

The survival of American Indian and Alaska Native languages is essential to the success of tribal communities and Native ways of life. However, without urgent and sustained intervention, far too many Native languages risk extinction within the coming decades. In this episode of The Sentinel, we highlight the urgency of this issue, and examine the creative and innovative solutions that many tribal communities are undertaking to counteract language loss.

First, we hear from Daniel Golding (Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe), producer of the documentary “

,” which aired on the PBS network as part of the “Native America” series. Golding sheds light on the inherent challenges of revitalizing Native languages and his own unique personal perspective as he embarked upon learning the Quechan language.

Next, we present segments from the “Native Language Preservation” panel discussion held at the 2024 NCAI Mid Year Convention & Marketplace in Cherokee, North Carolina. Representatives from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe participated in a lively discussion at the Third General Assembly. Panelists recounted the challenges of language preservation, but also shared strategies, projects and techniques that have resulted in successful outcomes for their tribal communities.

Historically, indigenous communities across the globe have passed down their languages from generation to generation. However, colonization and cultural assimilation have jeopardized these languages, pushing them to the brink of extinction. When a language fades, identity

is lost. Preserving languages is critical if we want to promote cultural diversity and richness. Many Native communities rely on oral transmission, rather than written, to pass on knowledge, customs and traditions. As language becomes jeopardized, so does the cultural transmission that goes with it.

Throughout its history, NCAI has been instrumental in the effort to preserve Native languages. The organization’s advocacy has taken on a number of forms including: supporting legislation to protect traditional ways of speaking, calling for increased funding for language education and immersion programs, and formally recognizing that native languages are in a state of emergency.

For example, in 1990, NCAI endorsed the Native American Languages Act, the first major piece of legislation to preserve, promote, and protect Native languages. By the mid-1990s, NCAI began using the resolutions process to further this mission. At the Mid Year Conference in Spokane, Washington, NCAI leaders stated that “the United States government actively suppressed our native languages, directly contributing to their dramatic decline.”

Then, NCAI called upon the federal government to increase funding for Tribal Nations for language recovery and teaching programs. The membership also adopted a resolution addressing Native youth and calling for development and funding of Native language immersion programs in pre-schools, elementary schools, and secondary schools throughout Indian Country. NCAI also established a Native Language Task Force that meets twice annually.

More recently, at the 2024 NCAI Mid Year Convention and Marketplace held in Cherokee, North Carolina, attendees heard from Native language speakers and advocates throughout the meeting sessions. They were able to watch a screening of the documentary “

”, which aired on PBS as part of the highly acclaimed “Native America” series. Then, a breakout session conducted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians delved into their efforts to preserve and revitalize their language. Lastly, the Third General Assembly hosted a panel on Native Language Preservation featuring a lineup of speakers from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe.

Out of these discussions came a common theme. While significant progress has been made towards preserving Native languages in recent years, there are still challenges associated with maintaining languages across generations. As younger generations are exposed to other languages through the Western education system and media, the usage of native languages declines. And when communities have limited resources, support and funding for language revitalization efforts, these challenges become even more difficult to overcome.

NCAI recognizes that the preservation of Native languages is not just a linguistic issue, but a basic need to uphold cultural diversity and respect the rights of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples. When a language fades away, it is not only words that are lost, but an entire way of life and understanding of the world.

Beyond Words: The Power Of Native Language Revitalization


Jantzen Hale, National Congress of American Indians, 

Amy M. Echo-Hawk, Native American Rights Fund, 

WASHINGTON, D.C. | Today, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the 1975 Indian Self-Determination Act (ISDA) mandates the Indian Health Service (IHS) to reimburse Tribal Nations for the expenditures of revenues collected from third-party payors such as Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. This ensures that Tribal Nation healthcare programs operate on equal footing with IHS-run programs, as intended by the ISDA. The Court consolidated 

 and held that the ISDA and the ISDA contracts require the Tribal Nations to collect revenues from third-party payors and spend that revenue to further their respective healthcare programs. As a result, the costs to Tribal Nations of spending these revenues on further healthcare services must also be eligible for contract support cost reimbursement from IHS.

