WASHINGTON, D.C. July 2, 2025 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) supports the Navajo Nation in responding to the fast-moving Oak Ridge Fire, which has forced evacuations in the areas of Hunters Point, Oak Springs, St. Michaels, and Fort Defiance. NCAI urges an immediate government response that assists the Navajo Nation and the residents of the area through the federal trust and treaty responsibility to Tribal Nations and their homelands. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are risking their lives to safeguard families, livestock, property, and sacred landscapes.

“Protecting life, land, and culture is the bedrock of the trust responsibility,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We call on the Administration to deploy every resource—ground crews, aviation assets, and disaster funds—at the speed this emergency demands.”

“Indian Country is on the front lines of a changing climate,” added NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. “The Navajo Nation, like so many other Tribal Nations, faces this crisis with courage. Now the federal family must match that courage with action—today and over the long term.”

NCAI encourages residents of the affected areas to monitor Navajo Nation emergency alerts, comply with evacuation orders, and observe all Stage 2 fire restrictions and fireworks bans, as the tribal, federal, and state partners work to combat the flames. NCAI will monitor developments along with the Navajo Nation until every evacuee returns home safely and long-term recovery efforts are secured.

NCAI Calls for Swift Federal Response to the Oak Ridge Fire in Support of Navajo Nation

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) joins Indian Country in profound sorrow at the news that Chairman Arlan D. Melendez (Reno-Sparks Indian Colony) has walked on. A tireless champion of sovereignty and economic self-determination, Chairman Melendez served his Nation and Native peoples for more than three decades. Elected chairman in 1991, Melendez oversaw major expansion of his tribe’s land base and enhanced health and social-service programs.

“Chairman Arlan Melendez devoted his life to servant leadership grounded in humility, courage, and an unwavering commitment to tribal sovereignty,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “His example strengthened not only the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, but Tribal Nations across the United States. We mourn his loss and honor the legacy he leaves for future generations.”

Beyond his own community, he served as NCAI Western Regional Vice President, co-chair of NCAI’s Taxation Sub-Committee, Vice President of the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, and, in 2005, became only the second American Indian appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam era, Chairman Melendez received lifetime-achievement honors from the Native American Finance Officers Association and the Indian Health Service, among others. His commitment to unity and collaboration left an indelible mark on Indian Country.

“We are proud to have stood beside Chairman Melendez in countless policy battles,” added NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “From federal tax equity to health-care parity, Chairman’s steady voice reminded Washington that trust and treaty obligations are non-negotiable. His wisdom will continue to guide NCAI’s work.”

NCAI offers its deepest condolences to the Melendez family, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, and all who were inspired by his leadership. May his memory remain a blessing and a call to continued action on behalf of Native peoples everywhere.

NCAI Mourns the Passing of Chairman Arlan D. Melendez, Renowned Leader of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, Minnesota’s 11 Tribal Nations, and all Minnesotans mourning the tragic shootings that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025.

We mourn the senseless murders of Speaker Emerita and Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Representative Hortman was an exceptional public servant and a staunch advocate for Tribal Nations who championed sovereignty, environmental protection, education equity, and stronger government-to-government ties between the State of Minnesota and Tribal Nations. Her principled leadership left an indelible legacy in Indian Country.

NCAI joins all Minnesotans in hoping and praying for the full recovery of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were both wounded in a related attack.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hortman family, the Hoffmans, their loved ones, and the people of Minnesota,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Speaker Hortman was a true partner to Tribal Nations. Her legacy of respect, collaboration, and advocacy will not be forgotten. In this moment, we must unite to support all those impacted by these devastating acts of senseless and tragic violence.”

According to acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Joseph Thompson, multiple other Minnesota state lawmakers were targeted by the alleged gunman that morning. NCAI urges federal, state, and local authorities to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into all incidents, ensuring that every fact is brought to light and that those responsible are held fully accountable. We further call on policymakers to strengthen the safeguards that protect public servants and the communities they represent.

NCAI unequivocally condemns violence, especially violence directed at public officials whose duty is to serve the people. Attacks that target leaders undermine our democratic governmental institutions, jeopardize community safety, and erode the trust that is essential to all healthy communities and their government-to-government relationships. NCAI stands in solidarity with the families of the victims, Tribal Nations, and the people of Minnesota in this time of profound loss. We share in the sorrow felt by all Minnesotans. Together, we recommit ourselves to justice, unity, and the preservation of peace across Indian Country and beyond.

NCAI Mourns the Tragic Loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Violence Impacting Minnesota Leaders

In this episode of The Sentinel, we honor and celebrate the Two-Spirit community. We uncover the origins of the term ‘Two-Spirit’ and how Native people acknowledge and reclaim this tradition and identity today. We listen to recorded excerpts from the Two-Spirit Panel held at the 2025 NCAI Executive Council Winter Session, where our panelists and guests discussed the community's current challenges and how tribal leaders can advocate for their Two-Spirit relatives.

