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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