Kalle Benallie
ICT
With the unpredictable and chaotic nature of American politics, National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro was adamant that tribes should remember their power and protect tribal citizens, while giving the 2026 State of Indian Nations address on Feb. 9.
“We are sovereign tribal nations, and we will never back down,” Macarro said.
The speech, which was Macarro’s third, outlines priorities for the tribal advocacy organization and is given at the start of NCAI’s Executive Council Winter Session in Washington, D.C.
Macarro, who is also chairman of the Pechanga Band of Indians, said full funding for healthcare, education, housing, infrastructure, law enforcement, and disaster relief must be given for Indigenous communities.
“For Congress to fulfill the United States trust responsibility to Indian Country, the entire tribal budget must be funded. An annual non-competitive based budget, or give our stolen lands back. Let’s state this truth clearly. There is enough. There has always been enough. The only scarcity is political will,” Macarro said.
Macarro reiterated that tribes need to come together to meet the moment.
“Let’s walk forward together in unity, in strength, and abundance, and commit to one another that we will not just survive this moment. We will shape it,” he said.
Traditionally, a member of Congress gives a response to the State of Indian Nations. This year, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, a Minnesota Democrat, was afforded the opportunity. Smith was previously recognized by the organization in 2024 when she was awarded the Congressional Leadership Award for her dedication to Indian Country.
Despite being set to retire at the end of her term later this year, Smith vowed to continue to fight on behalf of tribes in the halls of Congress.
“I will work as hard as I can on food sovereignty in the Farm Bill, to pass the Protect Act, and to address the critical housing shortage in Native communities. I will push, relentlessly, the federal government to uphold its trust and treaty obligations, and to meet those obligations, and to honor your sovereignty,” Smith said.
Smith added the recent ICE activity in Minnesota has been affecting all citizens including Indigenous people who are being detained or questioned about their U.S. citizenship.
“This U.S. Constitution recognizes, it does not create, it recognizes tribal nations, inherent sovereignty, and the rights to govern yourselves. The sovereignty is not created by the United States or our treaties or our constitution. It is inherent, and it is fundamental,” Smith said. “And it is the starting place for all of our mutual agreements, and treaties, and obligations. And it cannot be abrogated by any leader.”
NCAI presented Smith with a blanket to thank her for her service.
Co-presidents of the NCAI Youth Commission Jonas Kanusha and Angelina Serna also spoke at the State of Indian Nations. Kanusha said Native students should not have to carry their tribal ID’s or passports on campuses when they are on the way to class.
“Our Native youths go to college to learn, to grow, and to bring back knowledge back to their communities, not to be treated as suspects in their own homelands. We stand in solidarity with all students who are living in fear, and we call all institutions and policy makers to ensure that campuses remain safe spaces for learning and community, not sites of intimidation,” Kanusha, Oneida and Turtle Mountain, said.
Serna, Oneida and Turtle Mountain, honored former American Indian Gaming Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., who was a vice president at NCAI. At the 2025 NCAI Annual Convention, the Youth Commission renamed their Youth Warrior Ward in his honor.
“His loss has affected us deeply, but his legacy will live on through the NCAI Youth Commission, and through every youth leader who steps forward, knowing that they belong in these spaces because Chairman Stevens believed in us. We carry his vision forward by continuing to invest in youth, protect their voices, and create pathways for them to lead,” Serna said.
Kanusha said reductions in staffing and resources in tribal colleges and universities are affecting resources for Native youth like mentors, mental health services and financial support.
In response, a 2025 mid-year resolution titled “Upholding Trust and Treaty Obligations for Higher Education Access” was passed this year.
“Our students deserve better than broken promises,” Kanusha said. “This crucial legislation declares our opposition to harmful cuts to Pell Grant funding and eligibility and reaffirms our commitment to supporting higher education for Native students.”
Kanusha and Serna outlined priority initiatives for this year as: financial literacy, land and water protection, community and relationship building. Some other actions they are working on include substance abuse issues and reclamations of Indigenous languages.
“These priorities will guide the youth commission’s work as we continue to advocate for the next generation. But our youth cannot do this work alone. We need the strengthened wisdom of our communities to guide us through,” Kanusha said.
Executive Director of NCAI, Larry Wright Jr., Ponca, closed the event by thanking tribal leadership’s dedication to self-determination and protecting tribal sovereignty.
“When we stand together, we amplify our voice, hold decision makers accountable, and ensure that the rights, cultures, and futures of our nations remain protected,” Wright said. “Let us move forward with purpose, honoring those who came before us while building pathways of opportunity, safety, and prosperity for those who will follow.”
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