WASHINGTON, DC | The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) demands accountability for the harms caused by Native “themed” mascots and imagery as the National Football League’s (NFL) Washington, DC franchise revealed its new team name, the “Commanders.” The announcement by the Washington Commanders comes a year and a half after it retired the “R-word” name and mascot, a decision it reached following years of protest from Tribal Nations, leaders, and activists. However, following the announcement, the team released videos to promote its new identity which prominently displayed the offensive branding from its previous incarnation.

Statement from NCAI President Fawn Sharp:
“Today, we are grateful for the end of a dark era, one in which the NFL and the Washington franchise commercially exploited and dehumanized Native people and culturally appropriated our most sacred practices.

Make no mistake, the deep wounds and harm caused by a near century of open and celebrated racism and bigotry remains. Roger Goodell and Dan Snyder have yet to take step one, as promised to the National Congress of American Indians, toward owning the genocidal history of the former name. They have shown a lack of accountability for the unspeakable harm to our citizens that they accepted, perpetuated, and profited from.

Without an apology, without any measure of accountability, and without fulfilling the honored commitments they made to Tribal Nations in 2020 to right this wrong, the NFL and Snyder are simply ‘Commanding’ a continued course of open, intentional and profit-driven racism and erasure.

Until the behavior of the NFL and the franchise owners change, the league will continue to endure racism scandals, civil rights lawsuits, activist protests, and public relations embarrassments. It’s time that both we and the public at large demand more. We have every intention to do our part and aggressively hold the NFL accountable for the harm caused. Much work remains. On behalf of Tribal Nations, we stand ready to share our vision for truth, reconciliation, and national healing.”

NCAI is the oldest, largest, and most representative national organization serving American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations and their citizens. It has been leading Indian Country’s movement to eradicate offensive Native “themed” mascots from sports and popular culture for more than 50 years.



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

NCAI Demands Accountability from Washington Commanders, NFL on Native “Themed” Mascots

WASHINGTON, DC | Today, the U.S. Department of State announced National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Fawn Sharp has been credentialed as a delegate during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), becoming the first tribal leader elected exclusively by tribal citizens to receive diplomatic recognition from the United States.

"As I accept the honor of being the first tribal leader to receive full credentials as a delegate to the United Nations Conference of Parties, I do so with an incredible sense of optimism, because I know the invaluable contributions to the fight against Climate Change that Native Americans and our Indigenous relatives globally will make to turn the tide," said Sharp.

The international COP26 summit comes at a critical juncture where all nations and communities must find consensus to address one of the world’s climate crisis. Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities globally have a different and unique sense of land and place rooted in, and often dependent upon, their environment and local natural resources for cultural practices, traditions, community, food, economies, and ways of life. As a result, Tribal Nations and Indigenous populations possess longstanding traditional ecological knowledge and expertise in environmental sustainability that must be included in the international discourse on combatting climate change.

“It is impossible to confront the global existential crisis of climate change without the active leadership and engagement of the world's Indigenous peoples, and the Tribal Nations of the United States of America have an incomparable brain trust of leaders, scientists, and policymakers who are ready to lead that effort,” said Sharp. "Indigenous communities globally have one thing in common: we are resilient survivors, and we will help lead the world through this challenge to a brighter, more just, and more sustainable future."

Sharp, who will be in attendance at the COP26 Summit through its conclusion on November 12, 2021, is leading an Indigenous delegation advocating on behalf of Tribal Nations. To follow Sharp’s activities at COP, visit www.ncai.org or follow NCAI’s social media accounts @NCAI1944.

NCAI President Fawn Sharp Receives Diplomatic Recognition from United States at COP26

On Thursday, October 14, 2021, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) swore in the newly elected 2021-2023 NCAI Executive Committee at the “Building Together” 78th Annual Convention. The Executive Committee is comprised of four Executive Board Officers and Regional Vice-Presidents and Alternates from each of the 12 NCAI regions.

Quinault Vice President Fawn Sharp, who was elected to her second term as President of NCAI by acclamation, expressed a message of unity and healing on the horizon for Indian Country.

