Preamble

Whereas the Native American tribes and nations are sovereign entities with unique cultural, historical, and legal standings within the United States,
And whereas Native American voices and interests have been historically underrepresented in the legislative process, despite being integral to the nation’s fabric,
And whereas the principles of justice and equity demand the inclusion of Native American representatives in the legislative decisions that affect their lands, resources, and rights,
Therefore, let it be established that a Native American Chamber of Nations (NACC) shall be created to ensure that Native American nations are permanently and equitably represented within the legislative framework of the United States government, in accordance with their sovereignty and in recognition of their contributions to the country. This body, Wiyóhiyaŋpa, representing the first and rightful peoples of this land, shall serve to protect their rights and interests for generations to come. Adanvto Oyáte Mua Hózhó.

 Section I: Native American Chamber of Nations (NACC)

Article 1: Establishment and Structure of the Native American Chamber of Nations
The Native American Chamber of Nations (NACC) shall be established as an independent legislative body within the U.S. Congress, equal in authority to the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its purpose is to ensure the direct participation of Native American tribes and nations in the legislative process, enshrining their sovereignty and protecting their rights.

The NACC shall consist of democratically elected representatives from all federally recognized Native American tribes and nations. Each tribe will elect its representatives based on population size, ensuring proportional representation. A minimum of one representative per tribe will be guaranteed.

The NACC shall elect a Speaker of the Chamber, responsible for presiding over meetings, maintaining order, and representing the Chamber in all legislative matters. The Speaker will ensure that the legislative agenda of the NACC is prioritized in Congress, working closely with the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader to coordinate legislative efforts.

Article 2: Sovereignty and Legal Protection of Native American Rights
The establishment of the NACC will not, under any circumstances, infringe upon the sovereignty of Native American nations or tribes. Sovereign entities’ rights, including their existing governance structures and legal autonomy, will remain intact and unaffected by the creation of a fully fledged congressional body within the U.S. legislative branch.

This constitutional amendment is designed to enhance Native American representation without requiring any tribe or nation to surrender its sovereignty. Native American reservations will retain their self-governance and legal independence, ensuring that participation in the NACC is voluntary and does not interfere with their established sovereignty.

Article 3: Current Support Bodies for Native Americans and Transition to the NACC
Several bodies currently provide limited representation and support for Native Americans within the federal framework, including the Native American Embassy in Washington D.C., the Navajo Nation’s non-voting delegate in Congress, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

The NACC, established through the ratification of the ITANCAN Act, will represent Native American tribes and nations at full capacity within the legislative branch. It will replace almost all of the existing bodies and programs that currently serve Native American communities, with the exception of the BIA. The BIA will continue to operate as the primary federal agency for managing Native affairs, while the NACC will assume broader legislative and governance responsibilities.

Article 4: Legislative Powers and Authority
The NACC shall possess the full legislative authority to draft, propose, amend, and vote on legislation. This authority extends beyond Native American affairs to all matters of federal policy, both domestic and international. Representatives of the NACC will participate equally in shaping laws that affect the nation as a whole, with a focus on ensuring that Native American rights, sovereignty, and interests are upheld.

In addition to initiating legislation, the NACC will collaborate with the House and Senate during the legislative process. NACC representatives will be integral to the drafting, debate, and amendment of bills, particularly those that impact Native communities or lands, ensuring that Native perspectives are reflected in all stages of lawmaking.

Article 5: Veto Powers and Legislative Safeguards
The NACC shall have the authority to veto any legislation that directly impacts Native American lands, resources, sovereignty, or culturally significant sites and items. This includes, but is not limited to, land use policies, resource extraction laws, environmental protections, and the repatriation of cultural artifacts.

The veto power shall serve as a safeguard to prevent the passage of any legislation that could undermine Native American sovereignty or violate treaty obligations. This veto can only be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, ensuring that the rights of Native communities are protected at the highest levels.

Article 6: Equal Voting Rights and Participation in Congress
The NACC shall have full voting rights on all federal legislation, not limited to issues directly affecting Native communities. This ensures that Native American representatives participate in all aspects of federal governance, from economic and environmental policies to healthcare and education reforms.

The NACC’s equal voting power guarantees that Native voices are included in shaping national policies, ensuring that the perspectives of Indigenous communities are heard and considered across all sectors of government.

Article 7: Advisory and Oversight Roles
Beyond its legislative authority, the NACC shall serve as an advisory body to the U.S. Congress on matters related to Native American affairs. The NACC will have the authority to conduct investigations, issue reports, and provide recommendations on legislation, executive orders, and federal policies that impact Native communities.

The NACC shall work in conjunction with existing federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Department of the Interior, to ensure that Native American voices are represented in the formulation and execution of policies. The NACC shall have oversight powers to monitor the implementation of laws affecting Native American tribes, ensuring that they are enforced in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and tribal treaties.