“Today’s decision is a victory for tribal self-determination and tribal sovereignty,” said National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Mark Macarro. “This ruling ensures that Tribal Nations administering healthcare services to their citizens and communities do so with the full funding to which they are entitled under federal law and contracts with the Indian Health Service.”

John Echohawk, Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), agreed. “Congress passed the Indian Self-Determination Act with the purpose of empowering Tribal Nations and ensuring that tribally-run healthcare programs would be on equal footing with those run by the Indian Health Service. This decision honors the commitment Congress made to Tribal Nations’ rights to self-determination.”

affirm the Ninth and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals’ wins by the tribes, making these victories applicable nationwide. Both Tribal Nations sued to ensure full contract support cost reimbursement from IHS related to the direct healthcare services they provide on their respective reservations. Today’s decision follows two previous rulings by the Court that under ISDA, Tribal Nations are eligible for contract support costs because they incur overhead and other costs to run their healthcare programs that IHS-run programs do not.

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 

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. Visit 

In a Victory for Tribal Nations, Supreme Court Affirms that Federal Support for Tribally Run Healthcare Programs Must Be on Equal Footing with IHS Run Programs

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

 | Today, the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announced the launch of the 

, the first and only center in the nation dedicated to providing tribal governments, leadership, and communities with the resources and support needed to establish a digital sovereignty plan. This groundbreaking partnership, revealed during the 

NCAI 2024 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace

, marks a significant milestone in supporting Tribal Nations in navigating the complexities of digital sovereignty.

"Tribal Digital Sovereignty includes both the information and the physical means by which it transfers— it is governance, it is economic, it is self-determination. We're looking forward to working with our partners at NCAI in serving Tribal Nations as we navigate this new platform together,” said Dr. Traci Morris, executive director of the American Indian Policy Institute and research professor at ASU Law. “With the launch of the center, Tribal Nations will have the resources they need to build their own individual proactive digital sovereignty plans.”

Digital sovereignty encompasses all aspects of a Tribal Nation's digital plan and footprint, such as Tribal codes, managing data protection, digital equity, network infrastructure, development of funding sources, and capacity building.

“Broadband and other communications technologies are the 21st Century platform for Tribal self-determination. The establishment of the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty is a major turning point,” said Geoffrey Blackwell, NCAI general counsel and chief of staff. “Tribal livelihood is either empowered or ignored every day by various technologies and the related laws and policies. We are excited to partner with ASU to empower Tribal Nations with the analysis, scholarship, advocacy, and resources needed to develop their digital environments and exercise their sovereign rights while embracing technological advancements.”

There is no single Tribal Digital Sovereignty plan that fits the unique needs of all 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations and no central resource network for managing their digital footprint. The Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty will offer comprehensive expertise and a clearinghouse of information to support Tribal Nations in developing personalized digital sovereignty plans with long-term solutions.

"This is a landmark moment. Digital sovereignty is essential for advancing the priorities of Tribal Nations and their cultural integrity in the digital age," said NCAI President Mark Macarro. "This partnership represents a powerful alliance that will allow Tribal Nations to navigate and shape our futures with confidence and autonomy. The Center will also provide the basis for building a new coalition of trusted organizations with proven track records to provide additional services and support to Tribal Nations. This initiative offers us the necessary tools and knowledge to secure our digital self-determination and ensure that our sovereignty is respected.”

The Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty provides research and scholarship, capacity-building support, and will form a coalition of expert community-serving organizations with long histories of working in this space, creating a gravitas of service as an open-source information resource and clearinghouse for Tribal Nations on Tribal Digital Sovereignty planning. With initial seed funding from the Ford Foundation and Google.org, the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty will form a coalition of organizations and entities that have been invited through a review process. Membership in the coalition will be determined based on alignment with the core values of the American Indian Policy Institute and the National Congress of American Indians – which are to serve Tribal Nations, advance Tribal sovereignty, and remain neutral with regard to Tribal network and technology choices.

“At ASU Law, we're excited to amplify the work of the American Indian Policy Institute and the National Congress of American Indians as we launch the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty,” said ASU Law Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents Professor of Law Stacy Leeds. “This initiative not only exemplifies our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities but also underscores our belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. Together, we're forging a path forward that empowers Tribal Nations to navigate the digital frontier with confidence, ensuring their sovereignty and cultural integrity endure and thrive in the digital age.”