"I am honored and humbled beyond words by the faith entrusted in me by Tribal leaders, elders, and youth from every section of the country and from every imaginable indigenous background,” said Sharp. “We have been through so much the last few years, and the challenges on the horizon seem even greater, but we are the generation of leaders our ancestors were waiting for. Thanks to the infinite grace and mercy of our Creator, I believe that together we will make the coming years an era of reconciliation, restoration, and healing for indigenous peoples here and around the world."

President Sharp is joined by newly elected NCAI First Vice President Mark Macarro, who also serves as the Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.

“I’m deeply grateful for the support, trust, and confidence from Indian Country. I especially thank Lance Gumbs and Juana Majel-Dixon for their candidacies and voices,” said Macarro. “I’m ready to get to work with NCAI and look forward to serving Indian Country in protecting and advancing our tribal sovereignty and communities.”

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Chairperson Aaron Payment and Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians President Shannon Holsey were elected by acclamation to the positions of NCAI Recording Secretary and NCAI Treasurer, respectively.

“I am humbled to join President Fawn Sharp and Treasurer Shannon Holsey to have been unanimously elected by acclamation by our peers to continue to serve as Officers and look forward to working alongside our new First Vice President, Mark Macarro,” said Payment. “I promise to advocate for all tribes as strongly as I advocate for my own.”

“This pandemic taught us about resilience and fortitude, but also about adaptation,” said Holsey. “As we move forward, it is critical as the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization to realign our priorities to meet the enormous needs of our Tribal Nations with inclusion, transparency, and mindfulness as our organization continues to help build a stronger and brighter Indian Country.”

The NCAI Executive Board Officers are joined by Regional Vice Presidents and Alternates from the 12 NCAI regions. Elected by their respective Regional Caucuses, the Regional Vice Presidents and Alternates serve alongside the Executive Board Officers for a two-year term. The 2021-2023 Regional Area Vice Presidents and Alternates are listed below:



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

National Congress of American Indians Elects 2021-2023 Executive Committee at 78th Annual Convention

(Portland, Ore., October 12, 2021)—On Friday, 180 tribal nations and 35 Native organizations, 25 states and the District of Columbia, and Casey Family Programs and 10 child welfare and adoption organizations filed briefs to protect the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) before the United States Supreme Court. These three amicus briefs were filed in support of the United States and tribal intervenors’ petitions asking the United States Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in 

, a case challenging the constitutionality of ICWA.

The briefs provide important context for the Court’s decision, expected by early to mid-January, about whether to review the lower court’s ruling. The 

 focuses on the Indian child welfare crisis that led Congress to enact ICWA. The 

 describes how ICWA has become a critical tool for protecting Indian children and fostering state-tribal collaboration. And the 

 highlights how ICWA exemplifies child welfare best practices and leads to better outcomes for Indian children.

The Protect ICWA Campaign advocates to uphold ICWA and its critical protections for Indian children and families who are in state court child custody proceedings. For more than 40 years, ICWA has helped tens of thousands of Indian children and families by supporting the role of tribal governments in determining the best interests of Indian children and keeping Indian children connected to their family, community, and culture whenever possible.

Copies of all of the petitions and amicus briefs can be found on the 


The Protect ICWA Campaign (the Campaign) was established by four national Native organizations: the 

National Indian Child Welfare Association

. Together, the Campaign works to serve and support Native children, youth, and families through upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act. The Campaign works to inform policy, legal, and communications strategies with the mission to uphold and protect ICWA.

Amicus Briefs Filed to Uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act and Support Indian Children and Families in Brackeen v. Haaland (formerly Brackeen v. Bernhardt)

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) congratulate Lauren J. King, a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, on her confirmation as a federal judge in the U.S. District Court of Washington, Western District. She joins the federal bench as only the third active Native American federal district court judge in the United States, the fifth in the history of the federal judiciary, and the first Native American federal judge in the state of Washington.

