The National Congress of American Indians voted to keep non-federally recognized tribes as full voting members of the organization.
The vote took place at the Constitution Convention during NCAI’s 69th Annual Convention in Sacramento, CA. Of the nine amendments proposed at this year’s convention, the most controversial was a proposal to limit NCAI tribal membership to federally recognized tribes and restrict state recognized tribes from voting membership. The proposal was reportedly defeated by a vote of 390 to 20.
NCAI President Jefferson Keel appointed a five-member committee to review proposed amendments to the Constitution and make recommendations. The committee urged a “no” vote for restricting the voting rights of non-federally recognized tribes.
In a briefing paper, the committee wrote that the “NCAI has always been an inclusive organization that advocates for interests of all Indian tribes and Indian people. In addition, this proposed change would put the power of recognition exclusively in the hands of the federal government.”
I think the NCAI voted the right way on that bad amendment. They must support their own. Boil it down and that is what it is.
And exactly! There is no way that you turn over your power back to the Federal government. I am very relieved that they realized this. Praise goes to the committee in their clear sight and ability to negotiate past the insidious bigotry landmines.
Excellent, Great Job NCAI . Where does that leave State Tribes who were recognized, Ex ., 1980 Resolution 3031,, S1672 etc. Ramapough Mountain Indians, yet we were denied a seat on the NCAI stating the State of New Jersey does not have a Mechanism for recognizing Indian Tribes Including Past resolutions. I love what you do Pastor Norwood however the Nanticokes are on Present Legislation along with the Ramapough and Powhattan to “Officially
” recognize us as aSTATE TRIBES Yet The Nanticokes are allowed and The Ramapoughs were denied.. Just Sayin!! Oww!. I almost forgot Rowenna Madden Pulled out the” Ole Dept of State Magical i’ll erase you ever exsisted Because Gov Christies Dept of State say so wand” Its amazing that State Constitutions and Legislation has Dictated States recognizing Tribes on a State Level, all of a Sudden Their is No-Mechanism , The Mecahinism Still Exsists (Legislation) it;s the wording in that Mecahism that TERRORFIES , The State of NJ, Casino Fears and , NJ Supporting a Tribe who can AFTER Federal Recognition Open a Casino In Mahwah , allow The State Of New Jersey to Unrecognize The Ramapough is Shameful! Getting Re elected is that important Huh! Mr. Whalen..My Intent is not to Smere the Nanticokes, I respect what they . do and have done for their People