The Center will serve as the coalition’s administrative hub and central point of contact, in addition to providing advocacy support and service to Indian Country that is free and accurate, convening coalitions and hosting conferences. The coalition will include Tribal organizations, policymakers, researchers, educators, and leaders with long-term engagement in Tribal digital sovereignty-related matters. NCAI's involvement will include advancing policies through its 80 years of advocacy, providing foundational funding, and developing sustainable funding models.

To further bolster its mission and impact, the Center is actively seeking support from foundations and partners committed to advancing Tribal sovereignty and digital equity. Interested philanthropic partners are invited to reach out to the NCAI Foundation or the ASU Foundation.

About the National Congress of American Indians

About the American Indian Policy Institute

The American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) is an Indigenous-led and staffed research institute at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University whose work supports Tribal communities and Indigenous peoples nationwide. We do this by creating academic research focused on key issues in Indian Country, by analyzing and developing policy research and recommendations on those issues, and by building capacity within an ecosystem of lifelong learning. AIPI’s research expertise and focus are substantively on broadband technology and digital equity, with expertise in tribal telecommunications, communications policy, and newly emerging systems as they impact sovereign Tribal nations.

About the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is a leading institution at the forefront of legal education, research and service. Located in Phoenix, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., ASU Law provides a dynamic learning environment enriched by its proximity to legal, governmental and business communities. With a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, ASU Law offers a diverse range of degree programs, including the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Master of Legal Studies, and Master of Sports, Law and Business. ASU Law is dedicated to creating the next generation of legal professionals. Honoring the legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and charged with upholding her namesake, graduates are well-prepared to shape all aspects of the legal field from public service to private practice, to fields that work in and around the law. For more information, visit 

American Indian Policy Institute and National Congress of American Indians launch the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty 

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends its condolences to the families and community members affected by the tragic shooting in the Gila River Indian Community.

“We are heartbroken to learn of this tragedy at the Gila River Indian Community,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of Officer Joshua Briese and the Gila River Indian Community member who were killed. This terrible loss is felt deeply across Indian Country, and we send our benevolent prayers to those injured for recovery and healing.”

NCAI Statement on Gila River Indian Community Tragedy

2024 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace

Washington, D.C. - On April 24, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden nominated Danna Jackson to serve as a federal judge in the United States District Court for the District of Montana. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Jackson would be the first American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian to serve as a federal judge in Montana.

Jackson has had a long career in public service. She has worked as a tribal attorney for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Montana in the Indian Country Crime Unit, and in legal advisory roles for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and the United States Department of the Interior.

“NCAI is proud to support President Biden’s nomination of Danna Jackson to be the first-ever Native American to sit on the federal bench in the State of Montana,”‘ said National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Ms. Jackson will bring deep Indian law and policy expertise to the federal bench. NCAI urges her swift confirmation in the U.S. Senate.”

“Danna Jackson has a long track record of public service, extensive federal legal experience, and is well qualified to be a federal judge,” said Native American Rights Fund (NARF) Executive Director John Echohawk. “We commend the Biden Administration’s selection of this historic nominee and exhort her confirmation. She will be a strong addition to the federal judiciary in Montana.”

“Inclusion of Native Americans in the courts that preside over matters in Montana is critically important to advancing trust in the judicial system and the rule of law. Danna Jackson’s deep experience in Montana in criminal and civil matters and her connections to the communities she has served her whole career will be a great asset to the court,” said Matthew Archer-Beck, President of the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA).

Jackson is the fifth judicial nomination by President Biden of a Native American to the federal bench. NARF, NCAI, and NNABA 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 the diversity within the districts that they serve.

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, 

NCAI, NARF, and NNABA Applaud Historic Nomination of the First Native American to the Federal Bench in Montana

Jantzen Hale, National Congress of American Indians,


Mauda Moran, Native American Rights Fund, 

On April 12, 2024, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), represented by the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), 

filed an amicus brief supporting the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation v. United States Department of the Interior

 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The brief emphasizes the importance of the trust relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States, which requires the federal government to act in good faith and fully honor its promises to Tribal Nations.