The Honorable Lauren King is well qualified for her new role. She previously served as a judge for the Northwest Intertribal Court System and currently serves on the board of the Northwest Tribal Court Judges Association. She chaired Foster Garvey P.C.’s Native American Law Practice Group and has been consistently recognized for her work in litigation matters and Native American law. She has previously served as Chair of the Washington State Bar Association Indian Law Section Board and as an adjunct professor of Federal Indian Law at Seattle University School of Law.

Statement from NCAI President Fawn Sharp:

“NCAI extends its most heartfelt congratulations to Lauren King on her confirmation to serve as the first ever Native American federal judge in Washington state. Home to twenty-nine federally recognized tribal nations, the Washington federal bench is now stronger with the extraordinarily qualified and talented legal mind of Lauren King. We look forward to the nomination of many more American Indian and Alaska Native peoples to the federal bench. ”

Statement from NARF Executive Director John Echohawk:

“The Honorable Lauren King will be a remarkable addition to the federal judiciary both because of her professional qualifications and experience and because of her experience and understanding as a tribal citizen. Representation matters, and we congratulate Judge King on her ground-breaking accomplishments.”



Founded in 1970, NARF is the oldest and largest non-profit dedicated to asserting and defending the rights of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and individual Indians nationwide. For the past 48 years, NARF has represented over 275 Tribes in 31 states in such areas as tribal jurisdiction, federal recognition, land claims, hunting and fishing rights, religious liberties, and voting rights. For more information, visit

Joint Statement: NCAI and NARF Congratulate Lauren King on Confirmation to the U.S. District Court

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) are encouraged by the bipartisan calls to modernize, reauthorize, and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) made during the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary’s hearing yesterday.

A key component of VAWA reauthorization must be reaffirming Tribal Nations’ jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes of sexual violence, child abuse, elder abuse, stalking, sex trafficking, and assaults against law enforcement officers in Indian Country. Since VAWA’s reauthorization in 2013, 

Tribal Nations have successfully prosecuted non-Indian perpetrators

 in Indian Country, making their communities safer for American Indian and Alaska Native women, as well as the non-Indians who live among and with them.

However, Tribal Nations have identified jurisdictional gaps, which continue to leave many Native victims of violence vulnerable and without access to justice. To truly modernize and strengthen VAWA, we must build on the success of the 2013 VAWA tribal provisions by closing these gaps and increasing resources available to Tribal Nations to protect their communities.

We thank members of the Committee who shared their experiences listening to domestic violence survivors and victim service providers and called for VAWA legislation that would protect all victims including those that are citizens of Tribal Nations. Senators, from both sides of the aisle, called for child predators to be brought to justice and spoke at length about how child abuse victims must receive much needed support. We agree, as true justice will not be achieved until tribal criminal jurisdiction over anyone who abuses an Indian child on tribal lands is fully restored.

VAWA reauthorization must also include additional resources and reimbursements for Tribal Nations. As U.S. Deputy Attorney General Monaco shared, “demand is outpacing supply” when we look at domestic violence resources and services. Today, the high demand for resources, services, and justice can be found all across Indian Country.

In March 2021, the House of Representatives passed 

, a bipartisan VAWA reauthorization bill with strong tribal provisions that builds on the restoration of tribal criminal jurisdiction, which began in VAWA 2013. The Senate must do the same and act quickly to support victims and survivors across the country.

NCAI and NIWRC call on the Senate to ensure that VAWA is modernized, reauthorized, and strengthened by reaffirming tribal jurisdiction and increasing resources for Indian Country, in 2021. Every day a bipartisan VAWA bill is not passed is another day that our women and children remain vulnerable in their own homes. The time to act is now. We cannot afford to wait.



About the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center:

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC) is a Native-led nonprofit organization dedicated to ending violence against Native women and children. NIWRC provides national leadership in ending gender-based violence in tribal communities by lifting up the collective voices of grassroots advocates and offering culturally grounded resources, technical assistance and training, and policy development to strengthen tribal sovereignty. Visit:

Joint Statement: NCAI and NIWRC Call on the Senate to Modernize, Reauthorize, and Strengthen the Violence Against Women Act Now

National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools

, federal, congressional, and community partners took action toward truth and reconciliation for Indian Boarding Schools. On this Day of Remembrance, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) solemnly acknowledged the occasion and was heartened by these actions.

