Podcasts about National Congress

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a new guest Mike LaRocco, Director of School Transportation for the Indiana Department of Education and Chair of the recently held National Congress on Student Transportation (NCST). Mike begins by sharing insight into his background and how he first got involved in the student transportation field. He then covers his responsibilities in the state government of Indiana, as well as his leadership role as chair of NCST. Curt and Mike explore the beginnings of the Congress and how the group and its mission has evolved over time. Mike also explains the delegate selection process and highlights the important role of the NCST Steering Committee. The conversation wraps up with recapping the highlights from the 2025 NCST and a look forward to the next NCST. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!Support the show

Is school bus Wi-Fi letting kids get on TikTok as Sen. Ted Cruz claims, or is it a valuable way to extend the classroom and provide students with educational access? Chris Ellison, director of transportation and fleet services at Reynolds School District in Oregon, shares high-level insights from serving as a delegate to the just-completed 17th National Congress on School Transportation. He discusses the passionate conversations and votes on emerging technology, alternative transportation, safety equipment and more. Read more about NCST. Episode sponsor: Transfinder.

Fresh from covering the 17th National Congress on School Transportation, Taylor joins Ryan and Tony to discuss conversations and takeaways on the school bus safety recommendations that will make it into the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures Manual. Upcoming STN EXPO West and TSD Conference sessions will discuss tariffs and manufacturing developments, safety in and around the bus, and pertinent updates for transporters of students with disabilities. David Johnson, executive director for the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, joins us to share his perspectives and some local flavor as well. Read more about NCST. Episode sponsor: Transfinder.

In China's remote northwestern border region, just 47 kilometers from the frontier, there is a small primary school that has a 23-member volunteer teaching team.With an average age of 24, these young educators have dedicated their youth and passion to the rural school in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, where most of the students are from the Kirgiz ethnic group.Wang Yizhi, a graduate of Shanxi Agricultural University, is one of the volunteers and now teaches Chinese to second-graders. After working at the border region school for two years, Wang said that she has witnessed firsthand how volunteer teaching has changed local education and promoted ethnic unity.That was why she recently wrote a heartfelt letter to President Xi Jinping on behalf of her team, detailing their experiences when serving at the primary school in Karajol township in Artux, a city in the Kizilsu Kirgiz autonomous prefecture, while reaffirming their commitment to serving in border areas.The volunteers were overwhelmed when they received a reply from Xi on Saturday — an unprecedented honor that filled them with immense pride and motivation.In the message, Xi noted that more young people have chosen to serve as volunteers in the country's western regions and rural areas over the years, demonstrating their spirit of dedication and sense of responsibility. He also called on China's young people to dedicate themselves to the country's modernization drive by serving where the nation needs them most."We never imagined receiving such a prompt and direct response from the president, due to his busy schedule," Wang recalled, her voice trembling with emotion."I may not be able to do much," she added, "but I'll give it my all" — a promise that embodies the unwavering commitment she has held from the beginning.According to Wang, there are over 290 students at the school, and most are the children of border patrollers, herders or farmers.At the beginning, the children faced significant educational challenges, and many parents undervalued formal schooling, resulting in frequent absences, she said."Some parents even doubted whether we young graduates could really teach," Wang added.Undeterred, she and her colleagues tailored their teaching to local needs and conducted over 2,000 home visits. Their perseverance bore fruit as the students learned how to speak Mandarin, how to do math calculations, and even how to speak English."Seeing their children's progress changed parents' attitudes," Wang said. "They started actively supporting regular attendance and learning."This dedication earned the volunteers extraordinary trust. "Parents told us, 'You treat our children as your own, and we consider you family'," she said.One particularly moving moment came when a group of parents arrived unexpectedly at the school. "I at first feared a student was probably in trouble," Wang recalled. "But the parents presented me with flowers, saying in broken but sincere Mandarin: 'You are a great teacher. Our children are so lucky to have someone like you'."Wang's story is echoed by other volunteers. Huang Shaozhu, 24, a former international trade major, now teaches math at the school. Upon receiving the reply, she was moved to tears."President Xi commended us for not only promoting local education and ethnic unity, but also for contributing to prosperity and stability along the border, which is a powerful recognition of our efforts," she said.Su Weibing, 24, an arts graduate who obtained a primary school Chinese-language teaching qualification during his service, taught students basic skills such as phonics, pen-holding, and writing with diligence and care.Sun's efforts paid off. "We've seen remarkable progress in the Chinese performance of the class," he noted. "The average score has jumped from the 30s, all the way up to the 60s and 70s."‌"I want to help the children here broaden their horizons, discover learning goals, and one day have more career choices," he said. "The nearly two-year volunteer service helps me grow alongside my students. That's my greatest reward."Gao Chao, a 27-year-old English teacher who majored in fine arts in college, drafts detailed lesson plans and carefully designs her teaching approach for every class to ensure she delivers the knowledge clearly and effectively."President Xi's reply has strengthened my resolve to stay here, and I will keep his instructions in mind," Gao said, adding that she was preparing for the civil service exams in order to continue to serve on China's western frontier.Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, Xi has on many occasions encouraged young people to go to the west, to the countryside and the grassroots, and go where the motherland needs them most to volunteer and make selfless contributions.Launched in 2003, the "Go West "program has seen over 500,000 university graduates volunteer in the education, health, agriculture and social management sectors in the country's western region for a period of one to three years.Mi Xiaobing, deputy secretary of the Communist Youth League of China Shanxi Provincial Committee, said that President Xi's reply vividly demonstrates his care for China's young people in the new era.Among the 23 volunteers at the border school, 12 fresh graduates were selected from seven universities in Shanxi, and the province has so far deployed ‌10,518 volunteers under the "Go West" program, he said. the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region 新疆维吾尔自治区the Kirgiz ethnic group吉尔吉斯族the "Go West" program西部计划home visits家访fresh graduates应届毕业生

