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Each year, the President of the National Congress of American Indians presents the State of Indian Nations address to members of Congress, government officials, tribal leaders and citizens, and the American public. Delivered during the week that the President of the United States delivers the State of the Union, the State of Indian Nations is a speech that shares the positive and future-oriented vision of tribal nations. The speech outlines the goals of tribal leaders, the opportunities for success and advancement of Native peoples, and priorities to advance our nation-to-nation relationship with the United States.
The speech is delivered to a live studio audience in Washington, DC and broadcast across the nation and around the globe to policymakers, citizens, and students. Recent speeches have reached audiences of over 20,000 people. The speech reflects on the state of our nation-to-nation relationship and offers concrete recommendations where Congress and the Administration can partner more closely with tribal nations.
To facilitate direct engagement between Congress and tribal nations, a member of Congress is invited each year to deliver a Congressional response to the State of Indian Nations. Previous Congressional speakers have included Senator Maria Cantwell, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Representative Tom Cole, among others. The event concludes with a live, interactive Q&A session with the audience, press, and those engaging via social media.
Looking Back on the State of Indian Nations
2023
President Fawn Sharp
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Congressional Response
Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA)
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2022
President Fawn Sharp
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Congressional Response
Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS)
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2021
President Fawn Sharp
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Congressional Response
Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK)
2020
President Fawn Sharp
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Congressional Response
Congresswoman Debra Haaland (NM)
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2019
President Jefferson Keel
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Congressional Response
Congresswoman Debra Haaland (NM)
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2018
President Jefferson Keel
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Congressional Response
Senator Udall (NM)
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2017
President Brian Cladoosby
"The Power of Partnership"
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Congressional Response
Senator Hoeven (ND)
2016
President Brian Cladoosby
"Promise and Progress"
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Congressional Response
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN)
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2015
President Brian Cladoosby
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2014
President Brian Cladoosby
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2013
President Jefferson Keel
"Successful Tribes, Successful America"
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Read the report: Securing Our Futures >
2012
President Jefferson Keel
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Read the report: Our America >
2011
President Jefferson Keel
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Read the report: Toward A New Era >
2010
President Jefferson Keel
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Read the report: We Still Stand Strong >
2009
President Joe A. Garcia
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Read the report: Embassy of Tribal Nations >
2008
President Joe A. Garcia
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Read the report: Protecting Sovereignty in the Past, Present, and Future >
2007
President Joe A. Garcia
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2006
President Joe A. Garcia
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Read the report: The Strength of Our Nation: Honoring the Past, Present and Future >
2005
President Tex G. Hall
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2004
President Tex G. Hall
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2003
President Tex G. Hall
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