National Congress of American Indians

Types

Public & Non-Profit Non-Government Organizations Human Rights Organizations

About National Congress of American Indians

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) operates as a comprehensive advocacy and policy development organization headquartered in Washington, DC, specializing in government relations and tribal governance matters. Since its establishment in 1944, NCAI has maintained a focused expertise in protecting and advancing tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and governance structures across Indian Country. The organization serves as a dedicated forum for unified policy development among tribal governments, leveraging consensus-driven approaches to address complex government affairs affecting Native communities.

NCAI's service offerings encompass extensive government advocacy, policy research, and legislative engagement. Through its Policy Research Center, established in 2003, the organization provides tribally driven data analysis and policy solutions that inform decision-making at federal and national levels. The organization actively engages in issue advocacy, educational campaigns, and programmatic initiatives designed to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship between tribal governments and U.S. government entities. NCAI's membership-driven structure allows it to represent diverse tribal interests through official delegates participating in executive council meetings, mid-year conferences, and annual conventions where policy positions are established through democratic resolution processes.

With a membership base comprising American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, tribal citizens, and supporting organizations, NCAI maintains deep expertise in government policy matters, federal trust responsibilities, and tribal economic development. The organization's work in Washington, DC positions it as a strategic resource for tribes seeking to navigate complex federal regulations, protect inherent rights, and advance community interests through coordinated governmental advocacy.