Two highly controversial proposed constitutional amendments that would have removed state recognized tribes from full members status to associate members of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) went down in defeat on Thursday at the country’s largest national Native American organization. One amendment would have limited NCAI membership to federally recognized tribes, and only citizens of federally recognized tribes will be eligible for an individual Indian membership. A second amendment would have ensured NCAI board members and regional vice presidents are citizens of federally recognized tribes.
There are currently two proposals to amend the constitution of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) which would remove state-recognized tribes from membership. NCAI, which was established in 1944 to bring UNITY to the many tribal nations, is at a crossroads. During my speech to the general assembly I stressed how these amendments are the beginning of a slippy slope for NCAI.
One of the most controversial and devisive issues facing the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in years will be voted on this week at the largest Native American national organization’s 80th Annual Convention and Marketplace convening at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center meeting in New Orleans. Members will vote on Thursday on two separate constitutional amendments that will restrict voting rights to those from federally recognized tribes versus state recognized tribes. One amendment will limit NCAI membership to federally recognized tribes, and only citizens of federally recognized tribes will be eligible for an individual Indian membership.