The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) mourns the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California, who served the people of Northern California’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.

Throughout his service, Congressman LaMalfa consistently advocated for the rural communities he represented, with a focus on agriculture, forestry, water, and wildfire response — issues that affect Tribal Nations and non-Native communities alike across the region. He also actively engaged on critical issues impacting Tribal communities, including work related to Tribal land and culturally significant agricultural resources. Among his legislative efforts was his support for legislation such as the Pit River Land Transfer Act, which returned ancestral federal land into trust for the Pit River Tribe, strengthening Tribal sovereignty and stewardship of culturally significant lands. He also engaged in legislation related to culturally significant agricultural resources, including the Indian Buffalo Management Act and the Native American Seeds Act, which support Tribal food systems, traditional agriculture, and resource management.

“On behalf of NCAI, we extend our deepest condolences to Congressman LaMalfa’s family, loved ones, staff, and constituents,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We respect his commitment to the people he served and his willingness to engage on matters affecting Tribal communities — especially efforts tied to land stewardship and Tribal agriculture. We honor his public service and keep his family and community in our prayers during this difficult time.”

NCAI offers sincere condolences to all those mourning this loss and extends prayers for comfort and healing.


NCAI Mourns the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

WASHINGTON, D.C. | The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) calls on the Administration to immediately utilize United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) emergency funds for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure uninterrupted benefits across Indian Country, so no person goes hungry. One in four Tribal citizens experiences food insecurity. As a result, an estimated 170,000–500,000 Tribal members who are unable to participate in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) participate in SNAP. 

Allowing SNAP to go unfunded for the first time in the program’s history is a choice. Healthy food access is not optional. As of November 5, 2025, we are now in the longest shutdown in American history. Indian Country will not accept austerity imposed on our most vulnerable families and communities because of federal political impasse.

“If the United States can simply suspend access to food during a shutdown, then every promise to safeguard our rights and well-being becomes conditional on political convenience. That is unacceptable by any measure,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “The federal trust responsibility exists because this government took our homelands and pledged to protect Tribal Nations’ welfare. SNAP is an important mechanism to guarantee that responsibility by making certain that our children, families, and communities are fed. Let this be the last time that Native American Heritage Month opens with hunger instead of honor.”

November 1, 2025, the day that SNAP benefits stopped, was also the first day of Native American Heritage Month — a time to reflect on the contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives to this country, as well as the sacrifices made that give rise to the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations.

Indian Country cannot simply “fill the gap” left by this shutdown. The ability to build fully resourced, sovereign food systems has been systematically obstructed by federal policy for generations. In fact, the failure to fund SNAP evokes one of the darkest chapters of federal policy when the United States sought to eliminate buffalo to starve Tribal Nations of their food supply. This moment carries the same disregard for our humanity. The United States cannot spend over two centuries destroying, then preventing Tribal Nations from developing independent food infrastructure, and now act as if withholding federal obligations is a neutral act. Refusing to fund SNAP results in immediate material harm created by the same federal system that led to these conditions in the first place.

NCAI has been working closely with the Native Farm Bill Coalition, as a founding member, to address this issue and ensure this Administration immediately supports the continuity of benefits for SNAP recipients until Congress reopens the government, supports Tribal administration and self-governance options, and honors, in practice, the federal trust responsibility demonstrated through SNAP.

About the National Congress of American Indians:

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 a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights.

NCAI Calls on the Administration to Honor the Federal Trust Responsibility: Restore Full Funding for Nutrition Programs Serving Tribal Nations

 The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) strongly condemns the large-scale reductions in force (RIFs) purportedly resulting from the ongoing government shutdown, which disproportionately impact Tribal programs — particularly those supporting health care, housing, economic development, and education in Native communities.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought’s notice that “The RIFs have begun” on X (formerly known as Twitter) obscures the fact that these cuts represent the people and programs that are essential to the basic functioning of Tribes and their communities. Any reductions in force represent an immediate and direct threat to the sovereignty, well-being, and future of Tribal Nations, undermining decades of progress toward equitable federal-Tribal relations and self-determination, and are a direct affront to self-governance and self-determination.