In the late 1970s, Vietnam was one of the poorest countries in the world. Its economy had been destroyed by war with the USA, a trade embargo, and the communist government's restriction of private enterprise. So, at the Vietnam Communist Party's 6th National Congress in December 1986, radical economic reforms were introduced, known as Doi Moi, meaning ‘renovation'. The reforms transformed the country from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, unleashing huge economic growth and improving living standards. Ben Henderson speaks to Phạm Chi Lan, an economist who worked at Vietnam's Chamber of Commerce and Industry through the period of reform.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Street vendor in Hanoi, 1993. Credit: Steve Raymer/Corbis via Getty Images)

The seatbelt debate is reignited after a fatal South Carolina school bus crash. Learn more about safety equipment and procedures being considered by the National Congress on School Transportation and stay tuned for onsite coverage from its 17th meeting as well as the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Amazement Artist™, Hall of Fame speaker and professional magician Jon Petz discusses creating significance in simple moments for a more engaged workforce, which he will expand upon in his upcoming keynote at STN EXPO West and the Transportation Director Summit in Reno this July. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

Breakdowns of the federal Driving Forward Act's impact on school bus driver training, new student transportation topics being covered by the National Congress on School Transportation writing committee, and doing what's best for the children. Monique Jackson, area manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, discusses her passion for education access, her children's book “Gus, the Talking Safety Bus,” and teaching students school bus safety. Read more about safety. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

An hour's drive north of Buenos Aires is Pilar, a municipality that houses the largest industrial park in Argentina, as well as a population of 400,000. Some rich and middle class Argentines live in its many gated communities, but Pilar has a poverty rate of almost 60% - well above the national figure. We speak to residents and businesses about libertarian President Javier Milei's first year in office.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresented and produced by Natalio Cosoy(Picture: Argentina's President Javier Milei looks on during the inauguration of the 143rd ordinary session of Congress at the National Congress in Buenos Aires on March 1, 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