Honoring the Two-Spirit Community

 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) today reaffirms its long-standing opposition to the use of unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots, caricatures, and symbols. These depictions are not tributes — they are rooted in racism, cultural appropriation, and intentional ignorance. For too long, they have perpetuated harmful stereotypes that degrade, dehumanize, and visit harm on the well-being of Native peoples.

NCAI has helped lead Indian Country’s consensus-driven movement to retire harmful Native “themed” mascots from sports, schools, popular culture, and media for generations. NCAI resolutions 

 passed via consensus among member Tribal Nations 

 addressing the issue of inappropriate and stereotypical Native representation date back to 1950. Today’s renewed statement comes in response to recent public endorsements by political figures supporting unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots — a stance that NCAI and Tribal leaders nationwide unequivocally reject.

“Native people are not mascots,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We have our own languages, cultures, and governments — our identities are not anyone’s mascot or costume. No political endorsement or misguided notion of ‘honoring’ us will change the fact that these mascots demean our people, diminish the enduring vibrancy of our unique cultures, and have no place in our society.”

 in recent years reflects this: the monikers, images, and fan behaviors associated with Native “themed” mascots cause Native people harm, especially impacting Native youth. Retiring these harmful mascots is an important and necessary first step toward creating an appropriate and respectful learning environment for 

 students. Absent a formal agreement with a sovereign Tribal Nation, NCAI supports the retirement of Native “themed” mascots in public K-12 schools across the United States.

"It’s time to choose respect over ignorance," said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Our youth deserve to see themselves treated with dignity, not as punchlines or cartoonish relics of the past. The continued defense of these mascots is a refusal to confront racism. Enough is enough.”

Out of respect for tribal sovereignty, NCAI encourages school districts, regardless of their mascot, to consult with nearby Tribal Nations to discuss ways to honor their unique histories, cultures, languages, and peoples in curricula and beyond. There is no better way to ensure their rich histories, deep connection to the land, and ongoing contributions to our communities are never forgotten than to teach their stories and value their collaboration. Honor Tribal Nations by respecting their perspectives, uplifting their voices, and championing their wealth of knowledge, particularly in matters directly impacting their citizens and Indian Country as a whole.

“As Tribal leaders, we have a responsibility to our future generations,” added President Macarro. “Our children deserve to attend schools where their cultures are celebrated instead of mocked, and where curricula on tribal histories and contemporary realities are robust and tribally-informed. We will not rest in this pursuit.”

 including political leaders at every level 

 to join in this effort to retire unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots, promote respectful learning environments for all, and celebrate Tribal Nations and Native peoples as the sovereign communities they are, with the honor and respect that they deserve. NCAI urges Secretary McMahon and the Department of Education to affirm the sovereign right of Tribal Nations to actively participate in the education of their students by supporting decision-making authority at the local level. Finally, NCAI demands that Secretary McMahon and the Department of Education consult directly with the duly elected leaders of sovereign Tribal Nations and prioritize their input when making decisions or issuing statements on matters of importance to Indian Country. This is an issue of tribal sovereignty. NCAI remains committed to ongoing dialogue and partnership.

NCAI Reiterates Opposition to Racist Native “Mascots” Amid Political Endorsements of Harmful Imagery

L to R: Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, President Shannon Holsey, and Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.

 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) applauds Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs's recent signing of Emily's Law, establishing the Turquoise Alert System — a mechanism designed to quickly disseminate information about missing or endangered persons 65 years of age or younger in lieu of Amber Alerts or Silver Alerts. This law is a meaningful step toward addressing the deep and persistent disparities in response and justice when people from Indian Country disappear.

The law was named in honor of 14-year-old Emily Pike of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, whose tragic disappearance and death underscore the urgency of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis. Emily's Law ensures that cases like Emily's no longer fall through the cracks of existing alert systems by creating a new 'Turquoise Alert' system in the state. NCAI hopes that the State of Arizona and law enforcement agencies elsewhere will treat all cases of missing Native children seriously and use these alert systems with all urgency in times of crisis.

Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new 'Missing Endangered Persons' Emergency Alert System Code (MEP)

 will go into effect in September 2025. This regulatory change expands critical alert messages to include populations outside of Amber Alerts. While not specific to Indigenous people, the new MEP code will ensure the Wireless Emergency Alert system delivers rapid response messages to the public via television, radio, and wireless phones, including for federal Ashanti Alerts and state-enacted alerts, such as Silver Alerts and Arizona's new Turquoise Alert.