"Targeting people who manage and support programs that are the backbone of Tribal communities — our health, our homes, our economic futures, and our children's education — is not just short-sighted, it's an abdication of the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations," said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. "Our communities are not expendable. These actions are a betrayal of the promises made to Tribal Nations, and we will not remain silent as the very infrastructure of our future is dismantled."

This year is the 50th anniversary of the passage of the 

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA)

, which shifted the United States government’s policy from one of Indian reorganization to self-determination. In the past 10 months, Tribal Nations have seen continued impact on the people, programs, and funding that are fundamental to Tribal self-determination, upholding trust and treaty obligations, and bound to Tribal Nations’ inherent right to sovereignty. These hits collectively undermine the intent and purpose of ISDEAA. The actions taken by OMB and agencies are an affront to the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Tribes, and must not stand.

NCAI calls upon the Office of Management and Budget and subject agencies to immediately rescind these ill-advised reductions in force, restore positions and funding appropriated to Tribes and Tribal programs, and uphold its responsibility to consult with Tribal Nations before taking actions that affect our people. NCAI further urges Congress to end the shutdown immediately and fully fund Tribal programs to prevent further disruption across Indian Country.

Tribal Nations have honored their commitments. It is past time for the federal government to do the same.

Access NCAI's Resource Hub on the Federal Shutdown Here

NCAI Strongly Condemns Large-Scale Federal Layoffs Harming Tribal Programs

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) commends Representatives Tom Cole (R-OK) and Norma Torres (D-CA) and Senators Heinrich (D-NM) for presenting resolutions recognizing the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. “These resolutions are not just about a single day — it’s about truth, recognition, and respect for who we are as Native people,” said Larry Wright Jr., NCAI Executive Director. “For far too long, our histories and contributions have been ignored or erased. Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides an opportunity to reclaim our rightful place in the story of this nation — not just in the past, but in the present and future.”


These resolutions are more than symbolic; it is a meaningful step toward honoring the strength, resilience, and ongoing leadership of Tribal Nations. NCAI stands with Tribal communities across the country in urging the House to adopt this resolution, and in doing so, help ensure that our children and future generations see themselves reflected with pride and accuracy in the national narrative.


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 a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights.

NCAI Supports House Resolution Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) supports the efforts of U.S. Senators, including Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), in working together in a bipartisan manner to find a path forward to a continuing resolution that would reopen the federal government. Their leadership and collaboration in this critical moment are deeply appreciated across Indian Country.

Government shutdowns have a devastating and disproportionate impact on Native American communities. Tribal Nations have a unique government-to-government relationship with the United States, and many essential services in Tribal communities are directly funded and administered through federal agencies. When the federal government shuts down, it delays critical infrastructure projects, interrupts food assistance programs, and stalls law enforcement and public safety operations on and around Tribal lands.

“These disruptions are not just inconvenient — they are harmful and, in many cases, life-threatening,” said Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director of NCAI. “A lapse in federal funding undermines Tribal self-governance, strains already under-resourced programs, and creates uncertainty for thousands of Native families who depend on federally funded services to meet basic needs.”

We urge all members of Congress to continue working toward a long-term funding solution that respects treaty and trust obligations to Tribal Nations and ensures the stability and continuity of services our communities rely upon.

Again, we thank the Senators from both sides of the aisle for prioritizing the well-being of Native Americans and Alaska Natives and taking meaningful steps to end this harmful shutdown.

                                                               ###

NCAI Supports Bipartisan Talks to Reopen Government

NCAI Congratulates William “Billy” Kirkland III on His Confirmation

 The National Congress of American Indians congratulates William “Billy” Kirkland III (Navajo) on his confirmation to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. This is a well-deserved recognition of his commitment and leadership to Tribes and Tribal members throughout the country. NCAI looks forward to his swearing in and the important work to follow. His service will be vital in strengthening tribal sovereignty, advancing self-determination, and supporting Native communities across the nation.

Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act (H.R. 5257)

, aims to resolve a significant legal issue that has affected Tribal Nations for over a decade.

In 2009, the Supreme Court's decision in Carcieri v. Salazar created uncertainty regarding Tribal trust lands. The ruling limited the Department of the Interior's authority to take land into trust to only those Tribal Nations "under federal jurisdiction" as of 1934. This decision upended 75 years of federal practice and led to costly lawsuits challenging the status of Tribal lands, creating heavy administrative burdens for both Tribal Nations and the federal government.

The Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act offers a straightforward solution. The bill legally reaffirms the status of all land taken into trust for any federally recognized Tribal Nation before the bill's enactment.

" because it secures all past land-into-trust actions but does not alter the process for future applications.

Trust land is essential for Tribal Nations to build housing, schools, and hospitals and to pursue economic development. By reaffirming the status of these lands, the legislation seeks to restore stability and protect Tribal sovereignty from expensive and burdensome lawsuits.

Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act One-Pager

As legislation moves forward, future updates will be posted on the Lands and Natural Resources policy advocacy page.

Unpacking the "Carcieri Fix" and What H.R. 5257 Means for Tribal Sovereignty

NCAI is proud to announce the official logo for NCAI’s 82nd Annual Convention and Marketplace, which will be happening on 

This year’s logo was created by Nizhonia Toledo, a 21-year-old artist and enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Her work is grounded in community, tradition, and the belief that art is a living expression of culture.

Learn more about Nizhonia and her inspiration behind the artwork below.

My name is Nizhonia Toledo. I am a 21-year-old artist and a proud enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. From a young age, art has been more than a hobby for me, it has been a powerful outlet and a constant companion throughout my life.

My work is deeply rooted in my culture, community, and family. These connections are not only my inspiration, they are the heart of everything I create. Through my art, I honor the traditions and stories that have shaped me while carving space for contemporary Indigenous expression. I create not just for myself, but for those who came before me and those who will follow.

Art is my way of keeping our culture alive, of telling truths that words sometimes cannot, and of offering healing and hope. It’s my purpose, my passion, and my offering to the world.

The meaning behind the logo I created for the NCAI 82nd Annual Convention and Marketplace is, we are sovereign. We are resilient. We are culture in motion.

At its heart stand four Indigenous figures, adorned in traditional regalia, embodying the sacred diversity and collective strength of our peoples. They represent past, present, and future generations. Our ancestors who paved the way, our leaders who carry the fire today, and our youth who will rise to continue the legacy. Together, they form a circle of protection, reminding us that sovereignty is not given, it is inherent, lived, and defended.

Behind them rises Mount Rainier, not just as a geographical landmark, but as a spiritual and cultural backbone. It is the watchful guardian, rooted in ancient memory, standing as a symbol of the land we belong to, not land we own, but land we are in relationship with. The evergreen trees surrounding it echo our commitment to preserve, protect, the natural world, as our ancestors have always done.

The waters below represent life, renewal, and ceremony. From these waters comes the salmon, carried proudly by one of the figures, a revered first food and relative, vital to our sustenance, traditions, and ecological balance. The salmon tells a story of migration, return, and sacrifice, a reflection of our people's journey and resilience.

Held in another hand are huckleberries, another first food, symbolizing connection to land and seasonal gathering. These foods are more than nourishment, they are cultural memory, living traditions, and reminders that every act of harvesting is an act of prayer.

The regalia, beadwork, basketry, and adornments worn by each figure are expressions of culture, not frozen in time, but alive, evolving, and passed on through generations. They reflect pride in identity, language, and history. Each pattern woven with purpose, each bead a heartbeat of tradition.
Encircled in red and black, this emblem does not just frame a community, it protects it. Red for the blood we come from, black for the land we come from. The circle is sacred. It symbolizes unity among all Tribal Nations, and it affirms that despite colonization, and forced displacement, we are still here. Still rising. Still sovereign.

Join the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Seattle, Washington, for its 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace from November 16 - 21, 2025 at the Seattle Convention Center.

Now more than ever is an essential moment for Indian Country to unite, amplify voices, and shape a powerful collective future. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and allies from across Indian Country will gather to tackle critical issues, strategize for the future, and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships.

Additionally, attendees will be able to browse the NCAI Marketplace, which features a variety of booths ranging from Native artists to federal job recruiters and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the ongoing mission of NCAI. 

Stay tuned for more information, including registration opening soon!

Meet Nizhonia Toledo, the Native Youth Artist Who Designed NCAI's 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace Logo

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) extends our heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the four medical personnel who tragically lost their lives in Tuesday’s plane crash near the Chinle Airport on the Navajo Nation.