The concept that education determines the future of a nation is a widely acknowledged consensus globally.That could be the reason education was at the forefront of the discussion on Thursday when President Xi Jinping joined the group meeting in Beijing of the country's national political advisers from the China Democratic League, the China Association for Promoting Democracy and the education sector."In every household, education is now a focal point of attention, with numerous hot topics in this field," Xi told the political advisers, who were attending the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. "This not only indicates a strong educational atmosphere, but also reflects a certain gap between our education system and the expectations of the people."Cai Guangjie, deputy director of the Education Department of Sichuan province, presented her research findings to Xi, revealing a significant demographic shift in the country — the decrease in the school-age population.To address these emerging challenges, Cai gave her advice on optimizing resource allocation, including controlling the construction of new schools and facilitating the transfer of students from under-resourced rural schools to better-equipped schools in towns.Cai's remarks evoked Xi's memories of the early days of China's reform and opening-up. At the time, the country provided many children with the opportunity to receive education through initiatives such as raising funds from various sources to establish and operate schools, and through Project Hope, which was launched in 1989 with the goal of ensuring that students in impoverished areas were given greater access to education."Back then, I was quite happy to have raised funds to build a primary school in Liangjiahe village. But the school was later closed," Xi recalled. Liangjiahe was an impoverished village in northwestern China's Shaanxi province.However, the school's closure was actually a positive development, Xi said, because students were relocated to a school in the township area to receive a higher-quality education.Xi also said that new issues have been brought about "by changes occurring amid progress. The process of solving these problems is also a process of development and advancement".China's preschool education is an example. With the increase in the number of people living in urban areas in recent years, many kindergartens have been left unused in some areas, while the number of quality kindergartens is still short of demand.Xi said this situation cannot be changed immediately, as solving these issues requires adjustment of the educational structure."The adjustment might be realized only after the implementation of one or two five-year plans," he said. "There are many factors to consider in the process. But if we don't start planning now, it will be too late by then."Urgent priorityXi said that although education requires sustained efforts over time, it is also an urgent priority.He cited the development of education in the country since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, saying that tremendous changes have taken place since then.At that time, the country was still very poor, and literacy classes were organized to combat widespread illiteracy. "The matter of importance back then was whether people would have enough to eat. Since the entire nation was experiencing a period of economic hardship, spending on education was very limited," he said.Nowadays, school-age children's access to basic education in China has been significantly expanded, and the conditions and resources necessary for running a school have also greatly improved.Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, the country's education spending has exceeded 4 percent of GDP for 12 consecutive years."This fully demonstrates the great importance attached to modern education by the Party," Xi said.However, the challenges keep showing up.Xu Kun, president of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, told Xi that he considers artificial intelligence as a key variable in building China into a leading country in education, given both the opportunities and the challenges that it brings.Xi noted that with the emergence of AI and the internet of things, the tools and methods for education will change, as will the abilities that students need to obtain."Reforms in such areas must be made in a timely manner," he said.Meanwhile, he stressed that efforts regarding the intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of students, as well as the cultivation of their basic cognitive and problem-solving abilities, must not be neglected."A solid foundation is essential," Xi said.He also highlighted the importance of reading."In the digital age, with the fast pace of society, it is not easy to sit down, calm your mind and patiently read a book," Xi said.He affirmed the proposal by Zheng Jiajian, president of Fujian Normal University, on creating a social environment in which people love to read.Xi said that children should develop the good habit of reading from a young age. "We can combine digital reading with traditional reading to preserve our core values and literacy," he said.He added that as long as young people establish firm ideals and strengthen beliefs and confidence from childhood, they will become reliable successors in carrying forward socialism with Chinese characteristics."Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation will depend on the next generations," Xi said.