The Turquoise Alert System will further align Arizona’s system with federal efforts advocated for by NCAI. The system is a state-level reflection of the goals outlined in NCAI Resolutions 

: it recognizes the unique vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous communities, eases cross-jurisdictional cooperation between tribal, state, and local authorities, and leverages technology to alert the public in critical moments.

Emily's Law is a significant milestone in the collective effort to prevent further tragedy. “As advocates and allies, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing federal, state, and tribal collaboration in order to close existing gaps, raise awareness, and ultimately bring our missing relatives home,” says Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and Co-Chair of NCAI’s Task Force on Violence Against Women. “The implementation of Emily's Law not only serves as a crucial step towards addressing the needs of Indigenous communities but also reinforces our shared responsibility to create a more just and equitable society for all.”

The passage of Emily’s Law would not have been possible without the leadership of tribal officials like Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, who collaborated with state lawmakers to advance this urgent and long-overdue legislation. Although Emily was not a member of his tribe, Governor Lewis is committed to protecting Indigenous people in Arizona and beyond from the systemic neglect that characterizes the response to missing person cases across Indian Country.

“We cannot allow jurisdictional gaps and systemic inaction to continue costing Native lives. Emily’s Law represents a powerful commitment to protect our children — every Indigenous child in every corner of Arizona deserves to be seen, heard, and swiftly brought home if they go missing,” said Governor Stephen Roe Lewis. “This law is a legislative victory and a moral imperative that could — and should — be replicated and implemented in every state.”

His advocacy underscores the vital role tribal leaders play in shaping policy that addresses the unique needs of Native communities. NCAI commends this example of intergovernmental partnership and urges continued collaboration to ensure no more Indigenous lives are lost due to inaction.

NCAI Applauds the Signing of Emily's Law and the Implementation of the Turquoise Alert System in Arizona

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), in partnership with the National Tribal Water Council (NTWC), submitted a formal comment letter this month to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), urging stronger protections for waters and wetlands vital to Tribal Nations — both on and off tribal trust lands following the Sackett v. EPA decision. In response to the Federal Register’s Notice regarding the final response to Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the establishment of a public docket, the letter outlines NCAI’s recommendations to ensure Tribal interests are effectively represented in federal rulemaking concerning the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The letter draws on nine foundational NCAI resolutions — underscoring the organization’s longstanding and consistent defense of Tribal water rights.

“NCAI is taking every opportunity to ensure that Tribal voices are heard and respected in federal rulemaking,” said 

. “We refuse to allow federal rollbacks to erode our rights or diminish our role as stewards of the land and water.”

In 2007, Michael and Chantell Sackett, an Idaho couple seeking to build their home, became involved in a legal dispute with the EPA over the federal protection status of wetlands on their property. This seemingly local issue escalated to the Supreme Court, culminating in a landmark 2023 ruling in favor of the Sacketts.

The decision excluded approximately 70 million acres of wetlands — around 84% of areas previously covered under the Clean Water Act. These wetlands are not only ecologically significant but also hold cultural and subsistence importance for Tribal Nations. With fewer waters now under federal protection, Tribal communities face greater risks from pollution, overdevelopment, and habitat loss. The decision also threatens Tribal water sovereignty and the ability to safeguard treaty-reserved rights.

“Tribes across the country must assert their inherent jurisdiction to enact water protection laws for their tribal waterways in response to the erosion of federal protections,” said 

In its comment letter, NCAI urges the EPA and Corps to take immediate and concrete steps to protect waters and wetlands vital to Tribal Nations — both on and off tribal trust lands in the wake of 

. The letter includes the following core recommendations:

Establish clear, consistent criteria for determining which waters remain protected under federal law.

Ensure Tribal Nations have a meaningful role in identifying and protecting waters critical to their communities.

Develop a robust plan to address the increased risks to Tribal waters caused by the narrowed WOTUS definition.

Respect and uphold Tribal sovereignty, including inherent rights to manage and govern water resources.

Recognize and incorporate Tribal legal authorities and Indigenous Knowledge in water policy and management.

NCAI also calls for the federal agencies to obtain Tribal consent in decisions affecting Tribal waters and to increase support for Tribal water quality programs — needs that have grown even more urgent in light of reduced federal oversight.

“When used effectively, Clean Water Act provisions such as Treatment as a State (TAS) and Section 401 are essential tools for Tribal Nations to assert their sovereignty, protect treaty rights, and safeguard their waters — particularly as federal protections weaken,” said Dr. Viswatej Attili, Environmental Analyst with NCAI’s Institute for Environmental Sovereignty. Dr. Attili, whose work at NCAI includes water quality and critical technologies, headed the organization’s response to the EPA and Corps’ request.

