Attorney General Merrick Garland addresses the National Congress of American Indians on February 14, 2022.

Garland leads the Department of Justice, whose initiatives include addressing the crisis of missing and murdered people in Indian Country. He spoke at NCAI’s executive council winter session, which took place virtually due to COVID-19.

“The Justice Department is committed to addressing the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous people with the urgency and resources it demands,” Garland said in his remarks.

Additionally, Garland announced the first meeting of the Tribal Nations Leadership Council in more than four years. He said the gathering, consisting of leaders from 12 regions of Indian Country, will take place in the spring.

Garland also said his department supports a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. The measure recognizes the inherent tribal authority of tribes to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes against women and children.

Serving as moderator of the conversation is Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community. He is the recently-elected Secretary of NCAI.

Attorney General Merrick Garland announces meeting of Department of Justice Tribal Nations Leadership Council.

Council is meeting for first time in more than four years, Garland tells National Congress of American Indians.

Meeting takes place in spring. @NCAI1944 #NCAIECWS2022 pic.twitter.com/6GOcFTjeb2

— indianz.com (@indianz) February 14, 2022

Department of Justice supports reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act, Attorney General Merrick Garland tells National Congress of American Indians.

Bipartisan bill S.3623 recognizes inherent tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians in more cases. @NCAI1944 #NCAIECWS2022 pic.twitter.com/ZljklCxzTX

— indianz.com (@indianz) February 14, 2022

National Congress of American Indians hosts winter meeting (February 14, 2022)