The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) congratulates Secretary Deb Haaland and the Department of the Interior (DOI) for their reaffirmation of the United States’ commitment to advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This continued support is a critical step in fulfilling our nation’s obligations to Indigenous Peoples.

President Obama’s historic endorsement of the UNDRIP in 2010 marked a defining moment in the United States’ relationship with Indigenous Peoples, affirming their inherent rights and sovereignty. This commitment was further solidified in 2014 through the UNGA Resolution adopting the Outcome Document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. The recent statement, “Advancing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” issued by the DOI on January 14, 2025, further underscores the nation’s dedication to partnering with Indigenous Peoples in realizing the principles enshrined in the UNDRIP.

As Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians, powerfully asserts, “The protections enshrined in the UNDRIP are merely a baseline and should be the floor upon which we build meaningful progress. The United States has an obligation to ensure the realization of these rights and restore the integrity of its relationship with Indigenous Peoples.” Crucial to this effort is the collaboration with Indigenous representatives to develop strategies for the meaningful implementation of the UNDRIP. NCAI resolutions SAC-21-023 and PDX-20-056 emphasize the need for the United States to honor its 2014 commitments and lead by example—by developing a comprehensive national action plan for implementing the UNDRIP, appointing a Special Envoy for Global Indigenous Affairs, and ensuring the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations through their own representative institutions. These are necessary initial steps in building a foundation upon which true progress can be made in protecting the full spectrum of rights outlined in the UNDRIP.

NCAI remains unwavering in its commitment to the full implementation of the UNDRIP, both within the United States and on the global stage. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies to ensure the rights of Indigenous Peoples are fully protected through the full and meaningful implementation of the UNDRIP.