“The lives lost in this tragedy represent the very best of humanity: individuals who chose to dedicate their careers to helping others, especially in some of the most remote and underserved areas of our country,” said NCAI Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Indian Country mourns with the Navajo Nation and all who grieve this profound loss. We honor these fallen heroes and reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting the important work of medical professionals in tribal communities.”

Medical professionals are vital in addressing the long-standing health disparities across Indian Country. Their work is essential in ensuring access to quality, culturally competent care for Native communities.

We honor the memory of those who perished and offer prayers for healing, strength, and peace to their families and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.

NCAI Mourns the Fatal Medical Transport Plane Crash on the Navajo Nation

— The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) expresses strong support for the 

Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2025

, a draft bill released by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The comprehensive draft bill aims to enhance the well-being and future opportunities of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth and families, marking significant legislative action and funding to improve their lives.

Rooted in the recommendations provided by 

The Way Forward Report of the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children

 (the Commission), the draft legislation addresses critical areas such as child welfare, justice systems, physical and behavioral health, housing stability, education, culturally relevant child care, and improved research and data collection. The Commission conducted 61 regional public hearings, virtual hearings, and site visits to learn from Native communities and witness programs serving Native children and youth and transmitted 29 recommendations to Congress that addressed the needs of Native youth and families from a cultural, traditional, and holistic perspective. Senator Murkowski has shown that she listened to the Commission, as demonstrated by the incorporation of their recommendations into this draft legislation.

“NCAI commends Chairman Murkowski’s leadership and commitment to Native communities through this significant legislative proposal,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “Efforts to make the Tiwahe Demonstration Project permanent, expand self-determination and self-governance in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nutrition programs, increase resources for child welfare programs, and expand grants in Public Law 102-477 plans represents an essential step forward to ensure that the voices and needs of Native children and families are not only recognized and valued, but meaningfully supported through culturally responsive policies and practices.”

NCAI appreciates Chairman Murkowski’s dedication to continued consultation and collaboration with Tribal Nations, advocates, and organizations serving Native communities. NCAI will actively participate in the ongoing legislative process to ensure meaningful outcomes for Native youth and families.

NCAI encourages tribal stakeholders to provide feedback via email on the draft language by 

. To assist tribal stakeholders in preparing their feedback, NCAI is planning a webinar in partnership with its sister organizations: Tribal Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium, Alaska Federation of Natives, National Indian Child Welfare Association, National Indian Health Board, National Indian American Housing Council, and National Indian Education Association, as well as Anita Fineday, Commissioner on the Commission on Native Children, on 

August 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET, 2:00 p.m. CT, 1:00 p.m. MT, 12:00 p.m. PT, 11:00 a.m. AK, and 10:00 a.m. HT.

If you have any questions or comments for NCAI, please email 

NCAI Strongly Supports Chairman Murkowski’s Proposed Bill Supporting Native Children and Families

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), 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

On February 27, 2025, President Mark Macarro, Tribal Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Indians and President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), testified before the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. In his oral testimony, Macarro reaffirmed the unique government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States, stressing that the federal government has obligations to provide essential services and support for tribal communities.

President Macarro reminded the subcommittee that these legal obligations are "rooted in treaties, trust obligations, the Constitution, and long-standing federal statutes." He continued, "In exchange for the land and resources that made the United States the great country it is today, Tribal Nations paid, in full, to retain their inherent right of sovereignty and for the programs and services they receive."

Tribal programs and funding are delivered as part of these trust and treaty responsibilities and are not race-based or discretionary.

With respect to trust responsibility, agencies should engage in official and direct government-to-government consultations with Tribal Nations during decision-making processes. One example is 25 U.S.C. § 2011, which, under the Indian Education Act of 1972, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, statutorily requires tribal consultation to ensure quality education for all tribal members.

Federal employee staffing cuts have a profound, far-reaching, and potentially disastrous impact on Indian Country. For example, staffing cuts inside the Office of Indian Services at the Bureau of Indian Affairs have seen severe losses, so they no longer have the capacity to distribute funding to Tribal Nations under 

Tribal Nations are often vital economic engines for rural and isolated areas, and a reduction in federal funding or workforce is likely to impact Indian and adjacent communities disproportionately. For example, tribal communities' law enforcement, public safety, and justice are already woefully underfunded, with funding at only 12% of the estimated need.

