NCAI President Makes First State of Indian Nations Address

By Isaac White.

Mark Macarro, the president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians in Temecula, California, delivered his first State of Indian Nations speech in front of a live audience at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. This address, resonating with hope, unity, and the unwavering spirit of Indigenous peoples, marks a pivotal chapter in the ongoing journey toward sovereignty, justice, and the preservation of cultural integrity.

Macarro’s address featured an acknowledgment of the original stewards of the land, the Nacotchank/Anacostian Nation, and their neighbors, the Piscataway people, setting the tone for a discourse that intertwined respect for ancestral wisdom with forward-looking aspirations. This acknowledgment was more than a formality; it was a profound recognition of the deep-rooted connections Indigenous peoples have with their lands and the foundational values that continue to guide their communities.

Macarro’s speech was imbued with personal reflections and historical parallels, drawing on his own lineage and the storied past of Indian Country to underscore the resilience of Native nations. The narrative of his father, Sonny, a state corrections officer whose life and untimely death symbolized the complex interplay of justice, sacrifice, and community, served as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples.

The address outlined three major initiatives that NCAI will focus on in 2024, emphasizing public safety, tribal membership integrity, and political engagement. The call for a National Public Safety and Justice Summit underscores the critical need to address the dual challenges of over-policing in urban Indigenous communities and under-policing on reservations. Macarro’s narrative highlighted the stark disparities in law enforcement resources and the dire consequences of such imbalances, particularly in the face of the opioid crisis that has ravaged many Native communities.

Macarro has illuminated a path forward for Indian Country with three key initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues facing Native communities. These initiatives underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform and engagement across various fronts to ensure the safety, integrity, and political empowerment of Indigenous peoples.

National Public Safety and Justice Summit

Macarro’s call for a National Public Safety and Justice Summit is a response to the alarming disparities in law enforcement within Indian Country. With only 3,000 officers responsible for patrolling 56 million acres, many Native communities are left vulnerable, underserved, and exposed to high rates of crime without adequate protection. This initiative seeks to catalyze a national conversation, bringing together tribal leaders, federal, state, and local authorities to address the complex challenges of jurisdiction, law enforcement needs, and the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on tribal lands.

This summit represents a critical step towards acknowledging and addressing the dual issues of over-policing in urban Indian communities and the dire under-policing on reservations. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the aim is to develop comprehensive strategies that can enhance public safety, ensure justice, and support the healing and resilience of Native communities.

“This is why my first call is for NCAI to host a National Public Safety and Justice Summit where we can engage in deep discussions about jurisdictional and law enforcement needs on our Tribal lands and police brutality in our urban Tribal communities.

The injustices of over-policing and over-incarceration must be addressed and remedied. The chronic underfunding and under-resourcing of law enforcement on tribal lands needs to end.

This conversation will also include the fentanyl and opioid crisis. The crisis knows no boundaries or borders, so our dialogue can’t just include tribal leaders but also federal, state, county, and community leaders affected by this epidemic.”

Task Force on Tribal Membership Integrity

The formation of a task force focused on the integrity of tribal membership is a testament to the importance of identity, belonging, and community within Indian Country. This initiative emerges from the need to navigate the complexities surrounding tribal membership and to foster a culture of education, healing, and mutual respect among Native nations. By addressing the amendment votes from previous gatherings, this task force will work to strengthen the unity and collective identity of Indigenous peoples, ensuring that the voices and rights of all members are honored and protected.

This effort also extends to embracing the diverse experiences and challenges of Alaska Native communities, highlighting the significance of dialogue on issues such as climate change, commercial fishing policies, and environmental protection. This inclusive approach reflects a commitment to unity and strength through diversity, recognizing the interconnectedness of all Indigenous peoples and the shared responsibility to safeguard their rights and cultures.

Native Vote Roundtable

The emphasis on political engagement through the convening of a Native Vote roundtable underscores the transformative power of the Native vote. In recognizing every vote as a pivotal force for shaping the future, this initiative aims to amplify Indian Country’s political voice and ensure unimpeded access to the ballot. This is a call to action for Indigenous peoples to actively participate in the democratic process, advocating for their rights, interests, and the well-being of their communities.

Through collective engagement and advocacy, the Native Vote roundtable seeks to empower Native Americans, highlighting the critical role they play in influencing elections, policy-making, and the broader political landscape. This initiative is a crucial step towards elevating the voices of Indigenous peoples within the political arena, fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Macarro’s vision extends beyond immediate challenges, urging Indian Country to look forward to the next decade and beyond. He envisions a legacy built on unity, purpose, and action, drawing inspiration from the foundational principles of NCAI and the collective strength of Tribal Nations. This forward-looking perspective is not just about overcoming present obstacles but about shaping a future where Indigenous communities thrive, retaining their sovereignty, culture, and rights.

The address concluded with a call to honor the sacrifices of past generations by continuing the fight for justice, sovereignty, and the protection of Indigenous lands and peoples. Macarro emphasized the importance of storytelling, both as a means of preserving history and as a tool for education and advocacy. By sharing the stories of their past, Indigenous peoples can combat invisibility and ensure their experiences are acknowledged and respected.

Macarro closed out his address with a strong message of hope for the future of Native people:

“Finally, envisioning the legacy that we forge for our future will guide my tenure as President of the NCAI.

I want that legacy to mirror the endurance of our spirit. The resilience of our cultures. The strength that has defined our people for millennia.

We’re empowered and energized. And our legacy will remain strong— for decades to come. To justice in all its forms. May the Creator watch over all of us. Thank you.”

The 2024 State of Indian Nations address by Mark Macarro stands as a testament to the resilience, unity, and hope of Indigenous peoples. It challenges Indian Country and its allies to engage in collective action, address systemic inequalities, and work towards a future where the rights and voices of Native nations are fully recognized and respected. As we reflect on Macarro’s words and the path laid out for Indian Country, it is clear that the journey ahead is not only about confronting challenges but about forging a legacy of strength, dignity, and enduring sovereignty for future generations.