Today, Thursday, March 6 on Urban Forum Northwest:*Toshiko Hasegawa assumed the role of Seattle Port Commission President on January 14, 2025 her priorities include strategically investing in infrastructure and programming to support a strong blue and green economy- a "Teal New Deal". She is the former Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. She was raised on Beacon Hill in Seattle.*Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of Greater Seattle YMCA, she has re-aligned the organizational structure, she has built a leadership team and has attracted diverse, multi-cultural leaders to the Board of Directors. She has launched an Equity and Justice for all initiative towards becoming an anti racist organization.*Dr. E. Faye Williams Syndicated Columnist, Trice Edney Wire whose column is carried in the Seattle Medium Newspaper. She host a talk show on WPFW in Washington DC. She is the former President of the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW). She will lend her perspective to the current political upheaval in DC.*Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean, Evergreen State College, Tacoma Campus pays tribute to the late Dr. Maxine Mimms the founder of the Tacoma Campus. Dr. Tate Arunga continues to carry out Dr. Mimms legacy of providing community to those often left behind. A Founder's Day celebration will be held on Saturday, March 8.*Bookda Gheisar, Port of Seattle Senior Director, Office of Equity and Social Justice is inviting individuals to the Port of Seattle 2025 Cruise Summer Job Fair that will be held on Saturday, March 8 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Bell Harbor International Conference Center 3rd Floor, 2225 Alaskan Way Seattle 98121. Positions pay $21-26 an hour.Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook. X@Eddie_Rye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thursday, March 6 on Urban Forum Northwest: *Toshiko Hasegawa assumed the role of Seattle Port Commission President on January 14, 2025 her priorities include strategically investing in infrastructure and programming to support a strong blue and green economy- a "Teal New Deal". She is the former Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. She was raised on Beacon Hill in Seattle. *Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of Greater Seattle YMCA, she has re-aligned the organizational structure, she has built a leadership team and has attracted diverse, multi-cultural leaders to the Board of Directors. She has launched an Equity and Justice for all initiative towards becoming an anti racist organization. *Dr. E. Faye Williams Syndicated Columnist, Trice Edney Wire whose column is carried in the Seattle Medium Newspaper. She host a talk show on WPFW in Washington DC. She is the former President of the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW). She will lend her perspective to the current political upheaval in DC. *Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean, Evergreen State College, Tacoma Campus pays tribute to the late Dr. Maxine Mimms the founder of the Tacoma Campus. Dr. Tate Arunga continues to carry out Dr. Mimms legacy of providing community to those often left behind. A Founder's Day celebration will be held on Saturday, March 8. *Bookda Gheisar, Port of Seattle Senior Director, Office of Equity and Social Justice is inviting individuals to the Port of Seattle 2025 Cruise Summer Job Fair that will be held on Saturday, March 8 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Bell Harbor International Conference Center 3rd Floor, 2225 Alaskan Way Seattle 98121. Positions pay $21-26 an hour. Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook. X@Eddie_Rye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 – 9:00 AM Location: Capitol Complex, 2008 RHOB, Washington, DC, 20515, USA Mark Macarro President National Congress of American Indians More on Indianz.Com: https://indianz.com/News/2025/02/24/video-american-indian-and-alaska-native-public-witness-hearing-day-3/

Joe Deere and Sue Masten provide an update on international affairs at the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Deere serves on the Cherokee Nation Council. Masten is a former chair of the Yurok Tribe. Deere and Masten are two of the co-chairs of NCAI's International Committee. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a tribal leaders panel at its executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Leonard Fineday, NCAI Acting Recording Secretary, Secretary/Treasurer of the Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee Jennifer Finley, NCAI Rocky Mountain Regional VP, Tribal Councilwoman at the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Ryman LeBeau, NCAI Great Plains Regional VP, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe The panel was moderated by Geoffrey Blackwell, the general counsel and chief of staff at NCAI. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on education priorities at its executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Julia Wakeford, Policy Director, National Indian Education Association (Moderator) Danelle Springer, Legislative Associate, American Indian Higher Education Consortium Jason Dropik, Executive Director, National Indian Education Association Meagan Beaver, President, National Johnson O'Malley Association Quinton Roman Nose, Executive Director, Tribal Education Departments National Assembly NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on legal priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Oregon) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Hoyle delivered remarks via pre-recorded video. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on tribal law enforcement priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Geoffrey Blackwell, General Counsel and Chief of Staff, NCAI (Moderator) Leonard Forsman, NCAI Northwest Regional VP, President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe Leonard Fineday, NCAI Acting Recording Secretary, Secretary/Treasurer of the Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee Melanie McFalls, Tribal Chairman, Walker River Paiute Tribe NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on economic development priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Jason Giles-Moderator, Executive Director, Indian Gaming Association Cory Blankenship, Executive Director, NARF Derrick Watchman, President and CEO, NCAIED Aurene Martin, Managing Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting LLC NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hears about the Tiwahe Initiative at its executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Crystal Keung, Principal for Whānau Tahi USA Rosa Alvarez, Tribal Council Secretary for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing to “Examine Native Communities' Priorities for the 119th Congress” Date: February 12, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Panel 1 The Honorable Mark Macarro President National Congress of American Indians Washington, DC The Honorable William Smith Chairperson / Alaska Area Representative Valdez Native Tribe / National Indian Health Board Washington DC The Honorable Rodney Butler Board President Native American Financial Officers Association Washington DC Mr. Kerry Bird Board President National Indian Education Association Washington, DC Mr. Kūhiō Lewis Chief Executive Officer Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Kapolei, Hawaii Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/oversight-hearing-to-examine-native-communities-priorities-for-the-119th-congress/