“The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes ceded vast tracts of their homelands to the United States, but they did so pursuant to an agreement that reserved crucial rights for the Tribal Nations and their citizens,” 

said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.

 “Congress ratified that agreement and defined limited ways that the land could be removed from their use. It is imperative that the United States honors its legal and moral obligations by upholding the terms of this agreement.”

“The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have long fought to protect their homelands and their treaty rights,” 

. “NARF is proud to stand with them and to echo their call that the United States must respect the sovereign-to-sovereign trust relationship that exists between the government and all federally recognized Tribal Nations. The United States is not allowed to change or reinterpret the terms of federal law and its agreement with the Shoshone-Bannock just because it is convenient for them.”

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes brought suit in 2020 to stop the federal government’s illegal exchange of their homelands. The Shoshone-Bannock’s right to use those lands is protected under an 1898 agreement and codified in law under what is known as the 1900 Act. In 2023, the U.S. District Court rightfully found that the federal government had failed to comply with federal law, including the 1900 Act, and breached its trust responsibilities to the Shoshone-Bannock.

The federal government and the J.R. Simplot Company, the business seeking to acquire the lands, appealed that decision to the Ninth Circuit Court in 2023.

About the Native American Rights Fund (NARF): 

NARF is a nonprofit 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, 

 has provided specialized legal assistance to Native American Tribal Nations, 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 

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

NCAI Supports Shoshone-Bannock Fight to Protect Treaty Rights and Homelands

The Native American Graves Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) addresses the treatment and repatriation of cultural items, objects of cultural patrimony, sacred objects, and human remains. Passed into law in 1990 as a result of decades of NCAI advocacy, this legislation goes a long way towards recognizing and respecting the sacred, religious, and cultural rights of American Indian and Alaska Native people. It was considered long overdue at the time of its passage and has faced significant hurdles since then.



One of the key provisions of NAGPRA establishes requirements that federal agencies and any institutions that receive federal funding, make account of any human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony that they have in their possession. The law states that they must be then repatriated to the appropriate Tribal Nations, to be cared for, and to be honored according to tribal religious practices. 



Of critical importance is that NAGPRA also includes steps for consultation and collaboration between federal agencies, museums, and Tribal representatives and communities. One of its goals is to foster communication based on respect for culture and cultural sensitivity. This process is meant to bring healing and reconciliation to Native communities. Likewise, it calls for both museums and cultural institutions to address and take stock of the historical trauma associated with the exploitation and desecration of sacred objects, burial sites, and human remains that were stolen for their own benefit.



Delving back into the NCAI archival records, we learn that the organization was a key advocate for repatriation legislation long before NAGPRA was adopted. For example, In 1986 at the Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, NCAI condemned the Department of Interior policy on human remains and sacred objects that they had developed without any tribal consultation or input. Organization leaders called on Congress to create tribally focused legislation, and to “hold hearings to allow the Indian Community to present its views and recommendations.”



Then, immediately prior to the passage of NAGPRA, NCAI adopted a Resolution at the 1990 Executive Council Winter Session calling upon Congress to adopt repatriation legislation because, “the sanctity of the dead for American Indians and Alaska Natives has never been respected by the dominant, non-Indian society as evidenced by the untold thousands of deceased Native Americans that have been dug up from their final resting places and because respect for the dead is a basic human right that is fundamental to all cultures, societies and religions…”.



Working in coalition with its partners such as the Native American Rights Fund and Association on American Indian Affairs, NCAI continued its unwavering advocacy until NAGPRA was finally passed into law in November 1990. Unfortunately, despite its historic significance, NAGPRA has faced major challenges in its implementation. Many claim that the original legislation does not go far enough to address past wrongdoings, nor does it take into account the challenges of the repatriation process both in terms of legal and ethical considerations. The quest for successful implementation of NAGPRA has dragged on for 34 years.



In recent months, however, there have been some promising developments. In an April 2023 press release, NCAI commended the ongoing bipartisan effort of the U.S. Senate that was underway at the time for ensuring that, “Native American ancestral remains and cultural items are returned to their rightful owners as an essential first step towards acknowledging the historic and ongoing wrongs inflicted upon the American Indian and Alaska Native community.” In August 2023, the National Park Service announced $3.4 million in grants to 16 Tribal Nations and 28 museums to assist in the consultation, documentation, and repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural items. This is the largest amount since the grant program began.



Lastly, on December 6, 2023, the Department of the Interior announced the outcome of that work—a series of new, stricter regulations concerning the implementation of NAGPRA. The new rules are considered long overdue and are a result of Nation-to-Nation consultation. They strengthen the force of the law and include systematic processes for returning human remains, funerary objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, setting the timeline for compliance at 5 years. The goal of the regulations is to give Tribal Nations more authority in the repatriation process. Museums and federal agencies now must obtain free, prior, and informed consent from Tribal Nations and descendants before displaying or conducting research on any human remains or cultural items. In addition, museums must now be more publicly transparent about their collection holdings that are subject to NAGPRA.



News coverage across the country has reported on the response to the new NAGPRA changes announcing that museums and cultural institutions have either covered or removed their exhibits relating to Native history. For example, The American Museum of Natural History in New York closed two halls dedicated to the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains tribal cultures. Sean Decatur, President of the Museum, explained, “The Halls we are closing are vestiges of an era when museums did not respect values, perspectives and indeed the shared humanity of indigenous peoples.”



Other institutions have responded accordingly and have removed objects on display as they await consultation with Tribal Nations. We have yet to completely see how these new regulations will play out. But the hope is they will fulfill the original intent of the legislation and not result in further delays. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland stated, “The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act is an essential tool for the safe return of sacred objects to the communities from which they were stolen. Among the updates we are implementing are critical steps to strengthen the authority and role of Indigenous communities in the repatriation process…. Finalizing these changes are an important part of laying the groundwork for the healing of our people.”



As time goes on, NCAI will continue to advocate for the complete implementation of NAGPRA and repatriation of ancestral remains, and sacred and cultural objects, so that wrongdoings inflicted upon American Indian and Alaska Native communities are recognized and healing can begin.

 signals a rebirth of NCAI’s oldest and most continuously published membership newsletter, 

. Published for the first time in the 1940s, 

 focused on NCAI membership matters, events, people and policy issues. This newly conceived version will, instead, take a look backwards with a nod to the present. Each post will feature stories about past events, programs, and people, as well as articles on NCAI leaders throughout the years and new developments and discoveries in the archival collections.

Drawing on NCAI’s rich digital and physical archival collections, it is our hope that you will return each month to learn more about the organization’s 80 years of advocacy for Indian Country and, as a result, will also remain informed about what is happening at NCAI today.

Healing Through Restoration: The Native American Graves Repatriation Act

The NCAI 2024 Executive Council Winter Session Wrap-Up Report is Now Available!

Last month, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) brought together Tribal Nations from across the United States for the prestigious 2024 State of Indian Nations Address and its legislative conference, the 2024 Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS).

A standout moment of this year's conference was the 2024 State of Indian Nations address, delivered by newly elected NCAI President Mark Macarro. In his visionary speech, President Macarro outlined priorities aimed at advancing Tribal Nations' interests and strengthening nation-to-nation relationships with the United States. Throughout the week, tribal delegates also had the invaluable opportunity to hear from members of Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration, gaining insights into their strategies for addressing key challenges facing tribal communities. Read the Wrap-Up Report below to dive into the enriching discussions, impactful initiatives, and collaborative efforts that shaped this year’s ECWS.

 NCAI 2024 Executive Council Winter Session Wrap-Up Report Now Available!

On Friday, March 22, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed six appropriations bills, with the U.S. Senate following suit shortly thereafter. The appropriations bills passed were:

Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024

Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2024

State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024

The six bills will now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law sometime this weekend.

In the upcoming weeks, NCAI will provide additional analysis of all 12 appropriations bills and the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. Below is a brief summary of some of the wins and losses for Indian Country that came out of this week’s legislation:

House, Senate Pass Remaining Six Appropriations Bills and Fund the Remainder of the Government—Many Indian Country Programs Flat Funded for FY2024

“On behalf of the National Congress of American Indians, we congratulate Lily Gladstone (Blackfeet Nation and Nez Perce) for her spectacular awards season and nomination for Lead Actress at the 96th Academy Awards. As the first Native American woman nominated for an Oscar in this prestigious category, Gladstone’s performance marks a milestone for authentic voices and representation of tribal communities in film. For too long, the narratives of Native peoples, along with our histories and stories, have been largely invisible in this country— no more. Thank you, Lily, and the Native actors, cast, and filmmakers whose efforts have made this milestone possible.”