A Continued Commitment to Tribal Sovereignty

NCAI’s comment letter is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Tribal Nations remain at the forefront of decisions affecting their lands and waters. As always, NCAI is leveraging every opportunity to defend Tribal sovereignty and advocate for policy that reflects Indigenous priorities, rights, and values.

 decision has changed the regulatory landscape — but it has not changed NCAI’s mission. By acting quickly and clearly, NCAI continues to affirm the vital role of Tribal Nations in shaping water governance and protecting the natural resources that sustain their communities.

Protecting Our Waters: NCAI Stands Firm on Tribal Sovereignty After Sackett Decision and Federal Rollbacks

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announces the 

 of the much-anticipated Minority and Missing Report, a comprehensive review of the disproportionate impact of missing persons cases among Indigenous persons and minority communities. This groundbreaking report has been produced in partnership with key law enforcement agencies and community organizations and sheds light on a critical issue that has long been underreported and underinvestigated.

The report highlights the key findings collected over the past year from a review of publicly available state agency data, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Crime Information Center’s Missing Person’s File, and data from community groups such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The report also calls for an increase in resources for law enforcement agencies and public awareness efforts to combat the ongoing minority and missing, and murdered and missing Indigenous persons crises. The findings also underscore the unique challenges faced by Native American communities, particularly women and girls, who experience disproportionate rates of abductions, disappearances, and violence.

A significant and growing number of minorities, particularly Black and Indigenous people, remain unaccounted for in the United States. The data suggests systemic disparities in the reporting of missing persons cases involving these communities, even within the same state.

Law enforcement agencies report a lack of resources, training, and protocols tailored to addressing cases involving minority and marginalized groups, which often leads to delayed responses and unresolved cases.

There is a marked difference in media coverage and public attention given to missing persons cases based on race and ethnicity, with cases involving People of Color receiving significantly less media coverage compared to their white counterparts.

“We have long known that American Indian and Alaskan Native families suffer from a crisis of missing persons, but this report finally puts the full scope of this tragedy into focus,” said Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians. “By collaborating with our partners in law enforcement and community organizations, we are shedding additional light on this critical issue and creating a framework for better response and accountability, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of justice.”

NCAI has long advocated to bring awareness and action to the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and Relatives crisis facing American Indians and Alaska Natives. To further expand these efforts, NCAI has joined the Minority and Missing Initiative with the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Child ID Program, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the National Football League Alumni Association’s Caring for Kids Campaign. These organizations have worked tirelessly together to assess the challenges and propose solutions to ensure that missing persons cases are treated with the urgency and importance they deserve, regardless of the individual’s race or ethnicity.

“I am grateful for the work of NOBLE, NCAI, and FBI-LEEDA to compile the most comprehensive report on minority and missing, and murdered and missing Indigenous persons, bringing attention to these important crises. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every child is brought home safely to their families,” said Kenny Hansmire, Executive Director of the National Child ID Program.

Increased resources and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations to enhance outreach and information sharing.

A national campaign to raise awareness about missing persons in marginalized communities, including a commitment to equitable media coverage.

The development and implementation of targeted training programs for law enforcement officers to address the cultural and systemic barriers contributing to the disparities in response.

A national public awareness campaign to raise awareness amongst the public, particularly within minority communities.

National Congress of American Indians and Partners Release Groundbreaking Minority and Missing Report

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) strongly condemns the Trump administration’s reckless decision to rescind critical federal funding for Native American boarding school research, education, and preservation. The abrupt rescission of more than $1.6 million in grants, primarily from the National Endowment for the Humanities, has derailed Indigenous-led efforts to digitize records, gather oral histories, and support healing in tribal communities.

“This action is not just a bureaucratic decision conjured in ignorance — it is a betrayal of our communities, our survivors, and our sacred responsibility to the children who never made it home,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We will not allow the federal government to erase or defund truth. The Boarding School Truth and Preservation endeavor is non-partisan and is the first essential step for Americans to learn from this horrific federal policy.”

“The federal government has a moral and legal obligation to acknowledge and confront the truth about Indian boarding schools,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “This funding was never about politics — it was about healing. These cuts dishonor the memory of those who were taken and undermine the hard-won progress made by Native communities to uncover this history on our own terms.”

The boarding school era is not a distant history. It is a living, painful memory for many Native families. Our children’s stories, our ancestors’ resilience, and our communities’ healing journeys must be honored, not erased. Defunding these truth-telling initiatives is an attempt to silence the voices of survivors and deny the rightful place of Native histories in the national consciousness.

Indian Country stands firm: Native peoples will continue to protect, preserve, and elevate the truths that others seek to ignore.

The Trump Administration’s cuts strike a direct blow to organizations like the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) and other Native-led partners who have led the way in preserving and telling the truth about the federal Indian boarding school era. Their work is foundational to understanding and undoing the enduring impacts of this disgraceful period in American history.