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a Two Spirit panel at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Mel Willie, International Two Spirit Ambassador Tyson Johnson (Moderator),Tribal Council Member, Quinault Indian Nation Elton Naswood ,Executive Director, Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ (2SLGBTQ+) Center for Equity Sedelta Oosahwee, (Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation), Senior Program/Policy Analyst/Specialist, National Education Association Mattie Jim, (Navajo), Board Member Emeritus, Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on healthcare priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS A.C Locklear, Interim Chief Executive Officer, National Indian Health Board Francys Crevier, JD, Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Urban Indian Health Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy and Communications, National Council of Urban Indian Health (Moderator) NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. McCollum serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where she is the ranking Democratic member on the Defense subcommittee. She is also a senior member of the Interior subcommittee. McCollum is also Co-Chair Emeritus of the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

Melody McCoy, an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, addresses the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. McCoy provided an update on the Tribal Supreme Court Project, a joint initiative of NARF and NCAI. NCAI's executive council winter session took in Washington, D.C.

Cole Miller and Kari Jo Lawrence provide a Farm Bill update at the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Miller serves as Chair of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Lawrence is the Chief Executive Officer of the Intertribal Agriculture Council. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minnesota) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum addresses the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Burgum leads the Department of the Interior, the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities. He was confirmed to his post by the U.S. Senate on January 30, 2025. Burgum served eight years as governor of North Dakota prior to being nominated as Secretary by President Donald Trump. Burgum spoke at NCAI's executive council winter session in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Davids is a citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation. She is the only Native woman serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Romero addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Romero serves as Democratic staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She works under Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), the vice chair of the legislative panel. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts an inter-tribal organizations panel at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Geoffrey Blackwell General Counsel and Chief of Staff, NCAI (Moderator) Kitcki Carroll, General Counsel, United South and Eastern Tribes Bryan BainBridge, CEO, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Amber Schulz-Oliver, Executive Director, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Pedro Torres, National Tribal Liaison for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. The NRCS is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro addresses the organization's executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. Macarro serves as Chair of the Pechanga Band of Indians. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

Amber Ebarb addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Ebarb serves as Republican staff director for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She works under Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the chair of the legislative panel. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Schumer is the Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate for the 119th Congress. He delivered remarks via pre-recorded video. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians annual winter conference comes as the federal government is actively dismantling the diversity initiatives that help establish Native representation in the workplace and in the public sphere. The nation's oldest and largest Native advocacy group is shaping its strategy for carrying a unified voice to a fractured government and public on issues that matter most: sovereignty, consultation, environmental sustainability, the Trust Responsibility, and economic development. We'll hear NCAI President Mark Macarro's 2025 State of Indian Nations address and get perspectives on the organization's coming year. You can watch the entire NCAI 2025 State of Indian Nations Address here. GUESTS Tadd Johnson (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa), Regent at the University of Minnesota, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and attorney

Welcome to the Environmental Leadership Chronicles, brought to you by the California Association of Environmental Professionals. In this episode, we're joined by Cynthia R. Harris, Director of the Institute for Environmental Sovereignty at the National Congress of American Indians. A respected leader in environmental law and tribal sovereignty, Cynthia brings deep expertise in climate adaptation, water conservation, and green infrastructure, all while advocating for tribal self-determination.  Before joining NCAI, she led tribal consultation research in California as Director of Tribal Programs at the Environmental Law Institute. With experience in local government, national policy, and leadership roles at the American Bar Association and the National Academies of Sciences, Cynthia offers a unique perspective on the intersection of tribal sovereignty and environmental policy.  At NCAI, the nation's oldest and largest American Indian and Alaska Native organization, she continues to advance tribal governance and environmental justice. Join us as we explore her insights on Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship. Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy! 