“Today we join our relatives in Canada to recognize September 30, 2021, as a National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, and reaffirm our commitment to truth and reconciliation for Tribal Nations,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “We, along with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and our brothers and sisters across the continent, pay homage to our elders and the losses they were forced to endure. We mourn for our communities, our cultures and languages, and the innocence that was stolen. NCAI will continue to work to ensure that none of our American Indian and Alaska Native children are ever forgotten and to ensure the wrongs imposed upon both past and present generations will never be repeated.”

Today, in one of several actions taken on to reconcile with the legacy of federal boarding schools, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) released a 

 announcing three tribal consultations on the implementation of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. The Initiative will culminate in a report due to the Secretary of the Interior by April 1, 2022. In June, Secretary Deb Haaland announced the Department of the Interior’s Federal Boarding School Initiative to review the legacy of federal boarding school policies on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities at the NCAI 2021 Mid-Year Conference.

NCAI applauds this historic first step from DOI and 

 to take further action and conduct an official Congressional Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies.

In this vein, Senator Elizabeth Warren, alongside Representatives Sharice Davids and Tom Cole, introduced mirror, 

 to establish a commission to investigate Indian Boarding School policies and practices, protect unmarked graves, support repatriation, and stop modern-day assimilation practices.

“The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act would provide an important avenue for an investigation about the losses that occurred through the Indian Boarding School Policies and the lasting consequences of the violence of this attempted genocide,” said Juana Majel Dixon, NCAI Board Secretary and Traditional Councilwoman of the Pauma Band of Mission Indians. “Only through a formal investigation which includes meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations and significant input from survivors and their descendants, can the U.S. begin to reconcile with the past and can tribal communities begin to move toward healing from the egregious abuses which occurred.”

Additionally, Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced a 

 to officially designate September 30, 2021, as a National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools to recognize, honor, and support the lost children, survivors, and their families. In her remarks on the Senate floor, Senator Murkowski acknowledged the lasting impact of federal boarding school policies on AI/AN communities.

“Our Nation’s history and the treatment of Native American people is not an easy one to tell, it's not easy to hear, or to acknowledge, but our discomfort in sharing painful collective history probably pales in comparison to the lived experience and the realities that so many Native people continue to face today… The impact of these actions authorized by our government upon Native American people and cultures is something that we never can truly make whole. In many respects, Native cultures were gutted by the impact and loss of Native children, and that is something that we as American people need to acknowledge, learn from, and reckon with in order to support Indian self-determination and healing.”

NCAI will host a session to further discussion on this topic titled “Boarding Schools: Our Truth, Our Reconciliation” on October 11, 2021 during its 

NCAI Heartened by Conversation, Actions Surrounding Federal Indian Boarding Schools on the National Day of Remembrance

(Portland, Ore., September 7, 2021)— On September 3, 2021, the United States, tribal defendants, and state and private plaintiffs filed petitions asking the United States Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’s decision in Brackeen v. Haaland, a case challenging the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The Protect ICWA Campaign stands with the United States and tribal defendants who have defended ICWA and its critical protections for Indian children and families who are in state court child custody proceedings. ICWA represents the gold standard in child welfare practice and has helped tens of thousands of Indian children and families find fairness and healing in state child welfare systems for over 40 years.



Protect ICWA Campaign Stands with Indian Children and Families in Brackeen v. Haaland Cert. Petitions

On Tuesday, August 23, 2021, the House adopted the Senate’s 

, which includes $3.5 trillion in budget reconciliation instructions. The spending enacted under budget reconciliation rules allow for passage by a simple majority in both the House and Senate.

The budget resolution and reconciliation instructions show promise for additional historic investments and budgetary improvements for Indian Country including advance appropriations for certain Indian Health Service (IHS) accounts. Negotiations on the reconciliation spending are currently underway, with Committees starting their markups next week.

Your immediate outreach to Congressional representatives and Congressional Committee staff is essential to ensure that robust investments in Indian Country remain part of the final budget reconciliation package.