NCAI calls on Congress to immediately restore these critical resources and to uphold the trust and treaty obligations owed to Tribal Nations. The erasure of Indigenous history is an act of violence – one that seeks not only to degrade Indian Country, but to rob all people of their right to truth, memory, and the freedom to shape their own future. It reflects a broader pattern of undermining tribal efforts when Native communities are seeking recognition and action. We will continue to demand truth, accountability, and justice for our ancestors, our communities, and our future generations.

NCAI Condemns Trump Administration’s Elimination of Boarding School Truth and Preservation Funding

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was honored to participate in the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), held from April 22 to May 2, 2025. In partnership with the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), NCAI delivered interventions focused on strengthening the participation of Indigenous Peoples across the UN system, advancing the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ intellectual property rights, and ensuring sustainable financing for Indigenous engagement in multilateral forums.

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Finally, during the thematic dialogue on financing Indigenous Peoples’ participation, NCAI underscored the tangible impacts that even modest investments in the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the UN can make. NCAI called for UN entities, Member States, and the private sector to institutionalize sustainable financial support for the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples at the UN, including through consistent funding of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, the Indigenous Coordinating Body, and other critical mechanisms​.

Together, these interventions reflect NCAI’s continued commitment to advancing Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination, strengthening the participation of Indigenous Peoples at 

 levels of decision-making, and ensuring that international commitments translate into meaningful action.

NCAI thanks the Permanent Forum, Indigenous delegates, and our partners for their continued efforts to center Indigenous Peoples' voices in the work of the United Nations and beyond, and we look forward to continuing this critical advocacy in the years ahead.

Centering Indigenous Voices: NCAI and NARF Advocacy at the 24th UNPFII

Today, Native people serve in the United States military at five times the national average yet are often overlooked and underrepresented in policy-making decisions affecting veterans as a whole. In this episode of 

, we mark the 30th anniversary of the NCAI Veterans Committee, established in 1995 to advocate for and address the unique needs of Native veterans.

We are honored to be joined by the three current Co-Chairs of the NCAI Veterans Committee and NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. Together, they reflect on their military service, share their experiences as Native veterans, and discuss the Committee’s vision and priorities for the future.

Honoring Traditions of Service: The NCAI Veterans Committee

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) stands in unwavering solidarity with Tribal Nations across Indian Country as national monuments, including indispensable culturally and spiritually significant sites, face renewed threats of revocation and degradation. Tribal Nations over centuries have been forced to defend their sacred homelands from desecration, inappropriately placed resource extraction, vandalism and looting, and management practices that threaten Tribal history and places that are embedded in Native cultures. The recent weakening of the infrastructure of the public lands management agencies, funding freezes that have stalled conservation efforts across public lands, and menacing references to privatization impact the well-being of our communities and threaten the inherent rights of Tribal Nations to steward and protect their ancestral lands, cultural resources, and sacred sites for future generations.

“National monuments are an essential tool for preserving the living homelands for Tribal Nations — not just federally designated and protected locations,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “They preserve vibrant landscapes with interconnected cultural, natural, and spiritual significance — not just museums exhibiting what was. These places carry the songs, the stories, the ancestors, and the spirit of our people. Any move to erase those protections is a direct affront to the sovereignty, heritage, and spiritual lifeways of the Tribal Nations who fought for their designation.”

National Monuments like Chuckwalla, Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Sàttitla Highlands, and others were designated in close federal consultation with Tribal Nations, honoring generations of stewardship and resistance. Culture and land are directly and sacredly connected for Tribal Nations across the United States. They are home to ceremonial spaces, shrines and other sites of worship, medicinal plants and resources, ancestral villages, petroglyphs, and ancient burial grounds — all of which remain vital to the cultural resilience of Native peoples.

“Attempting to strip protections from these monuments sends a dangerous signal that Indigenous history and presence can be erased at the stroke of a pen,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “These lands are sacred trust spaces, and protecting them is not just a matter of policy; it’s a matter of spiritual and cultural survival.”

NCAI brings this position forward not as an outside observer, but as the organized voice of Tribal Nations themselves. Every statement we make is grounded in resolutions that are debated, refined, and adopted by Tribal delegates during national gatherings. These resolutions emerge from sovereign governments, are brought to the floor by Tribal leaders, and are voted on by representatives chosen by their Nations. This is how the defense of Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and other sacred sites entered the national record, not through backroom negotiations but through open deliberation guided by cultural and historic responsibility. The authority we carry reflects the governance of hundreds of Tribal Nations standing together to protect what is living and sacred. The restoration of Bears Ears and the return of the name Denali were not granted; they were hard-won outcomes of sustained Tribal advocacy, made possible through this collective structure.

