NCAI withdraws from America250 partnership over historical concerns
Organization says it ended its role after disagreements over Indigenous representation and the direction of the national commemoration
The National Congress of American Indians withdrew from its partnership with America250 in July 2025 after disagreements over Indigenous representation and the direction of the nation's 250th anniversary commemoration, according to reporting from HuffPost. NCAI had joined the initiative in 2024 as an official America250 Natural Resource Partner to help ensure Native history was included in the national narrative. Executive Director Larry Wright Jr., a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, said the organization left after the commemoration's direction changed under the Trump administration.
NCAI leaders said the partnership ended following concerns about changes to historical interpretation and representation, according to the HuffPost reporting. Policy Director Meghan Bishop, a member of the Sugpiat/Native Village of Afognak, said the group's partnership agreement was canceled in early 2025, though its logo continued to appear on materials for several months afterward. Wright said the organization will continue advocating for accurate Native history and tribal sovereignty.
- 1.HuffPost.
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