National Congress of American Indians

📢 Exciting News for Tribal Leaders and Advocates! We're thrilled to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025 Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS)! 🗓️ Mark your calendars for February 10-13, 2025, and join us at the Washington Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. 🌟 Why Attend? This cornerstone event strengthens government-to-government relationships between Tribal Nations and the federal government. It’s your chance to: ✅ Engage in vital conversations with tribal leaders, members of Congress, and administration officials. ✅ Network with peers and policymakers. ✅ Contribute to shaping collaborative policies that advance Indian Country. 💻 Secure your spot today and be part of this pivotal moment in tribal affairs. 🔗 https://buff.ly/4fyVfaj Let’s continue working together to protect sovereignty, promote progress, and uplift our communities. See you in D.C.! #ECWS25

This holiday season, we reflect on the strength, resilience, and unity that define Indian Country. For centuries, our Tribal Nations have endured challenges with courage, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors. Today, their legacy inspires us to continue building a brighter future together. At the National Congress of American Indians, we are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our Tribal Nations, partners, and allies. Your commitment strengthens our collective voice and advances the well-being of Native communities. This season, let us celebrate the spirit of community, honor our shared histories, and look forward to a future filled with possibility. May the warmth of our connections light the way toward new opportunities in the coming year. Wishing you peace, joy, and prosperity this holiday season and beyond.

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, let’s also reflect on the power of community and giving. By supporting the NCAI Foundation, you help advance sovereignty, strengthen Tribal Nations, and create lasting impact across Indian Country. Your gift supports advocacy, leadership development, and cultural preservation—ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. 💫 Make your impact today: www.ncai.org/give

📣 Urgent Action Needed: Support S. 1723 The Senate just passed S. 1723, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act, with unanimous support. Now, it’s up to the House of Representatives to pass this critical bill before time runs out. This bill addresses historical injustices, ensures survivors’ stories are heard, and costs nothing—it’s fully funded through existing allocations. Take Action: Call House leaders today and urge them to pass S. 1723: ☎️ Speaker Mike Johnson: (202) 225-2777 ☎️ Majority Leader Steve Scalise: (202) 225-3015 ☎️ Rep. Tom Cole: (580) 357-2131 ☎️ Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: (202) 225-5936 Together, we can advance truth and healing for Indian Country. ACT NOW!

NCAI Policy Leads Rochelle Morgan-Verdin and Coby Klar were recently honored by the United Houma Nation for their contributions to Indian Country through their work at NCAI. We’re grateful to have such dedicated, knowledgeable staff members helping advance our mission to protect tribal sovereignty, preserve cultural heritage, promote governmental recognition, and enhance the quality of life for Native communities. ✊ ❤️

Justice delayed is justice denied. For nearly 50 years, Leonard Peltier, an 80-year-old citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and federal Indian boarding school survivor, has been imprisoned under deeply flawed legal circumstances. His declining health and enduring fight for freedom symbolize the injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples in the U.S. and worldwide. The FBI shamefully continues false narratives in arguing against his clemency, making it all that more important for Indian Country to speak up for his freedom. Take Action Today: 📋 Sign the petition from our partners at NDN Collective: https://buff.ly/4fqa9zB ☎️ Call the White House: 202-456-1111 💻 Email the White House: comments@whitehouse.gov 📱 Text “FreeLeonardNow” to 50302 to stay informed about upcoming actions. Together, we can amplify this urgent call for clemency. Stand for justice. Stand for Leonard. #FreeLeonardPeltier

🌊 Restoring the Klamath River: A Historic Win for Sovereignty and the Environment 🌿 The removal of the Klamath River dams earlier this year marks the largest dam removal project in U.S. history — a victory led by the Yurok, Karuk, Klamath, and Hoopa Valley Tribes after decades of advocacy. These dams blocked salmon migration and disrupted ecosystems vital to tribal cultures, economies, and spiritual practices. Now, the river will run free, restoring not just the environment but also a way of life intertwined with its waters. This monumental effort reminds us that sovereignty means defending our lands, waters, and future. #SovereigntyDoesntStop

📢 Exciting News for Indian Country! The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 7779, the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which now heads to the President’s desk for signature! This critical legislation empowers Tribal Nations, state agencies, nonprofits, and community groups to restore lands impacted by abandoned hardrock mines and improve water quality without facing legal liability. The National Congress of American Indians proudly supported this legislation, recognizing its potential to safeguard environmental and cultural resources while promoting Indigenous-led environmental stewardship. Let’s celebrate this important step toward environmental justice! 🌿💧

🚨NABS calls on President Biden to issue executive clemency to boarding school survivor, Leonard Peltier. Read the full letter here: https://lnkd.in/gsSkk2MF CALL TO ACTION You can support by signing the petition organized by our Relatives, NDN Collective https://lnkd.in/ep2eXPKq Call the White House: 202-456-1111 Send an email to: comments@whitehouse.gov Text “FreeLeonardnow” to 50302 to stay up to date on upcoming actions

In case you missed it—Episode 19 of The Sentinel is live! In this episode, NCAI’s Youth Leadership & Training Coordinator, Alison Black (Southern Cheyenne, Ponca, Osage, and Prairie Band Potawatomi), sits down with three inspiring members of the NCAI Youth Commission: Co-Vice President Jovi Williams (White Mountain Apache Tribe), Co-President Madison Brown (Seneca Nation of Indians), and Co-President Angelina Serna (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin). These young leaders are advocating for Native communities, advancing tribal sovereignty, and driving real change across Turtle Island. Their stories are shaping the future of Indian Country, and you won’t want to miss this powerful conversation. 🎧📲 Listen now on all platforms or at bit.ly/TheSentinel19