The National Congress of American Indians hosts the State of Indian Nations on February 12, 2024.

The event opened with an honor song by Lance Fisher (Northern Cheyenne) and Giovanna Gross (Oglala Lakota). The pair performed a Cheyenne veterans song.

Following an introduction by NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. (Ponca), Mark Macarro, the chairman of the Pechanga Band of Indians, delivered the State of Indian Nations. The speech is his first address since winning election as president of NCAI, the largest inter-tribal advocacy organization in the U.S.

Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) delivered a video response to the State of Indian Nations from a U.S. Congressional perspective. She is the first Alaska Native person to serve in the U.S. Congress.

Finally, NCAI Youth Commission Co-Presidents Caleb Dash (Salt River Pima-Maricopa) and Yanenowi Logan (Seneca) delivered a response from a youth perspective.

The State of Indian Nations took place at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. The event kicks off NCAI’s executive council winter session, being held February 12-15 in the nation’s capital.