Reach out to your Congressional delegation to ensure that Indian Country is fully included in the budget reconciliation spending! Please feel free to use the following resources in your outreach.



View the two versions of a letter sent by 20 partner tribal organizations to Congressional leadership.

Use this form letter to send to your Congressional delegation and Congressional committees.

View this reference sheet of Congressional Committee assignments as part of the budget reconciliation instructions.

What is the Budget Resolution and Budget Reconciliation?


The budget resolution sets recommended spending levels for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2031. The resolution also includes reconciliation instructions for additional spending. Reconciliation instructions provide directives to Congressional Committees to send legislative text that fits within the instructions, in order to “reconcile” the additional spending.

This resolution includes instructions for 12 Committees in the Senate and 13 Committees in the House, including $20.5 billion for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and $25.6 billion for the House Committee on Natural Resources. The vast majority of the spending will occur across the additional Committees within the instructions, and tribal spending could be included in any of the assigned Committees. This means that Tribal Nations and advocates should consider reaching out to any of the assigned Committees to ensure that Indian Country funding is included.



What is the Timing and the Process for Advocacy?


The deadline for Committees to submit spending legislation is 

, with many Committees looking to move faster. For example, the House Committee on Natural Resources will be holding its mark-up on 

. It is important to contact members of Congress on the Committees and professional staff on the Committees now. Each member of Congress has influence within and outside their Committee assignments, and your representative could advance your priorities among their colleagues.

Once reconciliation text is introduced and passed through each Committee, the bill must pass in the House and Senate with a simple majority vote then head to the President for signature.



Congress Adopts Budget Resolution Outlining $3.5 Trillion in Reconciliation Spending; Tribal Nation Advocacy Needed

NCAI Supports the Nomination of Charles Sams III as Director of National Park Service



On August 18, 2021, the White House announced its intention to nominate Charles “Chuck” Sams III, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla with 25 years of experience in tribal and state conservation and land management, as Director of the National Park Service. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) recognizes Sams as a uniquely qualified candidate, and supports his nomination as it moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“Chuck Sams knows the importance of protecting our precious natural resources, wildlife, and habitats while balancing the challenges of welcoming millions of visitors per year to our pristine National Parks,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “As the Park Service’s first Native American director, Chuck is well-positioned to balance recreational uses and stewardship with our Tribal Nations’ needs to maintain our traditional and ancestral ties to these lands.”

Writers and historians have called our National Parks “America’s best idea,” saying their values of conservation, environmental stewardship and historic preservation “reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” Likewise, the nomination of Sams as the first Native American to lead the National Park Service and its first permanent director in more than four years is another excellent idea.

NCAI urges the Senate to swiftly confirm President Biden’s nomination of Charles “Chuck” Sams III as the National Park Service Director. The department deserves his thoughtful brand of leadership and vision to continue earning the title of “America’s Best Idea.”

###





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 

U.S. Census Bureau releases 2020 Census Redistricting Data and a First Look at AI/AN Population Data

The U.S. Census Bureau held a news conference on August 12, 2021 on their release of the 2020 Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data File. This is the second major data product from the 2020 Census after the release of apportionment data in April 2021. This data release begins the official redistricting process at the state and local levels and the data is available in the “legacy format,” which requires special methods to analyze. By September 30, 2021, the data will be released to the public in easier to use formats.

States primarily use the P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data File to draw new congressional, state, and local districts that will influence representation, voting, and the allocation of new resources to communities. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is a part of the Coalition Hub Advancing Redistricting and Grassroots Engagement (C.H.A.R.G.E.) initiative, and our civic engagement team is conducting trainings for tribal communities to encourage their participation in state and local redistricting efforts. Local advocates can define local communities of interest, testify at local hearings on redistricting, and talk about the importance of fair elections, accurate redistricting, and the need for all communities to get the representation and resources they deserve.

“NCAI is excited to see the 2020 Census results that show a more diverse America,

We also are excited that the official redistricting season can now begin with today’s release of the redistricting data. We are encouraging all Tribal Nations to participate in their local and state redistricting efforts to ensure that Tribal Nations are fairly represented and have access to the resources they need and deserve.” 

