The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), founded in 1944, is the oldest, largest, and most representative organization advocating for Native American and Alaska Native tribes in the United States. It serves as a unified voice for tribal governments and communities, focusing on advancing tribal sovereignty, protecting treaty rights, promoting economic development, and improving health and welfare in Indian Country[1]. NCAI operates as a non-profit representative congress where members—comprising tribal governments and individual citizens—develop consensus on national priority issues affecting tribal nations through resolutions voted on at annual and mid-year conferences[1]. Historically, NCAI was established to provide a collective platform for American Indian and Alaska Native tribes to address legal and political challenges, especially at a time when tribal sovereignty was under threat. Over nearly eight decades, it has played a pivotal role in influencing federal policy, fostering intertribal cooperation, and educating the public about Native governance, rights, and culture[1]. The organization reflects the diversity of 574 federally recognized tribes, which have sovereign status and political relationships with the U.S. government independent of race or ethnicity[2][7]. Key achievements of NCAI include advocating for tribal self-governance models modeled on federal structures, securing funding for tribal programs, and protecting sacred sites and cultural heritage. The organization also facilitates dialogue among tribes to address shared challenges such as health disparities, economic development, and education[1][8]. Its consensus-driven approach ensures that positions represent a broad spectrum of tribal interests and priorities. Currently, NCAI continues to be a central force in Native American policy advocacy, working closely with federal agencies and other partners to promote sustainable economic growth, legal protections, and cultural preservation for Native peoples. Its ongoing efforts support the resilience and empowerment of tribal nations amid evolving political and technological landscapes[1][7]. For readers interested in business and technology, NCAI’s role in fostering economic development and leveraging policy to benefit Native enterprises and infrastructure is particularly notable.