Podcasts about ncai

Ben Smith, the acting director of the Indian Health Service, addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 21, 2025. Smith is a citizen of the Navajo Nation. He is a career employee of the IHS, previously serving as deputy director of the agency, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. Smith spoke at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 21, 2025. Davids is a citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation. She is the only Democratic tribal member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Davids delivered a video message at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 21, 2025. Schatz serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for the 119th Congress. He delivered a video message at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 21, 2025. Murkowski serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for the 119th Congress. She delivered a video message at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 21, 2025. Mullin, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is the only Native American in the U.S. Senate. He serves on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Mullin delivered a video message at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

  Inside the Anchorage hotels sheltering those displaced by storm   100+ winter clothing items, $15k donated during NCAI convention drive  

  NM takes lead to investigate forced sterilization of women   Native vote, lifetime achievement awards take center stage at NCAI  

  Tribes comment on Trump plan for hydropower projects   Native youth gather for NCAI convention in Seattle this week   On this day in 1895, Nez Perce tribe opens up reservation to settlers  

  Native woman released from ICE custody after 'clerical error'   CRIT acknowledges Colorado River has same rights as tribal members   NCAI annual convention and marketplace kicks off in Seattle  

James Crawford, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs at the Department of Transportation, addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 17, 2025. Crawford is a citizen of the Forest County Potawatomi Community, a federally recognized tribe in Wisconsin. He is the second person to serve as Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs, a position that was created by an act of Congress. Crawford spoke at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

Deb Haaland, the Democratic candidate for governor of New Mexico, addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 17, 2025. Haaland is a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, a federally recognized tribe in New Mexico. She was the first Native person to serve in a presidential cabinet, having been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the first Native person to lead the Department of the Interior. She also was one of the first two Native women to serve in the U.S. Congress. Haaland spoke at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

Mark Cruz, Senior Adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 17, 2025. Cruz is a citizen of the Klamath Tribes, headquartered in Oregon. He advises Secretary Kennedy on Indian policy issues at the Department of Health and Human Services. Cruz spoke at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

United States Treasurer Brandon Beach addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 17, 2025. Beach was appointed to his position at the Department of the Treasury by President Donald Trump. He began service on May 5, 2025. Beach spoke at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

Peggy Flanagan addresses the National Congress of American Indians on November 17, 2025. Flanagan is a citizen of the White Earth Nation, a federally recognized tribe in Minnesota. She is the first Native person to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. She is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, seeking to be the first Native woman in the chamber. Flanagan spoke at NCAI's 82nd annual convention in Seattle, Washington.

  New DV study seeks to shed light on brain injury impact   Yup'ik glossary with behaviorial health terms sent to Alaska providers   NCAI welcomes federal reopening, depending on ACA extension  

The National Congress of American Indians pays tribute to the late Ernie Stevens, Jr., the longtime chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. Stevens was a citizen of the Oneida Nation from Wisconsin. He passed away on September 26, 2025. He was 66 years old.  "Ernie was a tireless advocate for tribal nations," NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr., a citizen of the Ponca Tribe, said on September 29, 2025. "He was a bridge builder whose leadership elevated Indian Country and whose generosity lifted up so many of us," Wright said.  "We lost a warrior and diplomat on Friday in Ernie Stevens, Jr.," said NCAI President Mark Macarro, the chairman of the Pechanga Band of Indians. Wright and Macarro spoke at the beginning of a webinar hosted by NCAI to discuss the looming shutdown of the federal government.

  Burgum, Bondi visit Alcatraz as Native activists push back on plan   Some tribal stations may close after Trump claws back CPB funding   NCAI opposes Trump's revival of 'racist mascots' in DC, Cleveland  

  FBI surges search for missing teen from Crow reservation   NCAI mid-year convention features federal grant reduction stories  

Today, Native people serve in the United States military at five times the national average yet are often overlooked and underrepresented in policy-making decisions affecting veterans as a whole. In this episode of The Sentinel, we mark the 30th anniversary of the NCAI Veterans Committee, established in 1995 to advocate for and address the unique needs of Native veterans. We are honored to be joined by the three current Co-Chairs of the NCAI Veterans Committee and NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. Together, they reflect on their military service, share their experiences as Native veterans, and discuss the Committee's vision and priorities for the future.  

