Nevada Senator Harry Reid today released the following statement on President Jefferson Keel’s State of Indian Nations Address to the National Congress of American Indians

“In his first annual address to the National Congress of American Indians today, President Keel offers an important road map of how to put Native communities, and the nation as a whole, on the path to lasting prosperity.

“Our efforts to put Americans back to work must include policies to address the staggering rates of unemployment among Native Americans which stands at above 50 percent on many Indian reservations and in Alaska Native villages.

“Last year, Senate Democrats committed ourselves to making sure that tribes are at the policymaking table when we develop national policies. Investments in the Recovery Act are already showing promising job growth. As we developed the health insurance reform bill, having tribes at the table was critical to ensuring the underfunded Indian healthcare delivery system was protected and enhanced.

“I am honored to represent the people of Nevada, including every one of its 27 Indian Nations. These resilient and strong communities show us that when Congress allows tribes to more effectively meet the needs of their citizens, the whole country benefits. I remain committed to leading the Senate in collaboration with President Obama and tribal leaders to make sure that we continue the progress of the past year into a new decade.”

Reid: Achieving Lasting Prosperity In America Must Include Native Americans

On Jan. 25, the 2010 Census kicks off in the Inupiat Eskimo village of Noorvik, Alaska.

No roads lead to this community, so Census workers will arrive by air, snow machine or dog sled – and they will need to get there early before the ice melts and the residents leave for fishing and hunting season.

It is important to recognize the significance of Noorvik as the first place the census count begins. Our community of American Indians and Alaska Natives is one of the nation’s hardest populations to count, because of language barriers, barriers to travel and transportation to remote and rural communities, and a historic mistrust of government institutions and efforts.

Counting all Alaskans is critical, but it is especially so for Alaska Natives, given the unique, historical relationship between the United States federal government and that community. An accurate count of Alaska Natives means fair access to federal resources and fair representation in state legislatures and the United States Congress.

But equally important, it determines the annual distribution to states and tribes – and our communities and children – of more than $400 billion in federal funds annually over the next 10 years.

This federal money based on census data is used for everything from schools and roads to health care for low-income residents, veterans and senior citizens.

The goal of the 2010 Census is to paint a “Portrait of America.” Because the American Indian and Alaska Native population is relatively small, every Native person who is counted makes a huge difference in getting that portrait right.

We know Indian country faces many hurdles to an accurate Census count. Past Censuses have missed more than 1 in 10 Native people. The Brookings Institution recently found that for every person missed by the Census, the community loses more than $1,000 every year. The future of Indian country will be built on a foundation of reliable and accurate Census data.

As the president of the National Congress of American Indians, I encourage tribal leaders to get the word out to Native communities about how important the Census is to our future generations. I also urge all local leaders across the nation to encourage their community members to participate in Census 2010.

 and other national and local partners to prevail over the challenges of the past to make sure there is an accurate count of all Native peoples.

We know Indian country counts. Let’s make sure its people are accurately counted in the Census.

Let’s Make Indian Country Count

Today, the Departments of Interior and Justice and Eloise Cobell announced a settlement of the ongoing Cobell trust accounting litigation on behalf of Individual Indian account holders.

$1.4 billion dollars for settlement of accounting and mismanagement claims. This fund will be divided into two parts. Each account holder would receive $1000 for historical accounting claims. Resource mismanagement claims will be settled under a court-approved formula. The lawsuit must be modified to add resource mismanagement claims (not a part of the current litigation).

$2 billion for addressing fractionation of individual Indian land. Small fractionated interests would be purchased from Indian landowners on a voluntary basis, and the consolidated land will be turned over to tribes under the terms of the Indian Land Consolidation Act.

Creation of a Secretarial Commission on Indian Trust to make recommendations and oversee a performance audit of trust systems and controls. This provision appears to be intended to review the sunset of the Office of Special Trustee.

Approval by Congress and the Federal District Court Required. The settlement anticipates that Congressional approval will be required in order to use the federal Judgment Fund for the settlement. In addition, the overall terms of the settlement must be approved by the U.S. District Court.

