement will be provided to all those seeking employment.

It is not the least we can do as we can never do enough. We hope that all citizens of this nation will stand with us this day and renew their commitment on behalf of those who have given their best, who have sacrificed life and limb, without question.

To all veterans, thank you for your service, honor and dignity.

Celebrating and Honoring the Dedication and Commitment of Veterans

The Honorable Phil Mendelson, Chairman
The Honorable Kenyan McDuffie, Chair Pro Tempore
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20004

RE: NCAI IN SUPPORT OF DC COUNCIL MEMBER DAVID GROSSO’S PR 20-239, AND THE DC COUNCIL’S CONTINUED SUPPORT TO CHANGE THE WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM NAME 

Dear Chairman Mendelson and Chair Pro Tempore McDuffie:

On behalf of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), I respectfully submit this letter in support of Council Member David Grosso’s Proposed Resolution 20-239 and the DC Council’s previous and continued support to change the Washington football team name. Established in 1944, NCAI is the largest and oldest representative organization of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, and serves the broad interests of the nation’s 566 tribal governments consisting of the over 5.2 million Native peoples. 

In 1968, NCAI launched a campaign to end negative and harmful stereotypes perpetuated by media and popular culture. These efforts have been rooted in an attempt to achieve social justice and racial equality for Native people. The continued use of racist and derogatory “Indian” sports mascots, logos, and symbols have perpetuated negative stereotypes of America’s first peoples. Rather than honoring Native peoples, these caricatures and stereotypes contribute to a disregard for the diverse cultural heritages of Native people. \Stereotypes significantly affect how our people view the world and their place in society, while also affecting how society views Native peoples in historical and contemporary contexts. NCAI’s position and 45 year campaign to end the era of degrading “Indian” stereotypes and mascots is directly linked to ongoing efforts in building a healthy and nurturing environment for our Native youth to flourish and become the next generation of leaders. 

When President Obama stated in an interview with the Associated Press in October 2013 that the Washington Football team name is offensive to a “sizeable group of people” and affirmed the “real and legitimate concerns” of Native peoples, his statements further encouraged the effort to change the name of the Washington football team and end its legacy of marketing a racial slur. As a result of ongoing education and advocacy, over 2,000 “Indian” references in primary, secondary, and post-secondary school sports have been eliminated during the past 35 years. However, nearly 1,000 “Indian” references in school sports still exist today including the Washington football team name, which receives national media coverage and substantial economic revenues from marketing a racial slur. 

In 2001 the DC Council adopted Resolution 14-263, which requested the Washington football team to change its name and, in keeping with that same objective, I respectfully request your support for DC Council Member Grosso’s Proposed Resolution 20-239. I would also request your support on H.R. 1278, the Non-Disparagement of Native American Persons or Peoples in Trademark Registration Act of 2013. H.R. 1278 was introduced by Congressional Delegate Eni Faleomavaega (D-A.S.) on March 20, 2013, and has received widespread support and praise from tribal governments, organizations, and individuals. NCAI is appreciative that DC Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton is a cosponsor. Passage of this legislation would ensure that trademarks using the “R” word would be rescinded and any future applications to register trademarks using the “R” word would be denied. 

Usage of this term carries negative historical connotations reminiscent to the eras of termination of Indian tribes and the assimilation of Native people. The history behind the use of this word in no way honors Native peoples and has no place in our modern American society. President Obama’s remarks on the Washington NFL team name underscore the increasingly obvious fact that now is the time to be on the side of right, now is the time to change this offensive name. 

