NCAI defends monuments amid threats to sacred tribal sites

The National Congress of American Indians reaffirmed its support for Tribal Nations as national monuments face renewed threats of revocation. Citing sacred sites like Bears Ears and Chuckwalla, NCAI leaders said rolling back protections undermines tribal sovereignty and spiritual survival. “These places carry the songs, the stories, the ancestors, and the spirit of our people,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. The organization emphasized that current protections were won through collective tribal advocacy, not granted.