In this episode of The Sentinel, we explore the Land Back movement, an effort led by American Indian and Alaska Native people to restore traditional homelands to Tribal Nations. The goal of this movement is not only to reclaim property stolen from Native communities, but to restore stewardship and sovereignty over ancestral lands. While we share recent successes and highlights, we also examine the deep historical roots and ongoing struggles of this movement.   Raphael Wahwassuck, Tribal Council Member and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, joins us to discuss the recent return of 1,500 acres of land, remedying two centuries of injustice and dispossession for his tribe. He shares the long history of this issue for his tribe and how other Tribal Nations can learn from the Prairie Band Potawatomi's advocacy and experience on this issue.  

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.

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 legal priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. 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.

  NARF still concerned about Trump funding cuts despite freeze   NCAI youth summit tackles top issues with next generation of leaders   CSKT testing deer herds after CWD detected on Flathead Reservation  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

  Communities honor Bering Air crash victims as NTSB probes cause   Nome, Unalakleet communities mourn 10 victims of Bering Air crash   'It's time to speak up': Macarro delivers annual NCAI address   Buffy Sainte-Marie stripped of her Order of Canada honor  

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.

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.

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

Federal prosecutors have attempted to tie Indigenous political prisoner Leonard Peltier to the murder of fellow AIM activist, Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash. It is a frequent allegation that has relied on weak evidence and the charges of paid federal informants. In this episode, TRN Podcast co-host Nick Estes (@nickwestes) looks at several sources of information from key Indigenous activists who knew Leonard Peltier and Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash to the FBI's own knowledge of her murder at the time it happened and federal prosecutors' initial hesitancy to take up the case. Learn more here from a lecture by Ernesto Vigil at the University of Denver on May 6, 2023. Watch the video edition on The Red Nation Podcast YouTube channel The Red Nation Podcast is sustained by comrades and supporters like you. Power our work here: www.patreon.com/redmediapr ------ Below is the text of Hank Adams' 2020 Facebook post, shortly before his passing: Note: Adams is responding to a 2016 APTN article in which Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde apologizes to Anna Mae Aquash's family. December 14, 2020 Intellectually dishonest hate-monger Paul DeMain has reignited his campaign to assure denial of any Executive Clemency to LEONARD PELTIER, 76, at any time before Leonard's next scheduled Parole Hearing in Year 2024 with a continued misuse and abuse of the December 1975 gunshot death of ANNA MAE AQUASH and the unconscionable exploitation of Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash's children. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde makes significant points in this 2016 article in which the 1975 Aquash death became the center point in President Barack Obama's decision to deny Clemency to Peltier: “I regret that my statement caused some hurt and pain and I apologize for the pain I caused her [Denise Maloney Pictou] and her family,” said Bellegarde. “That wasn't my intent.” Bellegarde said he still would like to see Peltier freed. He said the case is a separate issue from AIM's execution of Aquash. “I called for that (Peltier's release) because there is an injustice there,” said Bellegarde. “So I will continue to advocate for that.” Bellegarde said two previous AFN national chiefs have made the same call which is also backed by Amnesty International and prominent individuals like the Dalai Lama. Peltier was extradited from Canada to the U.S. in December 1976. Warren Allmand, Canada's solicitor general at the time of Peltier's extradition, has since stated the F.B.I submitted false information to have Peltier extradited." DeMain's posting of Aquash daughter Denise Maloney Pictou's December 12, 2020, renewed accusations against Leonard Peltier and DeMain's hated AIM organization [re-Posted