Policy Issues
International Advocacy
About
NCAI recognizes that the realization of tribal sovereignty requires the full representation and engagement of Indigenous Peoples as equals at all levels of the decision making process—including the international level. The adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007 not only marked a significant acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples and their rights worldwide, but created opportunities for more action by Tribal Nations in the international sphere. Partially in response to the UNDRIP, in recent years, NCAI has prioritized negotiations at the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS), engaging in a number of substantive policy discussions of particular concern to Indigenous Peoples, including climate change, the protection of Indigenous traditional knowledge and genetic resources, and enhanced participation within international decision making forums. NCAI remains firm in its commitment to enabling “the participation of Indigenous governments and peoples on a regular and permanent basis in the UN,” and remains steadfast in its responsibility to uphold the right of Indigenous Peoples to exercise their inherent right to self-determination.
The Sentinel Podcast
Advocacy on the International Stage: The NCAI International Committee
Episode 20 | Part 1
In this episode of The Sentinel, we explore NCAI’s commitment to international advocacy work. NCAI has recognized that its mission of promoting tribal sovereignty must extend beyond the borders of the United States and include the representation, participation and voices of Indigenous Peoples on a global stage.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion led by Rochelle Morgan-Verdin, NCAI’s Policy Lead for International Issues and citizen of the United Houma Nation, the Co-Chairs of the recently formed NCAI International Committee, and key experts who have advocated for these issues for decades. Our listeners will hear from guests who are all steadfast advocates representing NCAI at international fora, carrying forth the organization’s mission globally.
Episode 20 | Part 2
Part two continues our exploration of NCAI’s international advocacy work and examines further how NCAI’s advocacy for Indigenous Peoples on the global stage ties into its larger mission of promoting tribal sovereignty.
In this expanded conversation led by Rochelle Morgan-Verdin, NCAI’s Policy Lead for International Issues and citizen of the United Houma Nation, we hear from two additional experts who have been deeply involved in the organization’s advocacy for decades. They shed light on the history of NCAI’s international work, what progress is being made today, and what we can expect in the years to come.
Policy Documents
COP 21 IP Closing Statement from NCAI
NCAI Written Statement UNDRIP 2012
UNPFII Wrap Up Report
Download the Wrap Up report of NCAI's work in conjunction with NARF and the University of Colorado Law during the 2024 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This historic session, held April 15-26, 2024, in New York City, saw a remarkable gathering of U.S. tribal leaders and Indigenous youth, highlighting significant progress in advancing Indigenous self-determination and global diplomacy.