President Macarro called for the preservation of tribal program funding and staff levels, stressing that Indian Country spending within the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service represents a small fraction of the federal budget. This fraction is approximately less than a quarter of 1% and should not bear the brunt of any proposed budget cuts.

The leadership of other tribal organizations testified alongside President Macarro, sharing testimony covering pertinent topics, including education, health, child welfare, social services, forestry, fisheries, and more. 

Additional details about the hearing and the live stream can be found 

Read President Macarro's Written Testimony 

NCAI Testifies Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

While aboard Air Force One, NCAI President Mark Macarro had a powerful conversation with President Biden regarding Leonard Peltier, a Turtle Mountain Ojibwe elder and one of the longest-incarcerated Native American political prisoners. During the flight, President Macarro urged President Biden to grant clemency to Peltier, who has spent nearly 50 years in prison for a crime the U.S. government has acknowledged it could not prove.

In an op-ed by Native News Online recounting this pivotal moment, Macarro shared his direct appeal to President Biden: "Mr. President, we are flying to Phoenix where you will apologize on behalf of the government for its role in Indian boarding schools. You need to know that there is an 80-year-old named Leonard Peltier, one of the oldest surviving Indian boarding school survivors, who is in prison. He attended the Wahpeton Indian School in North Dakota...Peltier has served five decades in federal prison for a crime that the government has admitted it could not prove.”

At 80 years old, Peltier’s health is rapidly deteriorating, and he continues to suffer under harsh conditions that no elder should endure. His case is a painful symbol of the systemic injustice faced by Indigenous Peoples, not just in the U.S., but around the world. With only 41 days left in the current administration, we encourage you to read the full op-ed and join us in calling for Leonard Peltier’s release as a necessary step toward healing for Indigenous communities everywhere.

President Macarro Asks President Biden to Free Leonard Peltier

During the 2024 NCAI Mid-Year Convention, the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) Board of Directors submitted Resolution 

. This 25-year plan, launched by the Protect ICWA Campaign, identifies priorities for protecting the 

 and strengthening the capacity of tribal child welfare programs.

Today marks the rollout of ICWA 2050, honoring the 46th anniversary of the enactment of ICWA, which went into effect on November 8, 1978.

"ICWA 2050 not only fortifies protections for Native children today but also builds a path for generations to come, ensuring that our children remain grounded in their cultures and communities," said National Congress of American Indians Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. in NICWA's most recent press release. "This forward-looking strategy reflects the strength of tribal sovereignty and collaboration across Indian Country, empowering Tribal Nations to lead in defining the future of child welfare for Native families. The National Congress of American Indians and its members are proud to support and join this vision, rooted in the resilience and self-determination of our communities."

For additional updates, follow along on Instagram at 

NICWA Announces the Rollout of ICWA 2050

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a proposed rule for the federal tax status of tribally chartered entities, clarifying that wholly-owned tribal entities are not subject to federal income tax. This rule would also affect eligibility for certain clean energy tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act reserved for entities without federal tax liability. This is the second set of proposed rules coming from the Treasury over the past few weeks regarding the sovereignty and self-determination of Tribal Nations and their economies.

"Sovereigns do not tax other sovereigns; governments do not tax other governments. This second tranche of new draft regulations respects tribal sovereignty as a foundation and puts a premium on tribal self-determination. The federal government understands that tribal revenue generation should not be taxed," said NCAI President Mark Macarro. "These draft rules make clear that the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS value the input of Tribal Nations and tribal leadership it has received through the years. This tilt toward embracing tribal sovereignty in federal rulemaking should not be anomalous. With the leadership Treasury has shown, now other agencies' leadership will see that the primacy of tribal government decision-making is valued."

This proposed rule comes after 30 years of Tribal Nations requesting clarification and consultations with Tribal Nations and the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will hold virtual tribal consultations on 

, and we urge Tribal Nations to participate in these historic conversations. 

The Treasury is accepting public comments in writing or electronically until 

Treasury Proposes Rule Regarding Federal Tax Status of Tribally Chartered Entities

Left to right: Moriah O'Brien (AIHEC), Liz Malerba (USET), Kitcki Carroll (USET), Larry Wright Jr. (NCAI), Secretary Linda McMahon (Dept. of Ed), Ahniwake Rose (AIHEC), Jason Dropnik (NIEA), Julia Wakeford (NIEA), Meghan Kearney (NCAI)

 (Coalition) met with U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon as part of the ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen the relationship between Indian Country and the federal government, and ensure the latter upholds its trust and treaty obligations.

 from the Coalition, comprising national Native advocacy organizations that serve the majority of sovereign Tribal Nations. In the letter, the Coalition requested urgent dialogue with the Department of Education (ED) leadership. Representatives from the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) met with the Secretary on Wednesday.

During the discussion, the Coalition emphasized the need to protect dedicated funding streams, honor tribal sovereignty, and ensure Native students have equitable access to high-quality, culturally relevant education. The Coalition requested that Secretary McMahon issue an affirmative statement clarifying that Indian Country programs and eligible funding are not DEI, but trust and treaty obligations that the U.S. government must uphold.

Secretary McMahon recognized the importance of ongoing dialogue with Tribal Nations on issues impacting Indian education.

Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty Meets with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of national organizations advocating for a stronger democracy published a 

 today evaluating redistricting efforts across all 50 states, awarding just two states with an “A” grade while 20 states earned a “D” or an “F” for their failures in transparency, opportunities for public input, nonpartisanship, and empowerment of communities of color.

The comprehensive report authored by the 

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

Coalition Hub for Advancing Redistricting and Grassroots Engagement (CHARGE)

, evaluates public access, outreach, and education in each state based on an analysis of more than 120 detailed surveys and more than 60 interviews. Drawn after the 2020 Census, the new maps will influence political outcomes and community representation for years to come, including the 2024 elections and numerous state and local offices across the country.

Each state’s grade reflects the state-level redistricting process. Some states received a second grade for their local redistricting process in cases where advocates provided data. Unlike partisan reports, this survey asked participants about the accessibility of the process, the role of community groups, the organizing landscape, and the use of communities of interest criteria.



States Earning “B” Grades and Higher:


California (A-)
Massachusetts (A-)
Alaska (B)
Colorado (B)
Iowa (B)
Maine (B)
Michigan (B)
Montana (B)
Vermont (B)



States Earning “F” and “D” Grades:


Alabama (F)
Florida (F)
Illinois (F)
North Carolina (F)
Ohio (F)
Tennessee (F)
Wisconsin (F)
Kansas (D-)
Kentucky (D-)
Louisiana (D-)
Mississippi (D-)
Texas (D-)
Georgia (D)
Idaho (D)
Indiana (D)
New York (D)
West Virginia (D)
Arkansas (D+)
North Dakota (D+)
South Carolina (D+)

“After a close look at all 50 states, this report shows more community voices produce better maps,” said Dan Vicuña, Common Cause National Redistricting Director. “When everyone can meaningfully participate and have their input reflected in the final maps, that’s how we achieve fair elections voters can trust. We found voting districts that prioritize community interests are the gateway to elections that lead to strong schools, a fair economy, and affordable healthcare.”

The CHARGE report concludes that the most powerful reform is independent, citizen-led commissions where voters—rather than elected officials—administer the process and draw maps. Independent commissioners were found to be more interested in fair representation and community input— rather than incumbent protection or party control.


"Tribal Nations are substantially underfunded in critical infrastructure areas such as housing, roads, broadband, education, and healthcare,” said Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. “To ensure equitable distribution of resources, all American Indian and Alaska Native voices must be included throughout the entire redistricting process to allow for equitable voting power and fair representation.”

The importance of independent redistricting commissions to a fair and transparent process was one of six key findings in the report, summarized below:

Independent Citizen Redistricting Commissions are the best way to integrate public feedback into maps.

Commissions with elected officials or that give elected officials power to appoint commissioners often lead to gerrymandered maps.

When elected officials draw maps, public input is not often prioritized or included in how district lines are drawn.

Community organizing was found to be successful in even the most partisan processes, particularly at the local level.

Despite driving population growth in states, communities of color are intentionally left out of the redistricting process.

Many states incorrectly equate fairness with new maps closely resembling old maps, even though the old maps were not fairly drawn, and do not account for demographic changes.