here in Comment 1] are the beginning of a campaign to assure that 2020 President-Elect Joe Biden will not grant Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier. In death and posthumously, Anna Mae has been made a sainted heroine. But between 1972 and November 14, 1975, Anna Mae's ways were AIM's ways. AIM's ways - good and bad - were without qualification or reservation Anna Mae's ways, by choice. At NCAI in November, American Indian Press Association's (AIPA) Richard LaCourse told me of his meeting with Dennis Banks, Leonard Peltier, Kamook Banks, and Anna Mae just before his coming to Portland for NCAI.. Anna Mae then had indicated no distress nor given any indication that she was being held prisoner or against her will. On November 14, 1975, the four AIM "leaders" only broke apart because of the Ontario, Oregon stopping of their [Marlon Brando] recreational vehicle by armed Oregon police. A couple days later, Leonard Peltier was transported (through Franks Landing) from Portland into British Columbia (by associates of mine, who did not inform me then of their activity). He spent the next month in the locale he was taken to and remained incommunicado with U.S. colleagues until later, at least until he traveled to Small Boy's camp in Alberta, Canada. That is where the RCMP and FBI picked up on Leonard - long after Anna Mae Aquash's death in the second week of December 1975. Memorandum in the FBI's Denver Office dated as early as December 19, 1975 disclosed Anna Mae Aquash had been killed - although the FBI would feign ignorance of the death and the corpse identity for more than the next three months. The December 1975 memos identified the killers as John "Boy" Graham, Arlo Looking Cloud, and Theda Nelson Clarke - although none of the three were indicted through the next 28 years. The Looking Cloud trial was held in December 2004; Graham's in 2010 - lapses of 29 and 35 years. Theda Nelson - a likely FBI Informant in December 1975 - (on mental competency findings) did not go to trial. Clark died at age 87 in 2011. Although a lead prosecutor opened the Leonard Peltier trial in Fargo, North Dakota on March 16, 1977 declaring: "AIM is not on trial."; both AIM and Leonard Peltier were made the main 'defendants' in the 2004 and 2010 trials for the killing of Anna Mae Aquash! If there was ever a case where all parties - prosecution, defense and all witnesses - acted in friendly collusion to 'convict' undefended and absent non-parties [1st Leonard Peltier; 2nd AIM] - the Looking Cloud and Graham trials were such cases. The fodder for the trial's conspiratorial claptrap largely was wrung from the mind and imagination of Paul DeMain in his relentless vendetta against AIM leaders and most creatively against Leonard Peltier. Many of his unsubstantiated claims were rejected by author Steven Hendricks when writing "The Unquiet Grave" (2007). DeMain "Timelines" for Anna Mae Pictou have since focused on the AIM Convention in New Mexico just prior to the Jumping Bull Compound deaths of FBI Agents on Pine Ridge on June 26, 1975 leading to the 1977 life sentence convictions of Peltier. The design is intended to prejudice considerations against any grant of parole or clemency for Peltier. Canada's Assembly of First Nation is correct in declaring the "execution" of Anna Mae Aquash and the pursuit of "freedom" for Leonard Peltier on compassionate and humanitarian grounds are "separate issues." They are correct in continuing their support for Executive Clemency through offices of both the Canadian Prime Minister and any U.S. President. What satisfaction can President Elect Biden derive from side-stepping all humanitarian and compassionate considerations for Leonard Peltier through a first term, deferring any favorable consideration to the scheduled Parole Hearing in 2024? The Pardons Office of a bureaucratic and prejudiced Justice Department housing the FBI has already failed the last four Presidents of the United States in this matter! Will retribution finally end if Leonard Peltier is still alive in 2024 and then 80 years old? Indians of Western Washington who transported Leonard Peltier to Canada on or about November 17, 1975, and Indians of British Columbia who hosted and concealed him for the next month or until beyond when the FBI first was informed of Anna Mae's death and the identity of her killers can attest to Leonard's movements and communications (record) that wholly absolve Leonard Peltier of any direct or indirect role in the December 1975 murder of Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash.