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- By Levi Rickert
WASHINGTON — Hundreds of tribal leaders gathered on Monday morning to hear the annual State of Indian Nations address delivered by National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Mark Macarro, the longtime tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians in Southern California, at the kickoff of the organization’s Winter Executive Council Session, setting a determined and urgent tone for the year ahead.
Macarro highlighted the historical struggles and enduring resilience of Native communities, stressing the need for a unified national movement to protect tribal sovereignty and the critical importance of sustained federal funding for tribal programs. He called for collective action, strategic advocacy, and expanded public education to ensure that Native rights are not only respected but fully upheld. His remarks carried a clear message: the challenges facing Indian Country require solidarity, vigilance, and bold leadership at every level.
Macarro reminded tribal leaders that the sovereignty of tribal nations predated the formation of the United States, grounding his speech in history and inherent rights.
“Long, long before there was a United States, there were sovereign tribal nations, governments with laws, languages, economies and lands shaped by the tens of thousands of years on this continent. Our sovereignty was not created by treaties nor granted by Congress. It is inherent and existed before colonization. Treaties did not give us sovereignty. They recognized it. The Constitution did not define us. It acknowledged us,” Macarro said.
He underscored the vital role of the National Congress of American Indians in unifying and empowering tribal nations, urging both youth and elders to lead, mentor, and strengthen the movement across generations. He emphasized that intergenerational leadership is essential to safeguarding culture, language, and governance systems that have endured for millennia.
During his address, Macarro referenced the strong presence of federal immigration officers who have detained and harassed Native Americans, raising alarm about the broader implications for civil rights and tribal citizens.
“Make no mistake, we stand in unity with all of our relatives in Minnesota,” Macarro said.
As he concluded his address, he again stressed the need for tribal nations to walk together in unity, framing solidarity as both a moral responsibility and a strategic necessity.
“We are the first people of this continent. We are sovereign tribal nations, and we will never back down. So 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,” Macarro said as he closed his address.
Macarro further referenced the threats posed by federal immigration enforcement activities, particularly recent operations in Minnesota and the impact of federal immigration officers in the Twin Cities region. He characterized these developments as a stark reminder of the need to defend Native citizens’ rights and assert tribal authority.
Each year, a member of Congress delivers a congressional response following the NCAI president’s address. This year’s response was given by retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), who serves on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized tribes, making the state a significant voice in national tribal policy discussions.
Smith referenced the controversial immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota — officially called Operation Metro Surge — and described the fear and disruption experienced by local communities.
“In my home state of Minnesota, federal immigration police have been roaming our streets detaining, arresting, assaulting, and even killing our citizens,” Smith said.
Smith recounted visiting PowWow Grounds Coffee on Franklin Street in Minneapolis, where Native American mobile patrols are headquartered. She praised the resilience, organization, and activism of Native communities, highlighting recent incidents in which ICE agents were confronted and community members mobilized to protect one another.
Smith emphasized the importance of tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations. She pointed to progress in Native representation in government and increased federal investments in Indian Country, while acknowledging that much work remains. Despite her retirement, Smith pledged to continue advocating for Native priorities, including food sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and cultural preservation. She concluded by urging courage, vigilance, and unity in the face of ongoing political and social challenges, affirming that the strength of tribal nations lies in their shared history and collective resolve.
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