“Across the nation we saw politicians trying to silence and disenfranchise Black communities and communities of color,” said Marijke Kylstra, Redistricting Coordinator at Fair Count. “However, even if states with entrenched single party control and politician-controlled redistricting processes, significant wins for communities of color emerged at the local level because of strategic and hyperlocal grassroots organizing.”

The report also highlights recommendations for future redistricting cycles for pro-democracy organizers, advocates, and funders, including:

Link redistricting to Census outreach efforts so the public understands it is a two-step process to unlock community resources like housing, transit, etc.

Provide early funding to local groups so advocates can leverage the existing community organizing infrastructure and connect redistricting to those efforts.

Funding for community outreach should be appropriately distributed in every state as the report found evidence of gerrymandering even in non-swing states.

“Creating a more transparent and accountable democracy and building the power of communities of color demands a focused, long-term approach to organizing,” said Elena Langworthy, Deputy Director of Policy at State Voices. “Ahead of the next redistricting cycle in 2031, we must continue to engage communities around redistricting and its long-term impact. We will continue to support efforts that improve existing redistricting commissions and the creation of true independent commissions which remove extreme partisan gerrymandering.”

To learn more, view the report online or watch today’s press briefing.



, the Coalition Hub for Advancing Redistricting & Grassroots Engagement, is composed of organizations uniting around the common goal that redistricting must be transformed to allow more voices to participate, be heard, and be represented. CHARGE member organizations include Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, Common Cause, Fair Count, League of Women Voters, Mi Familia Vota Education Fund, NAACP, National Congress of American Indians, State Voices, and the Center for Popular Democracy.


 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 

New 50 State Report Finds Massive Failures in Redistricting Process

President Biden designated the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument

, which will conserve nearly one million acres of homelands sacred to Tribal Nations and protect numerous locations of religious and cultural importance from uranium mining.

This action comes as a direct response to 

 who played a pivotal role in sharing their intricate historical ties to the lands that can now be recognized and celebrated. Fawn Sharp, President of the National Congress of American Indians, praised the Administration for this designation:

“For generations, the land within the United States has served as a realm of deep spiritual and cultural meaning for Tribal Nations,” said President Sharp. “President Biden’s designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument – is a profound recognition of the historical and contemporary significance of these lands. This monumental decision honors our integral role in the conservation process, amplifies Native voices, and protects these sacred homelands for generations yet to experience them.”

NCAI commends President Biden’s designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has issued a statement in response to the Florida Board of Education’s recent decision to change its education standards for teaching American history. NCAI Treasurer Shannon Holsey provided the following statement:

“Native people are far too familiar with the devastating consequences caused by education systems that have at various times ignored, fabricated, and misrepresented the often painful histories of our people. And as the state of Florida threatens to dangerously alter the history of enslaved people and teach it to generations of future leaders, the National Congress of American Indians stands united with our diverse partners, both Native and non-Native, in shaping a promising future. We firmly believe that it is our responsibility to preserve our unique histories and not allow outsiders to rewrite them on our behalf. Together, we will champion our own history and ensure its accuracy and authenticity."

Native people are far too familiar with the devastating consequences caused by education systems that have at various times ignored, fabricated, and misrepresented the often painful histories of our people

This is an example of a quote without an attribution.

NCAI Issues Statement in Response to Florida Board of Education's Decision to Change History Teaching Standards

Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden signed a series of executive orders, memoranda, and directives impacting Indian Country immediately after being sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. These actions include rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, halting funding obligations to the southern U.S. border wall, reviewing size reductions to the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, presenting a 2020 census apportionment that is fair and accurate, and directing all executive departments and agencies to review and take appropriate actions to ensure consistency with the 

. NCAI applauds the new Administration’s immediate responses to Indian Country’s advocacy on these issues, many of which were identified by tribal nations as priorities in 

NCAI’s 2021 Presidential Transition Plan

. NCAI looks forward to supporting tribal government-to-government engagement with our federal partners. Below is additional information about these executive orders and NCAI’s resolutions supporting these decisions. 