There are many more details about the settlement available on the Department of Interior website at 

The proposed settlement of the litigation represents a significant breakthrough on an issue that has troubled Indian country for many decades. The settlement amount is lower than was expected when the litigation began, but is significantly higher than the $456 million awarded by Judge Robertson after a trial in 2008. The higher amount likely represents the value of adding trust mismanagement claims to the accounting claims. In addition, the funds for consolidating fractionated lands under tribal ownership will help to resolve longstanding land management problems and will increase economic development opportunities.

For more information, please contact NCAI at 202-466-7767, or 

Major Breakthrough Announced on Settlement of Cobell Litigation

WASHINGTON -- November 25, 2009 -- National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Jefferson Keel released the following statement on the eve of Thanksgiving Day:

"Indian Country was here at the beginning of our first national holiday, and we are still here four centuries later -- grateful that we stand proud of our tribal cultures and contribute their strength to the sustaining diversity of America.

Indian Country is grateful on many, many counts. A President and his Administration have heard our concerns and priorities, acknowledging the nation-to-nation relationship, at the first annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. The Embassy of Tribal Nations has opened its doors in the nation's capital. Congress is working in partnership with us to advance the priorities of Indian Country as seldom before. And a national museum on the Washington Mall bears witness to us for all who visit it.

We also have much to contribute to this great nation. Above all, our cultural heritage has positioned us to spearhead the historic task of restoring a human connection to the land, air, water, all living things and one another. We give thanks that the Creator has safeguarded our message of oneness in the web of life, for it is instrumental to restoring the global environment and good will among nations.

We must give thanks for other safeguards -- the warriors who guard our homeland, many of them far from home on this holiday of gratitude and reunion. Native men and women have steadfastly fought and died defending this country as the highest serving minority group in the U.S. armed forces. We give thanks for all who defend our country.

Also this year, we give thanks for the harvest that inspired the first Thanksgiving. Abundant as the harvest has been this year for many, for many others it is a lean year. We've known that unemployment is high and that household hunger is a growing concern.

As always, Americans give thanks this day for their individual and community harvest. But especially this year, NCAI calls on them to join the many tribes and individuals in Indian Country who are going the extra mile to help their needy neighbors, just as they did on that first Thanksgiving."

NCAI President Jefferson Keel Speaks of Gratitude and Hope on Thanksgiving Day

WASHINGTON—November 5, 2009—National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel attended the first annual White House Tribal Nations Conference and issued the following statement:

“It is an understatement to say that this was an historic day for Indian Country. I want to thank President Barack Obama for living up to his campaign promise to hold this meeting and thank members of his Administration for their commitment to addressing our most pressing issues. Now it is time for action.

President Obama’s directive to every Cabinet agency to provide him with a detailed plan—within 90 days-- on how to implement Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,” and improve tribal consultation is the first of many action steps that need to be taken.

On behalf of tribal leaders from across the country who are depending on these directives to be fruitful, I commit all of us to play an active and productive role in the process. Over the next three months we look forward to working with all of the federal agencies to develop plans for meaningfully implementing the Presidential Memorandum and strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship.”

NCAI President Jefferson Keel Statement on White House Tribal Nations Conference

WASHINGTON—November 4, 2009—National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Jefferson Keel, along with tribal leaders, met with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi today to discuss Indian Country’s inclusion in the Affordable Health Care for America Act, the importance of the nation-to-nation relationship between tribes and the U.S. government, and Indian Country’s priorities for the 111th Congress.

“The recognition that Native people must have the choice to receive health care through the Indian health delivery system and the inclusion of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) in the pending legislation shows Speaker Pelosi’s strong commitment to Indian Country,” said Keel. “I thank the Speaker, along with Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV 3rd), Frank Pallone (D-NJ 6th), and Xavier Becerra (D-CA 31st) for including American Indians and Alaska Natives in health reform that benefits all Americans."

“For a long time we have been fighting for Native Americans to have access to quality health care,” said Speaker Pelosi. “Finally, in the Affordable Health Care for America Act we will be able to reauthorize the IHCIA, and ensure that our First Americans receive the care they need. I want to thank the President Keel and the NCAI for the support in our efforts to provide quality health care to all Americans.”

Tribal leaders presented the Speaker with Indian Country’s other priority issues, such as passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2009 and H.R.3697, legislation introduced by Representative Tom Cole, (R-OK 4th) aimed at fixing the Carcieri v. Salazar Supreme Court ruling, and to support policies that realize Indian Country’s commitment to sound energy development.

