National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest, and most representative national American Indian organization in the United States. It represents hundreds of tribes. NCAI is organized as a representative congress to reach agreement on important national issues. It evaluates and monitors government policies on Indian affairs and promotes government initiatives and programs to improve the economic well-being, educational opportunities, and health of American Indians and Alaskan natives. NCAI works to persuade members of the U.S. Congress to support legislation that benefits native Americans.
NCAI is governed by a president and an executive council, which consists of members democratically elected from 12 geographic areas of the United States. The organization operates under the leadership of an executive director. NCAI publishes a newsletter called the Sentinel.
NCAI was founded in 1944. Its national office is in Washington, D.C.