The U.S. Census Bureau also released results from the 2020 Census on population changes, race and ethnicity counts, and results from new diversity measures. The 2020 Census count was impacted by COVID-19, shutdowns and closures preventing in-person enumeration, and lack of access to online response in some rural and remote communities. The new privacy measures may cause problems with the quality and usability of census data especially in small, rural, and remote populations. However, the results show the growing diversity of the U.S. population, which creates more opportunities for all to learn about the rich diversity of Tribal Nations.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that the total American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) alone and in combination population increased from 5.2 million in 2010 to 9.7 million in 2020, which is an 86.5% increase. AI/ANs now represent 2.9% of the U.S. population.

“Today, we are pleased that the 2020 Census data show the increase in diversity in the United States, and a large increase in the AI/AN population,

 said Dante Desiderio, NCAI Chief Executive Officer. 

American Indians and Alaska Natives are a fundamental part of American history, and we hope these data inform efforts to ensure that our schools teach more American Indian and Alaska Native history in their courses about American history. Tribal Nations make significant contributions to the local, state, and regional economies and have a rich and vibrant culture that contributes positively to the past and current history of the United States.”

NCAI is now analyzing the data from the P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data File to determine counts for the AI/AN population and tribal lands (geographies) and to assess the quality and usability of the data, especially for small, rural, and remote populations and Tribal Nations. The 2020 Census data will be important for Tribal Nations in the redistricting process, federal funding formulas, local tribal governance, and AI/AN research. NCAI will post updates on its Policy Research Center website in the coming weeks.

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.

Statement from National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Fawn Sharp:



"The confirmation of Bryan Newland as the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs is an important step forward in strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship between the United States and Tribal Nations, and we congratulate the Assistant Secretary on this achievement. We are in a time of great opportunity to make inroads on critical issues such as growing tribal economies, developing infrastructure, building healthy communities, and protecting sovereignty. This confirmation places someone with the experience and a unique understanding of these issues into this key role and NCAI looks forward to working closely with Assistant Secretary Newland on advancing Indian Country’s priorities.”


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 

NCAI Congratulates Bryan Newland on Confirmation as Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs

WASHINGTON, DC | The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) commends today’s announcement by the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise in Cleveland of its new team name and mascot, the “Guardians.” The announcement by the Cleveland Guardians comes seven months after its decision to retire its long-used “Indians” name and mascot, a decision it reached following an extensive process to engage with and learn from tribal leaders, leading scholars, local and national Native organizations, and community stakeholders.

“With today’s announcement, the Cleveland baseball team has taken another important step forward in healing the harms its former mascot long caused Native people, in particular Native youth,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “We call on the other professional sports teams and thousands of schools across the country that still cling to their antiquated Native ‘themed’ mascots to immediately follow suit. NCAI also looks forward to continuing its work with the Cleveland Guardians to help grow the national movement of respect for Tribal Nations, cultures, and communities, a movement that values, teaches, and validates who Native people are today, what makes us unique, the many important contributions we make to this country, and our rightful place in the diverse mosaic that is America.”

NCAI is the oldest, largest, and most representative national organization serving American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations and their citizens. It has been 

 to eradicate offensive Native “themed” mascots from sports and popular culture for more than 50 years.

NCAI Commends Announcement by Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Franchise of Its New Name “Guardians”

Statement from National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Fawn Sharp:

“On the one year anniversary of the Washington Football Team’s retirement of their racist mascot, we take a moment to recognize the grit and dedication of Tribal Nations, tribal leaders, citizens, advocates and allies who tirelessly helped in the mission to educate Americans on the immense harms Native-themed mascots and team names cause Native people.

Last year sparked a wave of momentum and in 2020 alone, a total of 70 schools voted to retire or alter their Native-themed mascots, with more than 30 schools following suit in 2021 thus far. On the state level, several states have fully or partially banned Native-themed or race-based mascots – including in my home state of Washington. This growing movement shows no signs of slowing down.

True respect for Native people and other people of color requires our country to rid itself of the symbols of racism and intolerance that have far too long been embedded in popular culture and which have marginalized and dehumanized us. These symbols and names have no place in American society, and our work is not yet done.