Tribal representatives that participate in the meeting included: W. Ron Allen (Chairman, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe), Matthew Franklin (Chairman, Ione Band of Miwok Indians), Floyd Jourdain (Chairman, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians), Cheryl Kennedy (Chairwoman, Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde Community), Hope MacDonald (Councilwoman, Navajo Nation), Marshall McKay (Chairman, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation), Mark Macarro (Chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians), Juana Majel-Dixon (Councilwoman, Pauma Band of Mission Indians), Richard Milanovich (Chairman, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians), Mark Mitchell (Governor, Pueblo of Tesuque), Ned Norris, Jr. (Chairman, Tohono O'odham Nation), Brian Patterson (President, United South and Eastern Tribes), Samuel Penney (Chairman, Nez Perce Tribe), Buford Rolin (Chairman, Poarch Band of Creek Indians), Chandler Sanchez (Governor, Pueblo of Acoma), Theresa Two Bulls (President, Oglala Sioux Tribe), and Lynn Valbuena (Vice Chairwoman, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians).

“Our friends in Congress on both sides of the aisle are proving their support on our most pressing issues. Today’s developments are encouraging as we head into an historic Tribal Nations Conference with President Barack Obama tomorrow,” said Keel. “Our Native voices are being heard so we can bring change to our people.”

NCAI President Jefferson Keel, Tribal Leaders Meet with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

PALM SPRINGS, CA—October 14, 2009—In a letter to delegates to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 66th Annual Convention, Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi wrote: “As we prepare the American Affordable Health Choices Act for consideration by the full House, we must ensure that the President’s promising of preserving an individual’s health care of choice includes the Indian health delivery system.”

In the letter, Pelosi also commended tribal leaders for “working closely with the committees and the Obama administration to ensure that the health delivery system that was guaranteed to American Indians and Alaska Natives through treaty rights is not inadvertently harmed.”

“For the Speaker of the House to recognize that Native people must have the choice to receive health care through the Indian health delivery system is a big win for Indian Country and the health of our people,” said NCAI President Joe A. Garcia. “I commend Speaker Pelosi for her commitment to the health and well-being of Native Americans. I am confident the House will follow the Speaker’s lead and ensure our concerns are considered as they debate this historic legislation.”

“We cannot ask Indian people to be penalized for choosing to use the Indian health care system,” said Pelosi. “The House bill will ensure that the exemption from the financial penalties is extended to federally recognized tribes and that tribally provided health care benefits are appropriately protected.”

Pelosi also said it is essential that the Congress focus on improving the health and wellness of Indian Country. “That is why health reform legislation must ensure that adequate funds are made available to tribes to stamp out preventable illness and conditions that are having a devastating impact in your communities, such as diabetes,” she said.

“While many elements of the health care reform bill are vital to Indian Country, Congress also recognizes the importance of passing the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and I pledge to continue working with you toward that goal.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Commits to Protecting Indian Health Service as Health Insurance Reform is Debated

PALM SPRINGS, CA --October 14, 2009--The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation today announced the official launch of the Partnership for Tribal Governance (PTG) at NCAI’s 66th Annual Convention.

“The PTG will focus and coordinate resources to support tribal nations’ self-determined efforts to strengthen their institutions of governance and exercise tribal sovereignty," said NCAI President Joe A. Garcia. “Building on a decade of work with the Kellogg Foundation, NCAI views the PTG as a long-term commitment to improving the health and well-being of our Native youth and our communities as a whole through strengthening tribal governance. We do this for our children.”

NCAI’s Annual Convention brings together tribal nations’ political leaders, tribal intergovernmental and Native organization leaders, federal and state government representatives, policy leaders, and Native peoples to set an agenda on critical issues for Indian Country.

The PTG, a multi-year initiative with generous support from the Kellogg Foundation, will work through partnerships with tribal nations, tribal and national Native organizations, academic and policy centers, other governments’ leaders, and key policymakers. Financial investments will be made in self-determined tribal efforts, technical assistance, training, education, research, policy development, and advocacy.
“We believe that strong tribal governments, as supported through this partnership, are critical to the health and well-being of Native children,” said Dr. Gail Christopher, vice-president for programs at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “This effort has the potential to dramatically improve the life chances and opportunities of future generations of Native children.”

