National Congress of American Indians

Protect Tribal Sovereignty. Fuel Native Power. Give to NCAI.

Tribal Nations face coordinated threats—from underfunded health systems to legal attacks on sovereignty, sacred lands, and voting rights. Yet they also hold the answers. Since 1944, the National Congress of American Indians has been the unified voice for those answers. Built by Tribal Nations, for Tribal Nations.

Giving to NCAI means investing in the legal defense, policy leadership, and national infrastructure that protects and advances the rights of 574 sovereign nations.

We are not a charity. We are a force. We don’t just respond to threats — we shape the future, assert our inherent rights, and elevate Tribal leadership to the national and global stage.

On Native Nonprofit Day, support the long game. Support NCAI.

Our History: Why We Exist

In 1944, Tribal Nations faced the threat of termination, and Native civil rights were under assault. In response, Tribal leaders came together to form the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)—an institution to protect Tribal Nations and the rights of Native peoples.

At our founding Convention on November 18, 1944, delegates passed 18 resolutions that became the foundation of our work. These focused on sovereignty, civil rights, and political recognition. Two urgent goals emerged:

• Establishing a commission for Tribal Nations to pursue land claims

• Securing voting rights for Native peoples in states like New Mexico and Arizona

Read more on our founding

Our Work Today

Because of NCAI and generations of Native leadership, Tribal Nations and Native peoples have made hard-won progress—but the work is far from over. Today, we continue to:

• Protect treaty rights and civil liberties
• Preserve cultures and languages
• Advocate for Tribal-led economic development
• Defend voting rights and Native representation
• Support Native youth, veterans, and future generations

Our members take action every day to build a strong, sovereign, and self-determined future for Indian Country.

Join Us

On Native Nonprofit Day — and every day — your gift to NCAI is a stand for sovereignty, justice, and Native power. Give now and walk with us as we continue this work for the next seven generations.