Article 8: State and Local Native American Representation
State legislatures shall establish state-level Native American Chambers, modeled after the national NACC, to ensure Native representation in state governance. These state-level bodies will operate similarly to the national NACC, with representatives proportionally elected based on the Native population within each state.

State-level NACCs will have full legislative authority to write, propose, amend, and vote on state laws affecting Native American communities. These chambers will work in collaboration with state governments to address issues such as tribal land management, education, healthcare, and resource allocation at the state level.

The NACC will ensure that policies affecting Native communities are executed in collaboration with local governments where appropriate, issuing recommendations, facilitating dialogues, or mediating disputes between local authorities and tribal governments.

Article 9: Jurisdiction Over Native American Affairs
The NACC shall have jurisdiction over all federal laws concerning Native American tribes, including but not limited to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, the Indian Reorganization Act, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

The NACC will work to ensure that these laws, along with any subsequent legislation, are administered and enforced in accordance with tribal treaties and the U.S. Constitution. The NACC will oversee the application of these laws to protect the rights, resources, and sovereignty of Native communities.

Article 10: Interaction with the Executive and Judicial Branches
The NACC shall have the authority to review and provide input on executive orders issued by the President that pertain to Native American affairs. It will work to ensure that executive actions respect Native sovereignty and uphold treaty obligations.

The NACC shall also have standing before the Supreme Court in cases involving Native American treaties or constitutional rights. In these instances, the NACC will act as a legal representative of Native communities, ensuring that their sovereignty and rights are defended at the highest judicial levels.

Article 11: Funding and Budget Allocation
The NACC will receive funding through the federal budget process, similar to other congressional bodies. This funding will support the NACC’s national legislative duties, as well as the operations of state-level Native American Chambers. The funding will ensure that Native representation is adequately supported at all levels of governance.

Additional funding mechanisms, such as grants or revenue-sharing agreements from federally protected Native resources, may be explored to further support the NACC’s operations and ensure its sustainability.

Article 12: Ratification of the ITANCAN Act – Indigenous Tribes Asserting National Congressional Authority and Negotiation Amendment
The establishment of the Native American Chamber of Nations (NACC) shall be enshrined through the ratification of the ITANCAN Act – Indigenous Tribes Asserting National Congressional Authority and Negotiation Amendment. This constitutional amendment will formally recognize the NACC as an independent legislative body within the U.S. Congress.

The ITANCAN Amendment will affirm the sovereign status of Native American tribes and nations, securing their right to proportional representation within the federal legislative framework. It will outline the powers, duties, and structure of the NACC, ensuring that Native American voices are permanently integrated into the legislative governance of the United States.

Ratification of the amendment will follow the standard constitutional process, requiring approval by two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states. This process will solidify the NACC’s role as a permanent institution within the U.S. government, dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights, sovereignty, and interests of Native American tribes and nations.

 

Section II: NACC Structure, Districting, and Leadership Term Limits

  Article 1: Structure of the NACC and Dual District Function

The Native American Chamber of Nations (NACC) will consist of 1,000 members, each representing approximately 10,000 Native American, Native Alaskan, and Indigenous Hawaiian people across the United States. This congressional body will function independently from the U.S. Congress, ensuring that Native American and Indigenous voices are represented on matters directly affecting their nations, cultures, and lands. In areas outside of sovereign tribal lands, Native Americans may be represented both by a U.S. congressional representative and by an NACC representative. This dual district function allows Native American citizens to maintain their unique cultural and legal representation while also participating in the broader legislative process of the United States. 

Article 2: NACC Districting Example – The Navajo Nation

To illustrate the feasibility and structure of districting within the NACC, the Navajo Nation provides a case study. The Navajo Nation, spanning parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, is the largest Native American reservation in the United States, with a population of approximately 170,000 people. The Navajo Nation would be apportioned 17 districts, each representing roughly 10,000 people, in accordance with the national NACC structure. These districts would be drawn with respect to natural geographic boundaries, cultural landmarks, and existing communities within the reservation, ensuring that traditional Navajo chapters and population hubs are preserved within their districts. 

Article 3: Term Limits for Elected Leaders Native American congressional leaders shall serve a term limit of six (6) years. Leaders may seek re-election for one additional consecutive term, with a maximum total service of twelve (12) years in the same position. This term limit ensures that leadership remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of Native communities while providing experienced leaders the opportunity to contribute meaningfully over time. 

Article 4: Limits on Service Across Leadership Positions

Any leader who serves the maximum twelve (12) years in one position may not return immediately to the same position. However, they may be eligible to run for a different leadership position after a two-year waiting period, with a total cap of eighteen (18) years of service across different leadership roles. This promotes leadership diversity and prevents entrenchment, while still allowing capable leaders to continue serving in new capacities.

