NCAI often releases policy papers on key topics, legislation, and milestones related to Indian Country. These policy papers are provided to inform tribal leaders, the general public, and members of the media about these aspects of NCAI’s work
Most Recent Policy Papers
Reform to The General Mining Law of 1872
Mar 08, 2023
2019 Annual Wrap Up
National Congress of American Indians 2019 Annual Convention Wrap Up | Albuquerque, NM
Nov 18, 2019
2019 NCAI Annual Convention Policy Update
National Congress of American Indians 2019 NCAI Annual Convention Policy Update | Albuquerque, NM
Oct 24, 2019
2018-2019 NCAI Annual Report
Legacy in Motion: Building Momentum for the Future
Oct 17, 2019
2019 Mid Year Wrap Up
2019 Mid Year Wrap Up
Aug 08, 2019
VAWA Toolkit Speak Out & Act Now!
Speak Out & Act Now! Advocating for the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: A Toolkit for Tribal Nations
Aug 02, 2019
Tribal Juvenile Justice Background & Recommendations
This document contains references to the historic and current trauma experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native youth and may be difficult for some readers. Despite the many challenges confronting tribal youth that are detailed in this report, the resilience that Native peoples have demonstrated for millennia makes us hopeful for the future.
May 02, 2019
2018 NCAI Mid Year Policy Update
Indian Country’s strong voice and tireless advocacy on the issues that impact our tribal communities will be crucial. Working together, we can advance tribal priorities that will ultimately improve the lives and well-being of tribal citizens. At NCAI, we are humbled for the continued partnership and support as we conduct our advocacy on behalf of Indian Country.
Jun 06, 2018
Tribal Workforce Development: A Decision-Framing Toolkit
NCAI's Partnership for Tribal Governance (PTG) is pleased to announce the release of its new Tribal Workforce Development toolkit for tribal leaders and key decision-makers! Check out the toolkit here, and connect with PTG for guidance on how your nations can use it!
Jun 06, 2018
VAWA 2013's Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction Five-Year Report
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has released a new report summarizing results of the first five years of tribal government-expanded criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians under the tribal provisions of the 2013 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA 2013).
Mar 20, 2018
2018 Executive Council Winter Session Policy Update
Indian Country’s strong voice and tireless advocacy on the issues that impact our tribal communities will be crucial. Working together, we can advance tribal priorities that will ultimately improve the lives and well-being of tribal citizens. At NCAI, we are humbled for the continued partnership and support as we conduct our advocacy on behalf of Indian Country.
Feb 12, 2018
2016-2017 Annual Report: "We Are Strong Nations"
EVERYTHING THE POWER OF THE WORLD DOES IS DONE IN A CIRCLE. In the old days all our power came to us from the sacred hoop of the nation; and so long as the hoop was unbroken, People flourished.
Oct 16, 2017
2017 Annual Policy Update
This year has shown how important it is for Indian Country to have a strong voice and advocacy strategy on those issues that impact our tribal communities. It takes all of us – Tribal Nations, NCAI, our regional partners, issue organizations, and members to ensure that tribal priorities are advanced at the tribal, federal, state and local level.
Oct 16, 2017
NCAI Comments Submitted to DOI Supporting National Monuments
Jul 10, 2017
2017 Mid Year Policy Update
January of 2017 marked the beginning of the Trump Administration and the 115th Congress and the first time both the Congress and the White House have been Republican-controlled in a decade. Presidential transitions always have an impact on policy, not only in the Administration but also in the Congress, as early legislative priorities are often centered on action around the President’s goals for the first 100 days in office. This has been the case as most of the major policy initiatives have centered on priorities put forth by the President during the campaign and in filling key Cabinet positions.
Jun 10, 2017
NCAI Comments for Review of Certain National Monuments Established Since 1996
May 26, 2017
NCAI Analysis of the FY 2018 President's Budget
This broadcast provides a preliminary analysis of the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget request, highlighting impacts on funding for Indian programs. Appropriations committees have already held hearings on the outline of the proposals. NCAI urges tribal leaders to review the proposals in the President’s budget and voice support for tribal programs with direct communication to the Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee leadership and members in both the House and Senate.
May 24, 2017
NCAI Infrastructure in Indian Country Report
The following initial report presents a data-supported sampling of the nature and gravity of the unmet infrastructure needs that Indian Country currently faces, and the vast economic promise that Tribal Nations can unlock when properly resourced and properly equipped with the right instruments for self-determined, effective action. It is intended to serve as foundational context for the emerging dialogue between Tribal Nations and the new Administration and Congress about how best to revitalize and empower the infrastructure of Indian Country and the nation as a whole, and the seminal role that Tribal Nations can and should play as primary decision-making partners in this process.
Apr 06, 2017
Annual 2016 Policy Update
This Policy Update was released October 2016.
Oct 14, 2016
July 2016 Policy Update
This "Policy Update" was released July 2016.