The Kellogg Foundation has partnered with NCAI in other efforts including tribal welfare reform implementation, exploring the feasibility of adapting the Alaska Dental Health Aide Therapist program in tribal communities in the lower 48 states, and in improving government-to-government relationships with the states.

In 2007, the NCAI and the Kellogg Foundation, along with leading national Native organizations, put forth the Native Children’s Agenda – a landmark plan stressing that “improving the overall well-being of Native children must be a national priority.” The PTG builds on this foundation and guides the development.

NCAI convened more than 30 tribal and Native organizations in Palm Springs to discuss better communication and coordination and more collaboration on common concerns. On the Convention agenda are five sessions to support tribal leaders in their efforts to strengthen governance.

NCAI, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Partner to Launch NCAI’s Partnership for Tribal Governance

Asst. Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk, White House Officials,
Members of Congress Address Convention Delegates

PALM SPRINGS, CA-October 13, 2009-National Congress of American Indians President (NCAI) Joe A. Garcia addressed NCAI Convention delegates for the last time at the end of two terms as the organization's president, calling for unity among tribal leaders, and praising them for their accomplishments over the last four years.

"We have re-engaged and re-enabled ourselves from our spiritual side," he said to applause. "I feel it in this assembly and when I visit other tribal nations in the country. "In Alaska, North Dakota, Nevada, North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma--ladies and gentlemen, be proud of yourself because you have created this revival. We have learned our lesson. Through the Creator, NCAI will continue to promote this feeling of unity and progress across Indian Country."

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk addressed delegates and entertained questions for well over an hour while laying out his priorities as Assistant Secretary and those of the Obama Administration.

"I cannot do my job without feeling it," said Echo Hawk. "I have traveled around Indian Country. I have been across the country. I need to see it. When Indian nations asserting their treaty rights join with the United States of America, this country will accept that the tribes should be in the driving seat and realize this alliance must remain. This is what I realize that I need to do. I need to make sure that the United States is your partner and that together we work to ensure that treaty rights are upheld."

Echo Hawk expressed his strong commitment to improvements in Indian education, law enforcement and economic development. He also praised Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ken Salazar as a "one who looks out for Indian Country," and announced the upcoming November 5th White House Tribal Nations Conference will be held at DOI.

Kimberly TeeHee, White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, made the announcement earlier that President Obama would fulfill his campaign promise to meet with tribal leaders on an annual basis.

"The Administration is making progress on a number of issues including public safety initiatives, as well as community and economic development," said TeeHee. "The FY2009 budget included education, healthcare, and law enforcement and this Administration has committed to improve on those."

TeeHee also noted President Obama's campaign promises that tribal leaders would have a seat at the table on improving the tribal consultation process and that the Administration has urged agencies to have listening sessions with Indian Country.

Sens. Max Baucus (D-MT) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) both addressed the plenary session via video message due to their commitment to working on health insurance reform in Washington, D.C.

"Here in Washington we are looking forward to the most important legislation in a generation," said Baucus. "I am making sure that healthcare reform is right for Indian Country. I understand the situation of health in Indian Country. I'm working for it to be easier for Native Americans to enroll in federal healthcare programs. Native Americans will be exempted from the health mandate. I'm also pushing for an increase in the Indian Health Service budget in 2010."

"I have always been working hard on a bipartisan bill on Indian Law Reform," said Dorgan. "It is going to improve law enforcement on reservations. We also have a new bill with respect of energy on Indian reservations that tries to deal with the bureaucratic web that obstructs energy development and we have instituted a bill to get a national apology to Native Americans that is making good progress."

Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-CA 45th), Vice-Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Native American Caucus said she strongly supports the entrepreneurial spirit that has allowed some tribes to thrive.

"I proudly represent twelve tribes and work with them from water rights to environmental reform to everything else that affects them," she said. "We must support the sovereignty of tribal nations and I believe the government should not be taxing tribal health benefits. It is counterproductive and does not support the well being of health of tribal members. I know that Sen. Baucus is seeking to address the problem. The care provided to Native Americans is in dire need of reform."

Bono Mack also touted energy independence in America and how tribes should play a crucial role. "Tribes know better than ever how we can seek this energy whilst respecting sacred sites. We should aggressively secure our energy resources and create green jobs and Indian Country's input is crucial in doing this."