NCAI Congratulates Lily Gladstone for Groundbreaking Achievements in Media and Film

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed six appropriations bills, and today, March 8, 2024, the U.S. Senate followed suit. The appropriations bills passed were:

Agriculture, Rural, Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

The six bills will now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law, while Congress will turn its attention to funding the remaining aspects of the federal government before current funding expires on March 22, 2024.


In the upcoming weeks, NCAI will provide additional analysis of all 12 appropriations bills as well as the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. Below is a brief summary of some of the wins and losses for Indian Country that came out of this week’s legislation:

House, Senate Pass Six Appropriations Bills and Partially Fund the Government— Indian Country Programs See Both Increases and Cuts

“The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns with profound sadness and a heavy heart the passing of its first female president, Veronica Homer (

). Her departure marks a significant loss for Indian Country, highlighting her role as both a trailblazer and a relentless advocate for the unity and strength of all Tribal Nations.At just 34, Homer broke historic barriers as the first woman to helm NCAI, setting new precedents with her visionary leadership and championing self-determination. Her lifelong dedication to serving her community and her advocacy on issues such as the federal recognition process, the restoration of traditional lands, and the protection of tribal sovereignty demonstrated her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing tribal communities.


Beyond her NCAI Presidency, Homer was a symbol of grace and resilience, growing up in a family of activists on the Colorado River Indian Tribes’ Reservation and later serving as Vice Chair of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Her roles within NCAI, including Phoenix Area Regional Vice President and Recording Secretary, underscored her relentless advocacy on behalf of Tribal Nations.

Veronica Homer was more than a leader— she was a mentor and a source of inspiration for so many of us. We send our condolences to her family, friends, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes community. May we all find comfort in knowing that her legacy of leadership, unity, kindness, and advocacy will forever resonate across Indian Country.”


NCAI Honors the Legacy of its First Female President Veronica Homer 

This legislation has gone a long way to support pay equity for women but there is still a persistent and pervasive gap across all demographic sectors of women. For example, recent research has shown that the pay gap has been closing for White women; however, for Native women, it remains at the lowest of any demographic. In fact, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, as of 2021 Native women working full time only earned 59 cents as compared to white men. For all employed Native women, the statistic is even more dismal: 51 cents to every dollar, emphasizing the need for an intersectional approach to pay disparities. These figures vary across Tribal Nations and communities, and are further compounded by the lack of reliable statistical data in tribal communities.


So what does this 59-cent figure mean for Native Women? Each year, Equal Pay Days are marked for various groups. In 2023, Native Women’s Equal Pay Day was marked on November 30. This date signifies the time in the year to which Native women would have to work to catch up to the earnings of their white male counterparts. Simply put, that means it takes almost a full additional year of work for Native women to achieve salary parity. Looking more broadly, the wage gap will typically cost a Native American woman nearly $1 million over a lifetime (roughly 40 years) of work. Moreover, it unfortunately is also one of the slowest stagnating gaps, which has shown little signs of narrowing over the last decade.



While this issue is often framed as a women’s issue, it’s important to recognize that the pay gap affects everyone, not just women. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families, 64% of Native households are headed by women; and Native women are more often than not the primary breadwinners and caregivers for their families. These caregiving responsibilities often limit women’s mobility in search of better, higher-paying jobs. Understanding this larger context makes this a broader family issue that affects not only women but everyone in Native communities. It puts Native families on the front lines and at risk of poverty.



Much research has been done into why the pay disparity is so profound for Native women. The lasting impacts of colonization altered the status of women in traditionally matrilineal societies. Genocide, displacement, and misogyny are also contributing factors. The intersections of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, and gender compound to create this deep pay divide amongst not only women and men, but amongst white women and women of color. Research shows that the average American woman makes 82 cents for every dollar an American man makes. In contrast, Native women only make 51 cents to that dollar, over 30 cents less. In addition, the U.S. has failed in its responsibility to collect accurate data relating to tribal communities, thereby making these pay figures difficult to track over time.