Again, I respectfully request your support for Council Member Grosso’s Proposed Resolution 14-263. Passage of this Resolution would make a firm, resounding statement from the elected officials representing our nation’s capital. I would also request your support for Congressional passage of H.R. 1278 to ensure disparaging terms, such as the “R” word are removed from trademark protections and never used again. Sincerely,

Brian Cladoosby
President
National Congress of American Indians 

Cc.: DC Council Member At-Large Anita Bonds
DC Council Member At-Large David Grosso
DC Council Member At-Large David Catania
DC Council Member At-Large Vincent Orange
DC Ward Member Jim Graham
DC Ward Member Jack Evans
DC Ward Member Mary M. Cheh
DC Ward Member Muriel Bowser
DC Ward Member Tommy Wells
DC Ward Member Yvette Alexander
DC Ward Member Marion Barry

President Cladoosby sends letter in support of DC Council's Resolution to Change the Washington Football team name.

opinion piece on the Huffington Post regarding the Washington football team name

"We're honoring you!" "Get a life!" "It's not racist." "Get over it."

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has been hearing these reactions and excuses in response to any suggestion of changing the name of the Washington football team for years. Somehow a word that is on par with the n-word and other racial slurs is acceptable as an NFL team name.

No racial group would stand for a team name that denigrated their cultural identity, but Native Americans are expected to stand by and accept this treatment just because some don't see the word as offensive.

Let's be clear: "Redsk*n" is a racial slur, no matter how many weak justifications defenders try and come up with to keep using it.

There is nothing honorable about the word. Native peoples are not honored by the slur, the image, or the mockery of "war dances" on the sidelines.

The word isn't a benign classification of a person's skin tone. Not only is it a term that has been uttered with scorn and hatred, it also refers to the literal "red skin" bounty hunters would collect in order to be paid for the number of Natives they slaughtered. These men would kill Native people then rip the skin from their bodies in order to receive payment. It isn't a term that honors the "strength, courage, pride, and respect" so many argue it does. It is a term born of the violence Native Americans have been experiencing for hundreds of years.

Use of the word is recognized as racist in many scenarios: if one child called another child a "redsk*n," it would be bullying; if one adult referred to another as a "redski*n" at work, it would be harassment; if "redsk*n" was used in the course of a crime or scrawled on someone's home, the perpetrator would be charged with a hate crime. Most readers probably would never consider calling a Native American a "redsk*n to their face. Yet, the name is defended because it is the name of a football team.

Longtime supporters of the DC team often recount memories of cheering for the team with family members, singing the fight song, and being proud of their home team. In his letter to fans, team owner Dan Snyder argued that those traditions and early experiences are part of his identity: "it mattered so much to me as a child, and I know it matters to every other Redsk*ns fan in the D.C. area and across the nation. Our past isn't just where we came from -- it's who we are."

But is it team spirit, sportsmanship, enjoyment of the game, and cheering for the home team that matter, or is all that secondary to the name itself? More and more fans are coming to the realization that memories, traditions, and identity are not so fleeting as to be marred by using a different name.

One avid fan wrote of her fond childhood memories of the DC team and of becoming a fan while a young child in El Salvador before coming to the United States. She has loved the team longer than she has been an American. Yet, when she faced the real offense felt by many Native people and the fact that no other racial group would be forced to endure a team name that denigrated their identity, she came to the obvious conclusion - tradition or not, the name has to go.



Defenders of the name frequently refer to laughably unscientific polls that say Native Americans are not offended by the name. Of the many problems with the methodology of these polls, the most egregious is that at no time were respondents asked any details about their Native heritage. No questions were asked about tribal citizenship/membership, about cultural knowledge, or about connections to tribal lands or families. It is entirely unclear exactly who was polled or whether they are, in fact, tribal citizens.

During NCAI's 70th Annual Convention and Marketplace in mid-October, thousands of elected tribal leaders and Native peoples representing hundreds of Native nations, gathered to work for a better future for our tribal nations and the United States. A resolution was passed unanimously "Commending Efforts to Eliminate Racist Stereotypes in Sports" to publicly declare the support of tribal nations in the work to end this era of racism in sports. This is all the evidence necessary to know that Native peoples, raised in and living with their own traditions, find these types of mascots disparaging.

The numbers are clear: Native peoples want the name to change. Those asking for a change are not a small minority. From all walks of life and across the political spectrum -- from the president to NFL hall of famers and fans -- there is public acknowledgement that the name needs to go.