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Pallone is the highest ranking Democratic member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts the State of Indian Nations on February 10, 2025. The speech took place at the Washington Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. It serves as the opening of NCAI's executive council winter session. Agenda: * Opening and Blessing: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. and Jack Potter of Redding Rancheria * Native Youth Commission: Madison Brown and Angelina Serna * State of Indian Nations: President Mark Macarro * Congressional Response: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota)

The National Congress of American Indians hosts the State of Indian Nations on February 10, 2025. The speech took place at the Washington Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. It serves as the opening of NCAI's executive council winter session. Agenda: * Opening and Blessing: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. and Jack Potter of Redding Rancheria * Native Youth Commission: Madison Brown and Angelina Serna * State of Indian Nations: President Mark Macarro * Congressional Response: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota)

The National Congress of American Indians hosts the State of Indian Nations on February 10, 2025. The speech took place at the Washington Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. It serves as the opening of NCAI's executive council winter session. Agenda: * Opening and Blessing: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. and Jack Potter of Redding Rancheria * Native Youth Commission: Madison Brown and Angelina Serna * State of Indian Nations: President Mark Macarro * Congressional Response: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota)

The National Congress of American Indians hosts the State of Indian Nations on February 10, 2025. The speech took place at the Washington Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. It serves as the opening of NCAI's executive council winter session. Agenda: * Opening and Blessing: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. and Jack Potter of Redding Rancheria * Native Youth Commission: Madison Brown and Angelina Serna * State of Indian Nations: President Mark Macarro * Congressional Response: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota)

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Woodhouse Nepinak was born and raised in Pinaymootang First Nation, located in the province of Manitoba in Canada. Her ancestor, Chief Richard Woodhouse, was an original signatory of Treaty No. 2. Woodhouse Nepinak began her term as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations on December 7, 2023. She is the youngest woman and mother to hold the position. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

National Congress of American Indians Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. addresses the organization's executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. Wright is a former chairman of the Ponca Tribe. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on tribal taxation and economic policy issues at its executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. PARTICIPANTS: Treasury, Taxation & GWE (General Welfare Exclusion) Shannon Holsey, President, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians Rodney Butler, President, NAFOA & Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Jason Giles, Executive Director, Indian Gaming Association Sam Cohen, Government and Legal Specialist, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Murkowski serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Leonard Peltier will spend the remainder of his prison sentence at home after the 11th-hour action by President Joe Biden. Friends, family and supporters expressed surprise and relief as they heard the news Monday. National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro said Biden's decision comes after "50 years of unjust imprisonment," and is a powerful act of compassion and an important step toward healing.” In December, Macarro personally asked Biden to take action on Peltier's behalf. Among the many advocates for Peltier's release over the past five decades include South African President Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights. We'll hear from Peltier's family and others who have followed his case about what this action means for him and how it will be viewed historically.

Tribal leaders are heading to Washington, D.C. for President Joe Biden's last White House Tribal Nations Summit. The gathering is touted as a chance for tribal representatives to interact with Administration officials and gauge progress and hurdles when it comes to the federal government's trust responsibility. The future of the regular meetings with the executive branch is uncertain. In his previous term, President Donald Trump chose not to convene regular meetings with tribes. We'll get a preview of the upcoming summit and assess the potential for future interactions with the White House. GUESTS Larry Wright Jr. (Ponca Tribe of Nebraska), executive director for National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Kevin Washburn (Chickasaw Nation), dean at the University of Iowa College of Law Levi Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation), publisher and editor of Native News Online and Tribal Business News