In addition to advocating for effective legislation to combat pay inequity, individual advocates and Native organizations such as NCAI recognize that other policies can contribute to strengthening the economic security of women. Promoting entrepreneurship among women and implementing mandatory paid leave policies are crucial for unlocking better opportunities. Additionally, access to affordable, high-quality child care is also important.

In his statement on the 15th Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, President Biden marked the occasion by announcing new rules intended to help increase pay equity in the United States. He stated, “… my Administration will continue to call on Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, to increase pay transparency and strengthen our tools to fight sex-based pay discrimination.” 



Adopting “common sense” policies, the Biden administration then announced that the federal government is now prohibited from using the salary history of federal workers and contractors when determining pay for prospective hires. Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young stated, “Relying on a candidate’s salary history can exacerbate pre-existing inequality in our pay structures and disproportionately impact women and workers of color.” This should be of some benefit to Native women, as they are employed in the federal workforce at twice the rate of their participation in the civilian labor force. Some progress is being realized, but we are still a long way off from true pay equality.

UPCOMING WEBINAR – NCAI Foundation: Strengthening Our Shared Legacy

The Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS) brings together representatives from member tribes to Washington, DC, for the purpose of planning strategy for the coming year. Although the ECWS is required by the NCAI Constitution today, this wasn’t always the case. For the first 11 years of the organization’s existence, the Council did meet, but not as required by NCAI rules. It was not until a 1955 revision of the NCAI Constitution that the organization’s governing document was amended to specifically require this annual meeting. As for the timing of the meeting, it could be anytime ‘immediately’ following the Annual Conference. Further revisions brought us to where we are today, specifying that the meeting must be held in the first quarter of each year.



Before we delve into this year’s agenda, let’s take a look back in the archives at some of the ECWS meetings from years past. The first Executive Council Winter Session meeting for which we have a detailed archival record occurred in March 1959. This meeting was at the time “the biggest in the organization’s history” with 70 delegates in attendance. These delegates represented 30 Tribal Nations and came from 11 states. In addition, six attorneys assisted with analyzing legislation, court decisions, and rulings affecting Indian communities and property.



Taking center stage that year was a newly proposed federal Indian policy known as Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12. This proposed legislation was designed to clarify a previous piece of legislation known as House Concurrent Resolution No. 108 (adopted in 1953), which called for immediate termination of the federal government’s responsibility to Tribal Nations.



NCAI delegates in attendance agreed that this new proposal, introduced by Senator James E. Murray (D-MT) and Senator Richard Neuberger (D-OR), was necessary as it would clearly counter the unjust practices of both the United States Public Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the time. Both agencies denied any services to individual Indians unless they lived on trust land. NCAI President Joseph Garry (Coeur d’Alene Tribe) led the discussion and attendees debated this legislation all week throughout the session and ultimately concluded that the agencies’ actions were unlawful—they were withholding services they were legally required to provide. While not explicitly stated, the delegates viewed this as a form of termination. The new proposed legislation they supported called for the reinstatement of the education and health services to the affected individuals.



Delegates in 1959 also addressed other issues at the forefront of NCAI’s advocacy. They questioned the alarming delays in the settlement of claims cases. They scoffed at the ruling that claims settlements could not be awarded to claimant’s dependents. Considering how long the cases actually took, the question of dependents’ rights to the settlements was a valid one.

Some positive applause was given to the U.S. Public Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the increased appropriations benefitting Tribal Nations, but delegates tempered their praise with the reality of wanton closures of schools and hospitals that denied educational and health services to many Indians—especially those who were unable to travel further distances to access those services. Increased funding could only go so far if it failed to reach the people it was intended to assist!



Another timely issue on the forefront of the agenda was Alaska statehood legislation. Delegates rallied around two realities—the status of Alaska Natives would be altered when statehood became a reality, and the State would unfairly have first claim to land. The following discussions at the meeting centered around how to best protect the land rights of Alaska Natives. NCAI vowed to ensure adequate legal protection for the rights of Alaska Natives to claim their ancestral lands for future generations.