As so many have pointed out, the Native American community does have problems other than the names of sports teams. Poverty is rampant in Indian Country. Sexual assault is a daily problem for men and women -- and nearly 70 percent of the aggressors in these attacks are non-Native. The Indian Child Welfare Act is ignored and Native children continue to be separated from their families. Elected tribal leaders consistently strive to make changes for their people as do the elected leaders of other communities across the country.

These issues are usually ignored by the media and policymakers. Threaten a football team's name, though, and these problems are used to deflect and trivialize the use of stereotypes and racism. Mocking Native cultures is not trivial. Ending the casual use of racism is important.

It is also important that this debate over mascots and names continue to open doors to conversations that introduce Washingtonians and the American people to the 5.2 million Native peoples in America today. Our peoples face daily problems and have always made positive contributions to American society: as governments and business leaders, veterans, first responders, elected officials, entertainers and sportspeople -- not just as caricatures on a team logo. This debate isn't an opportunity to defend racism by pointing to "bigger problems," it is an opportunity to confront racism by creating awareness and better understanding about this problem.

Native peoples are everything Washington Redsk*n apologists want their team name to represent but doesn't. We are strong. We are brave. We are proud.

We are not mascots. It's time for a change.

Opinion: Would You Call Me a Redsk*n to My Face?

Click here to read the 2013 Annual Convention Week In Review

2013 Annual Convention Newsletter

"Congress Must Act Immediately To Provide Rapid Recovery For Our Tribes And Work To Ensure That Political Gamesmanship And Inactivity Does Not Harm Native Peoples Again."

LaCONNER, WA- In his first statement after being sworn in as the 21st president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Brian Cladoosby – Chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community – called for reduced thresholds for federal tribal disaster assistance and challenged Congress to prioritize Native peoples in the post-shutdown legislative calendar, including acting on the Farm Bill:


"As I begin my term, my thoughts and prayers are with the South Dakota tribes. The Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes have been devastated by the recent storm that swept the Great Plains – and the federal government failed, again, to maintain treaty agreements that ensure disaster relief is provided when citizens are in distress. When the federal government neglects citizens in times of emergency, the effects can be long term.

Tribes are now eligible for federal disaster assistance under the Stafford Act, however the high monetary damages threshold hampers impoverished areas because what is lost by low-income citizens often does not meet the required amount. The federal government has a fiduciary duty to protect tribal citizens but without changes to the threshold, tribal citizens will continue to suffer from the consequences of disasters.

The immediate problems caused by collapsing homes and widespread loss of livestock are only the beginning. Tribal ranchers and farmers in South Dakota will feel the economic impact of this storm for years to come as they will now have to rebuild their livelihoods from scratch. Allowing the current Farm Bill to lapse without action, coupled with the government shutdown, meant that support systems at the Department of Agriculture were unavailable to Native farmers and ranchers during this terrible storm. These failures of Congress prolong the claims process and inhibit Native food production and economic development. Further, with no Farm Bill and the lack of government funding for food assistance programs, many tribal citizens were left without access to food all while these vital programs are used as political bargaining chips. No one – especially our tribal citizens most in need – should ever have to go without food while being used as pawns in the lawmaking process. 

Congress must pass a Farm Bill that will support tribal nations and others around the country who are in dire straits and it must keep nutrition programs with farm policies because there should never be a disconnect between food production and feeding people. Congress must act immediately to provide rapid recovery for our tribes and work to ensure that political gamesmanship and inactivity does not harm Native peoples again.”

Statement from Newly Elected NCAI President Cladoosby

Tulsa, OK – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) elected a new Executive Committee today at the 70th Annual Convention & Marketplace. The Executive Committee is charged with advancing the mission of NCAI to protect and advance tribal sovereignty by representing the issues and priorities of tribal nations throughout the country.

