National Congress of American Indians President Fawn Sharp delivers the 19th annual State of Indian Nations on February 22, 2021.

Sharp, who also serves as president of the Quinault Nation, will deliver the speech virtually for the first time. She will discuss priorities for the nation-to-nation relationship between tribal governments and the United States and for the advancement of Native peoples.

The address will be followed by a Congressional response from Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the recently-named vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Last fall, she wrote a critical letter to Sharp in connection with an Indian law and policy dispute involving COVID-19 relief funds.

• State of Indian Nations: Watch Party Toolkit

State of Indian Nations Schedule (All Times Eastern)
2:30 p.m.: Opening Remarks
NCAI First Vice President Aaron Payment
Chairman, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

2:35 p.m.: Invocation
NCAI Area Vice President Tina Abrams
Council Member, Seneca Nation of Indians

2:40 p.m.: State of Indian Nations
NCAI President Fawn Sharp
President, Quinault Indian Nation

3:10 p.m.: Congressional Response
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Vice Chair, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

3:25 p.m.: Tribal Leader/Audience Question & Answer Session

3:45 p.m.: Closing Remarks

4:00 p.m.: Post SOIN Press Conference