The 2015 restoration of the original Koyukon Athabaskan name of our nation’s high mountain, Denali, which means “The High One,” illustrates the importance of honoring Indigenous place names and cultural ties to the land and these places. Denali has life and agency; it is not just a name. Despite deeply held cultural beliefs and broad support, it faced political pushback, revealing how even symbolic recognition of tribal heritage can be ignored and contested. As sacred sites and traditional cultural properties face new threats, we must reaffirm that protecting these lands also means respecting the names, stories, and sovereignty they carry.

NCAI calls on the Administration and Congress to uphold the sovereignty of Tribal Nations by protecting these sacred lands. The intent of the Antiquities Act must be honored, not undermined. These protections were not handed down; they were secured through years of intertribal advocacy and federal-tribal consultation. Rolling them back is not just a policy reversal. It is a denial of Tribal presence, knowledge, and responsibility. It is a threat to the cultural and spiritual survival of our Peoples.

On April 7, 2025, NCAI, Tribal Nations, and the Mojave Elder Committee sent President Trump and Department of the Interior Secretary Burgum a letter regarding Chuckwalla National Monument's status as a national monument and related protections.

NCAI Stands with Tribal Nations on Threats to National Monuments and Sacred Tribal Lands

The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and a Catholic charter school cite federal Indian Boarding schools as an example of federal funding of religious education without acknowledging that the schools in question were a form of cultural genocide.

Washington D.C. — On Monday, April 7, the National Congress of American Indians, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and the Association on American Indian Affairs filed an amicus brief in 

Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond 

St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond

, both on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and the Catholic school argue that the federal government has a longstanding tradition of funding religious education—pointing to federal Indian boarding schools and treaties with Tribal Nations—as evidence that such funding does not violate the U.S. Constitution’s principle of separation of church and state.

The amicus brief seeks to clarify that federal Indian boarding schools were part of the federal government’s Indian “civilization” policy that sought to forcibly assimilate Indian children by converting them to Christianity. The brief also explains the difference between Tribal Nations directing the United States to spend Tribal money on Indian education and federal spending of public money for the religious education of Indians. The Tribal organizations explain that neither example should be mischaracterized or misused to justify federal funding for religious education today.

"The traumatic impact caused by federal Indian boarding schools has been condemned globally. As educators should know, the Indian boarding schools were a shameful genocidal system aimed to ‘Kill the Indian, save the man’ and should not be used as a legal argument on who is entitled to tax payer money allocated for public education," said Shannon O’Loughlin, citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Chief Executive and Attorney for the Association on American Indian Affairs. The Association has worked since 1922 to protect Native Nations’ sovereignty and address the lasting impacts of federal Indian boarding schools on Native Peoples. “The so-called tradition referenced in the educators’ legal arguments involved separating children from their families without parental consent, isolating them in often torturous conditions, deliberately erasing their identities, their languages, and forcibly converting them to Christianity, as well as utilizing Native children for labor.”

Native communities survived the genocidal federal Indian boarding school system and continue to heal from the intergenerational trauma the system caused.

"Native people are still healing from the impacts of the federal boarding school system—a system deliberately created to disrupt Native culture and dismantle Native families. The children who survived these institutions were left to restore identities that had been systematically stripped away and to rebuild the sacred bonds with their families, communities, cultures, and spiritual practices that were intentionally severed,” said National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition Chief Executive Officer Deborah Parker. “The healing continues today and must be supported—especially by educators who should know better. A policy rooted in cultural genocide is not one to aspire to or uphold as an example.”

The amicus brief also emphasizes critical distinctions in the School Board’s and Catholic school’s argument’s that erroneously equate Tribal Nations directing the use of 

 money for religious education and the federal government expending 

 money for the religious education of Indigenous peoples. The former is an exercise of Tribal sovereignty not constrained by the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The latter was part of a federal policy that included forcing Indian children to convert to Christianity and flew in the face of the Establishment Clause.

“Some Tribal Nations receive education funding from the United States based on treaties and other agreements with the United States. What those Tribes decide to do with their funds is at their discretion and not an equivalent to federal expenditures of public monies which must follow the rules established by the United States government and Constitution,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr.

“There are many legal concerns with the School Board and Church’s arguments, but our simple point is that federal funding to convert Indians to Christianity and federal suppression of Native religions should not be mischaracterized or misused by the Court in this case or otherwise,” said NARF Executive Director John Echohawk.