Article 5. Staggered Elections for Continuity
To ensure continuity within the Native American Chamber of Nations, elections shall be staggered so that not all leaders are replaced simultaneously. This practice ensures the retention of institutional knowledge while allowing for the regular introduction of new leadership.

 Section III: Establishment of the Native Investigation for Targeted Abuse (NITA)

Article 1: Creation and Purpose

The Native Investigation for Targeted Abuse (NITA) is hereby established as an independent investigative bureau responsible for addressing violent crimes, human trafficking, terrorism, and systemic abuse committed against Native Americans, with a particular emphasis on Native women and vulnerable populations. The primary mission of NITA is to protect Native communities from targeted exploitation by conducting thorough investigations, securing justice for victims, and holding perpetrators accountable.

Article 2: Jurisdiction and Authority

NITA shall have the authority to investigate any federal crime committed against Native Americans across the United States, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. This includes crimes that are often overlooked or inadequately addressed by local law enforcement agencies. NITA will work in close collaboration with tribal authorities, federal agencies, and international bodies when necessary to ensure the protection and safety of Native communities.

NITA’s jurisdiction includes, but is not limited to:

    Human trafficking involving Native individuals.

    Acts of terrorism specifically targeting Native populations.

    Violent crimes such as murder, kidnapping, rape, and ethnically motivated hate crimes.

    Systemic abuse and exploitation perpetrated by individuals, organizations, or criminal networks.

Article 3: Structure and Governance

NITA shall be led by a Director and a board of members, all of whom must be Native American members of a recognized tribe or nation. The Director and board members will be appointed by the Congressional Native American Chamber of Nations and will require approval by the President. The Director will serve a single term of 12 years.

NITA will be governed by an independent oversight body, which includes representatives from the Native American Chamber of Nations, the Integrity Enforcement Authority (IEA), the President, and other authoritative bodies responsible for directing federal agencies.

Under the Director, NITA will have specialized divisions focusing on:

    Criminal Investigation: Dedicated to violent crimes, including murder, assault, and kidnapping.

    Anti-Trafficking Operations: Focused on human trafficking and exploitation cases.

    Counterterrorism: Addressing acts of terrorism against Native populations.

    Legal Advocacy and Support: Providing legal support to victims of exploitation and working closely with prosecutorial bodies to ensure justice.

Article 4: Investigative Powers and Protocols

NITA is vested with full investigative powers, including:

    The ability to issue subpoenas, conduct raids, and collect evidence for federal prosecution.

    The power to cooperate with international agencies for cross-border cases related to trafficking and terrorism.

    The right to intervene in cases where local law enforcement fails to act or neglects the severity of crimes against Native individuals.

All investigations conducted by NITA will prioritize the safety and protection of victims, with a strong focus on restoring justice and upholding Native sovereignty.

Article 5: Cooperation with Tribal, Federal, and International Bodies

NITA shall work in cooperation with tribal authorities, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and other relevant federal, state, and international agencies to:

    Share intelligence and resources for the investigation and prosecution of crimes.
    Provide training and support to tribal law enforcement agencies.
    Ensure the sovereignty of Native nations is respected in all operations.

NITA will also develop partnerships with international human rights organizations to address transnational crimes affecting Native populations.

Article 6: Protection, Mental Health, and Rehabilitation for Victims

NITA will establish a specialized victim advocacy unit that focuses on the mental health care and rehabilitation of victims and their families. This unit will:

    Provide immediate and long-term support for victims of violent crimes and exploitation.

    Ensure that victims and their families receive proper mental health care, including counseling and trauma rehabilitation.

    Offer legal assistance and protection throughout the investigative and judicial process.

    Work closely with Indigenous community leaders and organizations to develop culturally sensitive support programs, with an emphasis on restoring mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Article 7: Reporting and Accountability

NITA will be subject to annual public reports detailing the cases handled, actions taken, and outcomes achieved. These reports will be made available to Congress, tribal authorities, and the public to ensure transparency and build trust in the bureau's mission.

NITA will also be reviewed periodically by an independent oversight committee to ensure that its operations are conducted ethically, effectively, and with full respect for the rights of Native populations.

Article 8: Funding and Resources

 Federal Funding Allocation
The Native Investigation for Targeted Abuse (NITA) shall receive federal funding comparable to that of other federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and ATF. This funding shall be used to support NITA’s national mandate, which extends not only to tribal lands and reservations but also to large population centers with significant Native American communities, such as Phoenix. While NITA’s jurisdiction covers a smaller geographic area than other federal agencies, its focus on protecting Native communities from violent crimes, human trafficking, and terrorism requires substantial resources and specialized personnel.

