Native America Calling: 2026 State of Indian Nations

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Native America Calling: 2026 State of Indian Nations

Monday, February 9, 2026

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2026 State of Indian Nations

The past year has seen Leonard Peltier’s release from prison, record revenue from casinos and other economic development, and the addition of a new federally recognized tribe.

The year also has seen major upheaval in federal funds and staff that directly affect Indian Country. Looking ahead, tribes are navigating the potential loss of lucrative federal contracts and indications that consultation and treaty rights are taking a back seat.

Tune in to get the annual status update from President Mark Macarro of the National Congress of American Indians. Macarro delivers the State of Indian Nations as NCAI opens its executive council winter session in Washington, D.C.

National Congress of American Indians: 2026 State of Indian Nations

Mark Macarro, the chairman of the Pechanga Band of Indians in California, serves as president of the National Congress of American Indians, the oldest and largest inter-tribal advocacy organization in the United States. Photo by Indianz.Com (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Guests on Native America Calling

Dr. Renae Ditmer (Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians), journalist and independent economic development consultant