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

CC Hovie, Association on American Indian Affairs:

Sherrie Catanach, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition:

Tribal Organizations Shine Light on the History of Federal Indian Boarding Schools and Tribal Sovereignty in Education

NCAI resolutions are one of the policy mechanisms used to express the organizational positions on tribal, federal, state, and/or local legislation, litigation, and policy matters that affect tribal governments or communities. All of NCAI’s advocacy work is guided by the 

. Only Individual Indian members in good standing with NCAI may submit a resolution for consideration.

Policy resolutions are now being accepted for the 2025 Mid Year Convention. To prepare your submission, please download the Resolutions template 

. You may submit resolutions through our online portal 

The deadline to submit resolutions is Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Please note that all resolutions for Mid Year must be emergency in nature and national in scope. Please read the instructions in the form for more detailed information.

Please note that this portal is not for Tribal Delegate Resolutions, which should be emailed to 

Policy Resolutions: Now Accepting Submissions for NCAI’s Mid Year Convention & Marketplace

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), in partnership with the 

National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers

 (CEQ) in response to its rescission of the baseline regulations governing federal agencies’ environmental review of major federal actions spanning infrastructure projects to grants of permits and licenses.

In response to President Donald Trump’s executive order, 

 (IFR), which goes into effect April 11, 2025, erases the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations altogether, replacing it with 7-pages of guidance while more than 80 federal agencies replace their agency-specific regulations. The NEPA regulations, originally promulgated in 1978, remained virtually unchanged until the first Trump Administration’s sweeping revisions in 2020. These were followed by the Biden Administration’s changes in 2022 and 2024. The most recent version incorporates numerous provisions directly relevant to Tribal Nations, such as an exemption of some Tribally approved projects, consideration of effects on Tribal cultural resources, an explicit role for traditional Indigenous Knowledge, and taking government-to-government consultation into account when calculating the timeframe for environmental review. Some of these provisions were originally proposed by NCAI. 

You can read more about NEPA Phase 2 here.

, yet CEQ failed to engage in the required government-to-government consultation — a breach of the federal trust responsibility. The comment letter outlines multiple substantive concerns and procedural defects and calls on CEQ to reverse course, stating: “Refusal to engage in consultation disregards the progress of the federal-Tribal trust relationship over the past 57-year history of the Self-Determination and Self-Governance era of federal Indian law and policy.”

NCAI’s key recommendations for CEQ include:

Delaying the IFR’s effective date to engage in robust government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations about the rule’s significant tribal implications;

Advising agencies that they are required to engage in government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations for proposed federal actions affecting Tribal Nations;

The creation of a centralized digital consultation portal, acknowledging how the current fragmented system burdens Tribal Nations;

Recognition of Indigenous Knowledge’s value in conducting environmental review;

Maintaining the requirement that agencies review potential cumulative and indirect impacts in their Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements; and

Collaborate with Congress to make much-needed amendments to NEPA that explicitly affirm the trust responsibility and clarify CEQ’s rulemaking authority.

NCAI reaffirms its commitment to defending tribal sovereignty and environmental justice and calls upon CEQ and the Administration to fully engage with Tribal Nations per federal law, established policy, and principles of mutual respect.

NCAI Issues Formal Comments to CEQ Regarding NEPA Regulation Rollbacks and Federal Government’s Trust Responsibility

, we explore the Land Back movement, an effort led by American Indian and Alaska Native people to restore traditional homelands to Tribal Nations. The goal of this movement is not only to reclaim property stolen from Native communities, but to restore stewardship and sovereignty over ancestral lands. While we share recent successes and highlights, we also examine the deep historical roots and ongoing struggles of this movement.

Raphael Wahwassuck, Tribal Council Member and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, joins us to discuss the recent return of 1,500 acres of land, remedying two centuries of injustice and dispossession for his tribe. He shares the long history of this issue for his tribe and how other Tribal Nations can learn from the Prairie Band Potawatomi’s advocacy and experience on this issue.

Land Back: Restoring Sovereignty, Remedying Injustice

 — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) condemns the recent executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. NCAI calls the move reckless, politically motivated, and a direct threat to Native students, tribal sovereignty, and the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations.

“Let us be clear: This is not just an administrative change – it’s an attack on the fundamental right of Native students to a quality education that reflects their identity, history, and sovereignty,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “The trust and treaty responsibilities of the United States are not optional. Dismantling the Department of Education is a betrayal to Native Nations and future generations.”

Over 90% of Native youth attend public schools, many of which rely on federal resources like Title VI and Johnson-O'Malley funding to support Native language preservation, cultural education, and academic success. Eliminating the federal agency responsible for delivering and safeguarding those resources would further marginalize Native students and destabilize tribal education systems.

“This move sends a dangerous message that Native students, their cultures, and their futures are expendable,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “We will not sit silently while centuries of progress in Native education are dismantled for political convenience. We demand the U.S. government honor its trust responsibilities and protect the rights of Native students.”

