• AGENDA: Executive Council Winter Session

The National Congress of American Indians is hosting its executive council winter session (ECWS) this week.

The event usually takes place in Washington, D.C., as a way for tribal leaders to work directly with top federal officials and key members of Congress. But due to COVID-19, the meeting is all virtual this year.

“We are thankful and excited to convene another important ECWS meeting in a safe yet innovative way,” NCAI President Fawn Sharp said in a letter to NCAI members in December.

“Our hearts continue to be with you as you work to help your tribal nations navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge even stronger,” Sharp added.

Monday, February 22
The winter session opens on Monday with several task force meetings. The highlight is the 19th annual State of Indian Nations, which will be delivered by Sharp.

Tuesday, February 23
Conversation with Senator Schumer
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-New York)

Conversation with Congresswoman Fernandez
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-New Mexico)
Chair, House Subcommittee on the Indigenous Peoples of the United States

Conversation with Senator Kelly
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona)

Deb Haaland Confirmation Hearing Update
Holly Cook Macarro
Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting

Conversation with Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chair
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Vice-Chair

Conversation with Speaker Pelosi
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D-California)

COVID-19 Impact on Indian Country
Dr. Yvette Roubideaux
Vice President of Research, National Congress of American Indians

Engaging with the Biden-Harris Administration
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden

Libby Washburn
Special Assistant to the President for Native American Affairs
White House Domestic Policy Council

PaaWee Rivera
Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs and Director of Tribal Affairs
White House

Wednesday, February 24
Conversation with Congressman Kilmer
Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-Washington)

Conversation with Congressman Grijalva
Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona)
Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources

Heather Dawn Thompson
Director, Office of Tribal Relations
Department of Agriculture

Wahleah Johns
Director, Office of Indian Energy
Department of Energy

Conversation with Congressman Westerman
Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas)
Ranking Member, House Committee on Natural Resources

Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-California)

Congressman Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey)
Chairman, House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Thursday, February 25
Secretary Denis McDonough
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Secretary Pete Buttigieg
U.S. Department of Transportation

2020 Census – What is Next?
The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of what is next following the end of the 2020 Census count. The session will include an update on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Disclosure Avoidance System tribal consultation, the timeline for 2020 Census data products, and an update on census civic engagement efforts.

Friday, February 26
Tribal Leader Strategy Session: COVID Relief and Recovery and Engaging with the New Administration
This Tribal Leader Discussion will be led by the NCAI COVID/Transition Task Force and will allow tribal leaders to share information with one another about their needs related to COVID-19 relief and recovery. Tribal leaders will also discuss priorities and strategy for engagement with the new Administration and Congress.