Embassy of Tribal Nations
The National Congress of American Indians has long had a presence in the capital of the United States. However, in 2009, when the Embassy of Tribal Nations opened its doors in Washington, DC, NCAI and Indian Country saw the fulfillment of a dream of tribal leaders past and present.
The Embassy benefits tribes and tribal organizations in many ways, including solidifying the presence of sovereign tribal nations in Washington, DC; increasing public awareness of tribal governments and NCAI; improving the efficiency and work environment of NCAI operations and activities; providing housing for and better coordination with our sister organizations; increasing the value, long-term equity, and stability of NCAI assets; and solidifying long-term investment and savings for NCAI.
The Embassy of Tribal Nations has established itself as the Washington institution that physically embodies the nation-to-nation relationship. The Embassy not only serves as headquarters for NCAI staff and operations but as the nation’s most prominent center for advocacy work related to tribal nations. Tribal leaders from Indian Country and Indigenous leaders from around the world have come to know the Embassy more and more as their home away from home. People from across the nation - from Cabinet officials to school children, college students and leaders of national foundations - visit the Embassy each year and leave with a deepened and renewed understanding of our nation-to-nation relationship and the unique contribution tribal nations make to America and the world.
Historic Opening
The National Congress of American Indians has long had a presence in the capital of the United States. However, in 2009, when the Embassy of Tribal Nations opened its doors in Washington, DC, NCAI and Indian Country saw the fulfillment of a dream of tribal leaders past and present.
At the embassy opening in 2009, President Jefferson Keel said, “For the first time since settlement, tribal nations will have a permanent home in Washington, DC where they can more effectively assert their sovereign status and facilitate a much stronger nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government.”
About National Congress of American Indians
“In order to secure to ourselves and our descendants the rights and benefits the traditional laws of our people to which we are entitled to as sovereign nations” – from the Preamble to the Constitution of the National Congress of American Indians – Denver, Colorado – 1944