NCAI urges Congress to immediately reject any attempt to eliminate or weaken federal education support and act swiftly to defend Tribal Nations’ rights to equitable, culturally grounded education.

NCAI Condemns Executive Order to Dismantle the U.S. Department of Education

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is deeply concerned by recent reports indicating the removal of content honoring the Navajo Code Talkers from several U.S. military websites. These brave individuals played an indispensable role during World War II, using their native language to develop an unbreakable code that was pivotal in securing victory in the Pacific Theater. Their contributions exemplify unparalleled patriotism and valor.

The Navajo Code Talkers’ legacy is not just a story of Native American resilience but a defining chapter in American history. Their contributions to the war effort saved countless lives, and any effort to erase or diminish their role is deeply troubling. We call on the Department of Defense to restore these materials immediately and ensure that the stories of Native service members remain accessible for future generations.

Reports have highlighted that at least ten articles referencing the Code Talkers have been removed from the U.S. Army and Department of Defense websites, with URLs now marked "DEI." This suggests a correlation with President Trump's executive order terminating federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

NCAI acknowledges the Department of Defense's commitment to policy compliance but emphasizes that honoring the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers transcends DEI considerations. Their heroism is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and profound sacrifices of Native peoples in service to our nation.​

Native peoples have a long history of distinguished military service, consistently enlisting at higher rates than any other group in the United States. This overrepresentation is a testament to the deep dedication, warrior traditions, and sense of duty that have been central to Tribal Nations for generations. Among the most remarkable contributions are those of the Code Talkers, beginning with the Choctaw soldiers in World War I and continuing through World War II, when members of at least 14 Tribal Nations, including the Comanche, Meskwaki, Hopi, and Seminole, developed unbreakable codes that saved countless lives. In keeping with their values, many of these warriors never sought personal recognition, yet their legacy remains a profound source of pride. The removal of these historical records disrespects not only the Navajo Code Talkers but all Native service members who have answered the call to protect this nation.

"The Navajo Code Talkers’ legacy is not just a story of Native American resilience but a defining chapter in American history,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Their contributions to the war effort saved countless lives, and any effort to erase or diminish their role is deeply troubling. We call on the Department of Defense to restore these materials immediately and ensure that the stories of Native service members remain accessible for future generations.”

Tribal Nations have a unique political and legal relationship with the United States, grounded in inherent sovereignty and recognized in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, and numerous federal laws and policies. The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently upheld this distinct legal and political status. As the federal government implements new policies, including those affecting DEI initiatives, it must not allow trust and treaty obligations to become collateral damage.

We call on the Trump Administration to prioritize the recognition of Native service members and their history, ensuring political changes do not diminish their contributions. We remain steadfast in advocating for Native rights and stand ready to collaborate with federal partners to uphold these commitments.

NCAI Statement on the Removal of Navajo Code Talkers Content from Military Websites

Washington, D.C. — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Arizona Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, a lifelong champion and fearless advocate for Tribal Nations. His steadfast commitment to upholding tribal sovereignty, protecting sacred lands, and improving the well-being of tribal communities will be remembered for generations to come.

Throughout his more than two decades in Congress, Congressman Grijalva was a vocal defender of Native voices in federal policy. He authored and advanced landmark legislative action, seeking to ensure meaningful tribal consultation on federal actions impacting tribal communities through the Requirements, Expectations, and Standard Procedures in Effective Consultation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act, and giving Urban Indian Organizations a direct line to federal healthcare agencies through the Urban Indian Health Confer Act. His leadership also extended to work on the Advancing Tribal Parity on Public Land Act and the Tribal Cultural Areas Protection Act, which aimed to elevate tribal stewardship of public lands and safeguard sacred sites, and the Native Child Protection Act, addressing critical protections for Native children and families. Most recently, Congressman Grijalva introduced H.R. 8937 to support tribal water rights settlements and ensure safe, clean water for Tribal Nations and communities— an issue he knew was fundamental to tribal sovereignty and survival.

Beyond his legislative work, Congressman Grijalva was a fierce defender of sacred lands such as Oak Flat, Bears Ears, and Chaco Canyon, always standing with Tribal Nations to protect places of deep cultural and spiritual importance. His unwavering commitment to environmental justice and climate action was rooted in respect for Indigenous leadership and knowledge.

To Indian Country, Congressman Grijalva was a true ally whose work has left an indelible mark. To those closest to him, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. As NCAI reflects on his legacy, we extend our deepest condolences to Congressman Grijalva’s family, loved ones, friends, and staff. May our Creator guide him on a smooth journey to the next world. These are our prayers. His dedication to building strong relationships between the federal government and Tribal Nations will continue to serve as a foundation for the work ahead.

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