NCAI's 66th Annual Conference and Trade Show continues through October 16. The Trade Show is free and open to the public. For more information or press inquiries contact Adam McMullin at 202-422-8416 or 

NCAI President Joe A Garcia Opens 66th Annual Convention

Census Bureau Reaffirms Commitment to Working with American Indians and Alaska Natives to Ensure Accurate 2010 Count

PALM SPRINGS, CA-October 12, 2009-The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the oldest and largest organization representing tribal governments, formally launched its 2010 Census Campaign, "Indian Country Counts," at a press conference during its Annual Convention in Palm Springs, CA. Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves signed a reaffirmation of the Census Bureau's first American Indian and Alaska Native Policy statement.

"It is an honor for me to reaffirm the Census Bureau's commitment to the American Indian and Alaska Native people," said Groves. "The key to an accurate count in the 2010 Census is the active involvement of this organization and each of its members. We have a very strong campaign to reach and inspire American Indians and Alaska Natives to participate in the census, and we appreciate all of your support in making the census a success."

NCAI President Joe Garcia noted the importance of counting every American Indian and Alaska Native in the 2010 Count.

"The numbers that come out of the 2010 Census will affect policy and human service programs for Native communities for generations to come," said Garcia. "A true Indian count is just one of the steps tribes must take on the path to regaining our economic, social, and governmental strength as Native people. This data directs billions of dollars in federal funding that flows into Indian Country. Often the most vulnerable are the hardest to count, and consequently end up missing out on the resources they need."

James Steele, Jr., Chairman of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes reiterated the importance of direct community involvement in the 2010 campaign.

"There are many important reasons we should all be a part of this campaign and think about our own strategies," said Steele. "There are many ways to be involved, and we each know our communities the best. Only we can really assure our members that it's worth our time, and that personal census information will not be shared with anybody - not landlords, housing authorities, any law enforcement or any other agency."

The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), and the National Council on Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) have also shown their support for the 2010 Census campaign in Indian Country.

"Nowhere is the Census information more important than in the area of Indian housing," said NAIHC Chairman Marty Shuravloff. "The number of American Indians and Alaska Natives, their income levels, the cost of housing, housing conditions, and the number of individuals living in crowded conditions all count toward how much money a tribe receives to help overcome the deplorable housing conditions that exist within Native American communities. So much is riding on a complete and accurate response to the Census."

Not only does census data determine funding for Indian housing, it also has a great impact on health services in Native communities.

"Diabetes, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and obesity are only few of the health problems we are facing, and the critical funding to provide for health care services will not happen unless you and your family are counted in the 2010 Census," said Reno Keoni Franklin, Chairman of the NIHB. "This is your opportunity to help make a difference. Please make sure everyone is counted, because your health counts!"

The future of Indian Country also depends on the Census count, including adequate services for family and youth.

"NICWA encourages Native families to respond to the Census and to be recognized in every city, reservation, town, village, and pueblo," said NICWA Executive Director Terry L. Cross, MSW, LCSW, ACSW. "Funding for the programs and services that build healthy Native families and protect our children and youth often use Census demographic information. We look forward to our American Indian and Alaska Native families being represented accurately during the census."

For more information on NCAI's 2010 Census Campaign, please visit

NCAI, National Native Organizations Join U.S. Census Bureau in Launching "Indian Country Counts" Census Campaign

PALM SPRINGS, CA-October 12, 2009-In an announcement to the National Congress of American Indians' (NCAI) 66th Annual Convention, White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs Kimberly TeeHee announced today that President Obama will meet with tribal leaders in Washington, D.C. November 5th, 2009. President Obama committed to an annual meeting with tribal leaders during his 2008 campaign. NCAI President Joe A. Garcia released the following statement on the historic meeting: 

"Indian Country has been waiting for well over a decade for a meeting of this caliber with the President of the United States. I commend President Obama for setting this precedent for his Administration's Nation to Nation working relationship with tribes. We have an ambitious agenda to strengthen economic development and improve tribal government services. Tribal leaders are very satisfied that President Obama is fulfilling his promise to meet with tribal leaders on a regular basis during his term in office. This historic meeting will coincide with NCAI's Grand Opening of the Embassy of Tribal Nations on November 3rd and a tribal leaders meeting on November 4th. I encourage tribal leaders to come to Washington as a united Indian Country so we can begin the consultation process with the President and his Administration."

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