Today, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) joins Tribal Nations in mourning the loss of Congressman Don Young (AK), one of Indian Country's staunchest and longest-standing congressional allies. Throughout his tenure, Rep. Young worked with Alaska Native and American Indian leaders to help protect our lands, people, natural resources, subsistence rights, and tribal economies. He showed up for Indian Country on the floor of the House of Representatives, directly engaged with tribal leaders in our communities, and was a frequent participant at NCAI conferences. Don Young’s passion, voice, pragmatism, and presence will be deeply missed. He was truly one of a kind. We send our prayers to his wife and entire family, and thank him for his dedication to Indian Country.

NCAI President Fawn Sharp:

“For decades, Congressman Young courageously stood alongside Native peoples and, with deep honor and mutual respect, dedicated time to learning about the pressing issues that must be addressed to ensure the well-being of all Tribal Nations. His legislative efforts to support tribal sovereignty, as recently as voting in support of the FY 2022 Omnibus package last week which included the Violence Against Women Act and key tribal provisions, demonstrated his unwavering and fierce commitment to helping Indian Country achieve our goals and responsibility to care for our lands and communities.”


NCAI Alaska Region Vice-President Mike Williams (Akiak Native Community):

“As the longest-serving member in the halls of Congress, Congressman Don Young helped achieve a great deal of successes for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Rep. Young always greeted me with a smile and respect, putting aside any differences for the betterment of our people. He will be missed.”

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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 promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information, visit www.ncai.org.