NCAI will not rest until all offensive Native-themed mascots and associated imagery are removed from popular culture and we call upon our partners and allies across the nation to join us in our resolve to push this positive momentum forward.”

In May 2020, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) launched a 

 that tracks the more than two dozen different Native “themed” school mascots in use by K-12 public schools across the country and continues to actively engage and educate those schools deliberating the retirement of their mascots.

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Statement: NCAI President Sharp on One Year Anniversary of the Retirement of the Washington Football Team Name and Imagery

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 

 in Yellen v. Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, et al., holding that Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) are included in the definition of “Indian tribes” under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDA) and thus eligible for funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Court stated that the ruling “does not ‘vest ANCs with new and untold tribal powers,’” but rather “confirms the powers Congress expressly afforded ANCs and that the Executive Branch has long understood ANCs to possess.”

“The relationship between Tribal Nations and the federal government was born out of conflict and it has fallen upon every generation to carry forward our inherent tribal sovereignty to serve our tribal citizens. We must continue to all work together with the United States to actively support strong Nation-to-Nation relationships,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “NCAI looks forward to continuing our work representing tribal governments and working with Alaska Native Corporations, tribal partners, and other allies to ensure that the United States meets its treaty obligations and its trust responsibilities to moving forward.”



NCAI on U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Yellen v. Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, et al.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is encouraged by the Biden Administration’s support for the $1.2 trillion 

, in what would be a historic, long-term investment in clean solutions for transportation, water, broadband, and power infrastructure. For decades, the federal government has recognized that Indian Country has substandard and 

 infrastructure in every sector.

“We are encouraged to hear of the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, which has the potential to bring transformational change to the crumbling infrastructure which plagues Indian Country and many other communities,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “The Administration’s recent investment in tribal broadband is a positive step forward, and the American Jobs Plan and the funding it would provide to fix and build roads, water systems, schools, hospitals, and all the other things we need to foster thriving tribal communities, is significant and long-overdue.”

On April 13, 2021, NCAI and 30 American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) organizations, which collectively serve more than 574 federally recognized tribal governments, sent a letter to Congress and the White House requesting resources to urgently address neglected and dilapidated infrastructure that requires improvements to meet the health, safety, welfare, and development needs of AI/AN communities. On May 28, 2021, the President released his 

 to Congress. This budget proposal included substantial investments in tribal infrastructure, which Tribal Nations are urging Congress to include in any upcoming budget negotiations. 

NCAI Encouraged by President Biden’s Support for Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework

NCAI President Sharp’s Statement of Support for Juneteenth:

“Today, we honor and celebrate 

 as a national holiday. On June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news the Civil War ended and slaves were now free. 

A Civil War continues to this day and it never really ended. Truth be told, we remain sharply divided as a country and, along with our Black brothers and sisters, we have yet to break free from the shackles of centuries of systemic and institutional racism, oppression, and marginalization.

Our day of freedom and emancipation will no doubt come. Until then, we will continue to speak our painful truths, demand justice and equality for all, and rise toward God’s perfect glory for each of us, individually, and this great nation, collectively.”



Statement: NCAI President Sharp’s Statement of Support for Juneteenth

After many hours of negotiation with leaders of the Washington State Legislature and Governor Inslee’s office and consultation with Tribal Nations in the state of Washington, advocacy groups, businesses, and many others, two historic measures to address the climate crisis recently become law. These measures are consistent with standing National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) policy on Climate Change, especially with respect to our position on the United Nation’s Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (UNDRIP-FPIC).

Washington Tribal Nations endorsed and worked hard for the adoption of this measure based on the assurance that they would be fully consulted on new projects related to this measure, especially those that might impact cultural, archeological, or sacred sites. Moreover, as the original people of the lands and waters that comprise Washington state, they won a clear acknowledgement that they should be at the table when these critical conversations take place as the bill passed the legislature.

The good faith negotiations leading to the adoption of this and other provisions took place with legislative leaders and directly with the Governor’s office. It was, therefore, disappointing to learn of the Governor’s surprise and last-minute veto of the tribal consent and consultation provisions.