By Executive Order, President Biden revoked the Presidential permit granted to the Keystone XL pipeline and has signed the instrument to rejoin the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Beginning in 2008, NCAI opposed the Keystone XL pipeline and since 2015, has called for the adoption of strong human rights-based approaches to climate change, including recognition of the principles of free, prior, and informed consent and the rights of sovereign tribal nations to combat climate-related threats through a formal and meaningful commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. NCAI applauds the Administration’s decision to prioritize climate change and tribal sovereignty on Day 1 by revoking the 

NCAI’s Resolutions on the Keystone XL Pipeline and Paris Climate Agreement:

DEN-18-061: Opposition to Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline and the Use of Excessive Force or Private Security to Suppress Free Speech

Resolution #MOH-17-053: Continued Support for the Paris Climate Agreement and Action to Address Climate Change

For more information about NCAI’s climate-based advocacy, please visit our Climate Action Resource Center 

 and NCAI’s Climate Action Task Force 

By Executive Order, President Biden directed the Census Bureau to include all persons, regardless of immigration status, in the apportionment count. The President also directed the Secretary of Commerce to “ensure the total population information presented to the President and the States is accurate and complies with all applicable laws.” NCAI has continued to call for timeline extensions for the 2020 Census, as this census has been plagued by numerous issues, including suspension of the enumeration process due to COVID-19, data accuracy in proposed privacy methods, and an undue acceleration of data processing. NCAI encourages President Biden to fulfill the commitment made today to 

, which must begin with the new Administration conducting meaningful tribal consultation. 

Resolution #PDX-20-007: Extending Census Reporting Deadlines to Ensure a Fair and Accurate Census

Cultural Resources and Tribal Sovereignty: 

President Biden declared an immediate termination of the national emergency declared through Proclamation 9844. Terminating Proclamation 9844 effectively ends the funding diversions to support construction of the southern border wall. Tribal nations have citizens on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border who make crossings for traditional cultural, ceremonial, and religious purposes. Access to healthcare, transportation, and other governmental services are also affected by the border. NCAI supports the Biden Administration’s actions intended to halt construction of a continuous border wall, which would erect a physical barrier that divide tribal lands and communities, harm the wildlife and natural resources sacred to tribal nations, and infringe upon tribal sovereignty. 

President Biden, through Executive Order, also directed the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Commerce, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, and tribal governments to conduct a review of the size reduction of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. The Secretary of the Interior has 60 days to submit a report to the President summarizing the findings. In 2015, NCAI supported the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, Ute Indian Tribe, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe – which collectively make up the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition – in the creation and tribal co-management of the Bears Ears National Monument. NCAI has since opposed any reduction of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments as well as changes to the Antiquities Act of 1906 that would threaten National Monument protections for tribal historic landmarks and objects of historic and ongoing cultural importance. NCAI 

 of the previous Administration’s actions and looks forward to the protections of National Monument status being restored to the original boundaries of these vital cultural places. 

Resolution #ECWS-17-002: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement on Tribal Lands

NCAI’s Resolutions on the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments:

Resolution #MOH-17-006: In Support of Preserving National Monument Designations

Resolution #MKE-17-057: Opposition to Amendments to the Antiquities Ac

Resolution #EC-15-002: Supporting the Presidential Proclamation of the Bears Ears National Monument, Including Collaborative Management Between Tribal Nations and the Federal Agencies

By Executive Order, President Biden withdrew the previous Administration’s regulatory process executive orders, and issued a memorandum placing a freeze on all of the Trump Administration’s new regulations and other actions, including several legal opinions negatively affecting tribal nations, until the Biden Administration can review them. This includes withdrawing rules not yet published in the Federal Register until they can be reviewed, and rules and legal opinions that have been published but have not taken effect, and agency actions that otherwise do not comply with the Biden Administration’s national objectives. These previous legal opinions and rules include, but are not limited to:

Status of Mineral Ownership Underlying the Missouri River within the Boundaries of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (North Dakota)

Withdrawal of Solicitor’s Opinion M-37029, “The Meaning of ‘Under Federal Jurisdiction’ for Purposes of the Indian Reorganization Act”

“Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands; Rescission of a 2015 Rule,” 82 Fed. Reg. 61924 (December 29, 2017).

To view these presidental actions, please click 

NCAI will be closely monitoring the Biden Administration’s initial actions in the coming days and weeks and will share out further updates as developments warrant.

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