 Brian Cladoosby, Chairman, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community


 Michael Finley, Chairman, Colville Tribes


 Robert Shepard, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate


 Dennis Welsh, Jr., Tribal Council Member, Colorado River Indian Tribes


The Executive Committee is elected by NCAI membership: the President, First Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer are elected by the entire membership; and the twelve Regional Vice Presidents are elected by each respective region. Each of these officers is a member of the NCAI board and serves a two-year term to begin Friday, October 18, 2013.

Two-term President Jefferson Keel will step down Friday, October 18th. President Keel honored NCAI with his leadership, elevated the role of the organization, and served tribal nations well. He remains a valued and respected leader within NCAI and throughout Indian Country.

National Congress of American Indians Elects New Executive Committee, Bids Farewell To President Jefferson Keel

 – Just days after President Obama joined the growing chorus of those calling for the Washington NFL Team to consider changing its name, the team’s leadership justified the use of their “Indian” mascot as a central part of the team’s “history and legacy.” A new report released today by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), titled 

Ending the Legacy Of Racism in Sports & the Era of Harmful “Indian” Sports Mascots

 also outlines the team’s ugly and racist legacy, while highlighting the harmful impact of negative stereotypes on Native peoples.

 details the position of NCAI, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization. The following is a statement released by NCAI’s Executive Director Jacqueline Pata along with the report: 

“The report NCAI has released today provides the history of an overwhelming movement to end the era of harmful “Indian” mascots – including the fact that Native peoples have fought these mascots since 1963 and no professional sports team has established a new ‘Indian’ mascot since 1964.

There is one thing that we can agree with the Washington football team about - the name ‘Redsk*ns’ is a reflection of the team’s legacy and history. Unfortunately, the team’s legacy and history is an ugly one, rooted in racism and discrimination, including the origins of the team’s name. It is becoming more and more obvious that the team’s legacy on racial equality is to remain on the wrong side of history for as long as possible.

The team’s original owner, George Preston Marshall, named the team the ‘Redsk*ns’ in 1932, just months before he led a 13-year league wide ban on African American players in the NFL. Nearly 30 years after the race-based name was chosen, Marshall was forced by the league to hire the team’s first black player in 1962. He was the last NFL owner to do so.

We’ve released this report and have a firm position on this issue because the welfare and future of our youth is at stake. We are working every day to ensure they are able to grow up and thrive in healthy, supportive communities. Removing these harmful mascots is just one part of our effort to encourage our children to achieve their greatest potential. We’re focused on their future; these mascots keep society focused on the negative stereotypes of the past.

NCAI calls on the NFL, other professional sports leagues, and all associated businesses to end the era of harmful ”Indian” mascots.”

The report details a range of issues: the harm stereotypes have on Native Youth and the overwhelming support for ending harmful mascots by organizations, tribal governments, the NCAA, high schools, community groups, and individuals. The report also reviews in depth the well-documented legacy of racism in the Washington football team’s history, including factual rebuttals to the Washington football team’s false claims that NCAI leadership at one point endorsed the use of the “Redsk*ns” mascot.

The report points to the fact that harmful “Indian” mascots exist while Native peoples remain targets of hate crime higher than any other groups, citing Department of Justice analysis that “American Indians are more likely than people of other races to experience violence at the hands of someone of a different race.” The report also reviews in-depth studies that show the harm negative stereotypes and “Indian” sports mascots have on Native youth. The rate of suicide is highest for Native young people at 18 percent, twice the rate of the next highest of 8.4 percent among non-Hispanic white youth.

In the report, NCAI calls on the NFL, MLB, and NHL to address harmful mascots that profit from marketing harmful stereotypes, “Each of these professional sports businesses attempt to establish a story of honoring Native peoples through the names or mascots; however, each one—be it through logos or traditions — diminishes the place, status, and humanity of contemporary Native citizens. What is true about many of the brand origin stories is that team owners during the birth of these brands hoped to gain financially from mocking Native identity. As a result, these businesses perpetuated racial and political inequity. Those who have kept their logos and brands, continue to do so.”

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