We were further displeased to learn of the Governor’s recent response to a reporter’s question in which he implied the nationally elected president of NCAI, Fawn Sharp, is not a real leader. Those remarks suggest a division of leadership rank and legitimacy in Washington.

Tribal leaders are not divided. We support all leaders we elect at the national level, and we expect that they will be treated with respect.

We extend our support for the work of all Washington state tribal leaders who seek to resolve the issues raised by the Governor’s veto. NCAI’s policy as voted upon by the NCAI General Assembly of Tribal Nations (

), is congruent with the action of the Washington State legislature including the section that was vetoed.

Thus, we fully support a robust consultation process leading to the statewide adoption of a Free, Prior, and Informed Consent policy that protects the inherent civil and human rights of Tribal Nations, including their cultural, archeological, or sacred sites, and that recognizes the role Tribal Nations have held since time immemorial as stewards of the land, and that they continue to hold as they uphold the rights of future generations.

Statement: NCAI Supports Development of Robust Tribal Consultation Process in Washington State

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) joined Indian Country this week in celebrating the termination of the Keystone XL Pipeline project. TC Energy, the Canadian company behind the project, confirmed news of the pipeline’s closure on June 9, 2021, about five months after the Biden Administration revoked the Keystone XL Pipeline permit in January.

NCAI has long 

 the construction of pipelines that could endanger the lands, waters, communities, and sacred sites of sovereign Tribal Nations.

”We have a very clear vision for our collective future, it’s a vision for a clean, healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for the next seven generations,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “The Keystone XL Pipeline was a direct and imminent threat to that future and, today, we honor every voice who stood in solidarity to ensure our collective vision becomes a bright reality.”

The closure of the pipeline signifies a step forward in combatting climate change and in ending the imposition upon the lands and ways of life within Indian Country. NCAI recognizes the continued need to strengthen Nation-to-Nation relationships and will continue to push for 

 between the federal government and Tribal Nations in all matters where the environmental, cultural, and spiritual wellbeing of tribal citizens are concerned.



NCAI Celebrates the Keystone XL Pipeline’s Termination

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Shannon Holsey, Treasurer of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, delivered opening remarks today as the White House 

 Broadband deployment as a key component of President’s Biden infrastructure plan, also known as the American Jobs Plan. Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo also delivered remarks from the White House complex and discussed how this investment would be aimed toward tribal communities. Secretary Raimondo announced that the Department of Commerce would make $1 billion in funding available to tribal governments, tribal colleges and universities, and tribal organizations for broadband infrastructure.

“Thanks to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris - my community and others like mine are finally being heard, and our longstanding infrastructure issues are addressed. Indian Country is 100 percent behind the Administration and looks forward to working through a strong partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration,” Holsey said. “Expanding broadband to our communities is not just a game changer - it is a life changer to tribal communities like mine and all Tribal Nations across the country.”

There are 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations within the United States that are rich in their geographic, political, and cultural diversity. For decades, the federal government has recognized that Indian Country has substandard infrastructure in every sector. According to a 2019 Federal Communications Commission report, individuals residing on tribal lands are nearly 4.5 times less likely to have Broadband internet access as compared to those on non-tribal lands. This chronic underfunding of infrastructure exacerbated the vulnerability of American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in tribal communities having at times the highest rate of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths per capita in the United States.

On April 13, 2021, NCAI and 30 AI/AN organizations, which collectively serve over 580 federally recognized tribal governments, sent a letter to Congress and the White House requesting resources to urgently address neglected and dilapidated infrastructure that requires improvements to meet the health, safety, welfare, and development needs of AI/AN communities. On May 28, 2021, the President released his 

 to Congress. This budget proposal includes substantial investments in tribal infrastructure, which Tribal Nations are urging Congress to include in any upcoming budget negotiations. In an effort to address immediate broadband needs today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration released its 

 for tribal governments, tribal colleges and universities, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native Corporations to access approximately $1 billion in funding for broadband infrastructure. The deadline to apply for this funding is September 1, 2021.



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