Each year, the President of the National Congress of American Indians presents the State of Indian Nations address to members of Congress, government officials, tribal leaders and citizens, and the American public. Delivered during the week that the President of the United States delivers the State of the Union, the State of Indian Nations is a speech that shares the positive and future-oriented vision of tribal nations. The speech outlines the goals of tribal leaders, the opportunities for success and advancement of Native peoples, and priorities to advance our nation-to-nation relationship with the United States.

The speech is delivered to a live studio audience in Washington, DC and broadcast across the nation and around the globe to policymakers, citizens, and students. Recent speeches have reached audiences of over 20,000 people. The speech reflects on the state of our nation-to-nation relationship and offers concrete recommendations where Congress and the Administration can partner more closely with tribal nations.

To facilitate direct engagement between Congress and tribal nations, a member of Congress is invited each year to deliver a Congressional response to the State of Indian Nations. Previous Congressional speakers have included Senator Maria Cantwell, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Representative Tom Cole, among others. The event concludes with a live, interactive Q&A session with the audience, press, and those engaging via social media.

Looking Back on the State of Indian Nations

2020

President Fawn Sharp

Read the speech.



Congressional Response

Congresswoman Debra Haaland (NM)

Read the speech

2019

President Jefferson Keel

Read the speech.

Congressional Response

Congresswoman Debra Haaland (NM)

Read the speech.

2018

President Jefferson Keel

Read the speech.

Congressional Response

Senator Udall (NM)

Read the speech.

2017

President Brian Cladoosby

Read the speech. "The Power of Partnership"

Congressional Response

Senator Hoeven (ND)

Watch the speeches.



2016

President Brian Cladoosby

Read the speech. "Promise and Progress"

Congressional Response

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN)

Read the speech.

Watch the speeches.

2015

President Brian Cladoosby

Read the speech.

Watch the speech.

2014

President Brian Cladoosby

Read the speech.

Watch the speech.

2013

President Jefferson Keel

Read the speech. Successful Tribes, Successful America

Watch the speech.

Read the report: Securing Our Futures.

2012

President Jefferson Keel

Read the speech.

Watch the speech.

Read the report: Our America.

2011

President Jefferson Keel

Read the speech.

Watch the speech.

Read the report: Toward A New Era.

2010

President Jefferson Keel

Read the speech.

Watch the speech.

Read the report: We Still Stand Strong.

2009

President Joe A. Garcia

Read the speech.

Read the report: Embassy of Tribal Nations.

2008

President Joe A. Garcia

Read the speech.

Read the report: Protecting Sovereignty in the Past, Present, and Future.

2007

President Joe A. Garcia

Read the speech.

Read the report.

2006

President Joe A. Garcia

Read the speech.

Read the report: The Strength of Our Nation: Honoring the Past, Present and Future.

2005

President Tex G. Hall

Read the speech.

2004

President Tex G. Hall

Read the speech.

Read the report.

2003

President Tex G. Hall

Read the speech.

Read the report.