Analysis of records from later ECWS meetings shows a consistent resolve. During the Executive Council Winter Session meeting held in January 1975, delegates reviewed resolutions and charted legislative activities for the upcoming year. Forty Tribal Nations attended and listened to reports on upcoming Bureau of Indian Affairs’ programs and activities, and reviewed statements on upcoming legislation and court cases.



However, it was the recently created Indian Policy Review Commission that dominated the meeting. Established in 1975 by the U.S. Congress with the mandate to comprehensively review the relationship between Indians and the federal government, the Commission established 11 Task Forces to study specific areas of importance. As a result of the ECWS discussions, many NCAI members were identified and appointed to those Task Forces. They then contributed to the Commission’s final policy recommendation report.



Additionally, the case of whether individual Indians leasing reservation lands were subject to taxation also led to a heated conversation that year. Those individuals who were leasing land on the Fort Peck and Cheyenne River reservations for cattle ranching suddenly found themselves subject to taxation by the Internal Revenue Service.



NCAI’s position was that the lands were not taxable and therefore those levies should not apply to leaseholders. Following the meeting, the 

 featured several follow-up articles that provided greater understanding of this complex issue and that continued the conversation at subsequent meetings.

Each Executive Council Winter Session meeting’s purpose was the same—to gather at an opportune time in the new year to set the course for policy and advocacy for what was to come. While the settings, and certainly the times, have changed, some things have remained the same: the issues that have been discussed—issues of sovereignty, self-determination, governance, and protection of individual and tribal rights—have been woven into every Executive Council Winter Session meeting from the start.

History of the NCAI Executive Council Winter Session

Advocacy in Action: The Origins of ECWS

Strength in Unity: NCAI’s Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Mutual Assistance

For this month’s blog post, we travel back in time to the Fourth Annual NCAI Convention held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in December 1947 to share an inspirational story of unity and cooperation. The theme of this convention was “One for All, All for One, United We Endure”, an appropriate message carefully chosen by NCAI leaders to forge unity among the members of the young organization and also to position it for growth in the ensuing years.

Washington, D.C. | 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 Sara Hill to serve on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Judge Hill, who is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is the first Native American woman confirmed for a lifetime judicial appointment in the state. With Oklahoma home to 39 federally recognized Tribal Nations, her confirmation is not just a historic milestone but a meaningful step forward in ensuring the federal judiciary reflects the communities it serves. Further, as the only active Native American federal judge in Oklahoma, Judge Hill brings a critical perspective and deep knowledge of federal Indian law.

“NCAI applauds both President Biden’s nomination of Sara Hill, and the Senate’s confirmation of her as the first-ever Native American woman to sit on the federal bench in the state of Oklahoma,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Judge Hill brings with her an unparalleled experience in law and policy to our justice system, including a depth of understanding of tribal sovereignty that is far too often lacking on the judicial bench.”

“Judge Hill’s extensive experience serving the Cherokee Nation provides a strong background for her work in the Northern District of Oklahoma,” said NARF Executive Director John Echohawk. “Her confirmation is an important and necessary milestone and serves as a reminder that continuing to increase Native representation at a federal level is needed.”

“Sara Hill exemplifies Native excellence and legal leadership through her success as a litigator, policy advocate, and senior tribal government official for the Cherokee Nation,” said NNABA President Makalika Naholowaa. “This is a truly historic confirmation. Ms. Hill will be only the 10th Native American Article III federal judge to ever serve in the judiciary throughout U.S. history. We are grateful to the Biden administration and senators who supported this historic nomination and confirmation. We look forward to following the honorable Judge Hill’s successful judicial career and representation of Native American women in the judiciary.”

NCAI, NARF, and NNABA extend heartfelt congratulations to Sara Hill on this momentous achievement. Her confirmation is a testament to her dedication and expertise, and it helps address the undeniable need for Native voices on the federal bench.

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. 

About the Native American Rights Fund (NARF):

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 

Sara Hill's Confirmation to U.S. District Court Moves Forward Native American Representation in Oklahoma

Washington D.C. – NCAI is pleased to announce that the dispute with Dante Desiderio has been resolved. All look forward to moving past this matter and focusing on the needs of Indian Country.



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 www.ncai.org.

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