     Annual Budget Review and Adjustments:
NITA's budget shall be reviewed annually by Congress and the Native American Chamber of Nations to ensure that funding levels are sufficient to meet the agency's objectives, including its operations in urban areas. Adjustments may be made to reflect changes in crime patterns, resource demands, or the expansion of NITA’s investigative scope. NITA shall also have access to supplemental federal grants for law enforcement agencies addressing human trafficking, terrorism, and violent crimes.

    Resource Allocation and Staffing:
NITA's resource allocation shall prioritize the deployment of highly trained investigators, victim support specialists, and legal advocates to tribal lands and Native American population centers. These include urban areas with significant Native communities, where NITA will operate in coordination with local law enforcement and federal agencies. NITA will have the flexibility to scale up staffing and resources in response to increased threats or crimes requiring national attention.

    Cooperation with Local and Federal Agencies:
NITA shall collaborate closely with local law enforcement agencies in cities with large Native American populations, as well as with federal agencies like the FBI, DOJ, and ATF. In these urban areas, NITA will coordinate joint investigations and share intelligence to ensure thorough investigations and the protection of Native individuals. NITA's jurisdiction will include cooperation with these agencies to address crimes targeting Native Americans living outside of reservations.

     Dedicated Tribal and Federal Grants:
In addition to federal funding, NITA may also apply for and receive dedicated tribal and federal grants to support its work in both reservation and non-reservation areas. These grants will enhance NITA’s technological capabilities, investigative reach, and victim support services, ensuring it can effectively respond to crimes in all areas with significant Native populations.

Article 9: Coordination with Tribal Courts and Legal Systems
        Provision 1: NITA will establish formal agreements with tribal courts and legal systems to ensure that investigations respect tribal sovereignty and legal procedures. When crimes cross from tribal to federal jurisdiction, protocols will be in place to seamlessly transfer cases while respecting the rights of Native authorities to be involved in the process.
        Provision 2: NITA will also work to strengthen tribal legal systems by providing resources and training to enhance their investigative and judicial capacities. This will include offering technical support, legal expertise, and personnel when requested by tribal authorities.

Article 10: Integration of Advanced Technology and Forensic Tools
        Provision 1: NITA will invest in modern investigative technologies, such as DNA databases, digital forensics, and geographic information systems (GIS), to track and solve crimes more efficiently. These technologies will be shared with tribal law enforcement agencies to strengthen local investigative efforts.
        Provision 2: The bureau will develop specialized cybercrime units to handle cases of online exploitation, digital human trafficking networks, and cyberterrorism targeting Native communities.

    Provision 3: NITA will establish partnerships with national and international forensic laboratories, ensuring that Native American victims are given the same access to cutting-edge forensic resources as any other American citizen.

Article 11: Rapid Response and Crisis Intervention Teams
        Provision 1: NITA will maintain Rapid Response Teams that can be deployed quickly in cases of human trafficking raids, acts of terrorism, or other immediate threats to Native communities. These teams will be composed of highly trained personnel with expertise in crisis intervention, negotiation, and specialized tactical operations.
        Provision 2: NITA will establish emergency communication systems and community alerts, allowing Native leaders to quickly report threats and request federal intervention. These systems will be available 24/7 to ensure a swift response to crises in tribal lands and urban Native communities.
        Provision 3: NITA will also collaborate with FEMA and other emergency management agencies to develop disaster preparedness and response strategies specifically for Native American populations.

 

Acknowledgment of the Past: A Call for Reparation and Reflection
To the Native nations and Hawaiian people, I stand with you in acknowledging the deep and lasting scars that colonization and oppression have inflicted upon your ancestors, lands, and cultures. From the blood spilled at Wounded Knee to the desecration of the sacred Black Hills, I honor the sacrifices of those who fought to protect their homes, their people, and their way of life. I recognize the pain and suffering endured by the Hawaiian people as their sovereign kingdom was overthrown, their culture suppressed, and their rights stripped away.

Many of your ancestors were torn from their families, their hair shorn, their names stripped away, and their identities erased. The afflictions they suffered turned into cycles of abuse, unresolved depression, and rage that continue to reverberate through your communities today. Many were forced to marry into white families, further eroding cultural foundations and disconnecting you from your roots.

The legacy of alcoholism, addiction, and organized crime has taken root as communities grapple with the pain and hopelessness passed down through generations. Extreme poverty and lack of access to clean water still plague reservations, while corruption festers in the institutions meant to provide opportunities. Casinos, built with the promise of financial stability, have often invited moral decay and exploitation instead.

The cruelty of Catholic conversion schools, the horrors of forced sterilizations, and the forced marches of the Trail of Tears have left deep scars on your people. The destruction of the wild bison and horses—central to your way of life—crippled your ability to survive on your lands. Sacred burial mounds were plundered for profit, while the commercialization of your customs by the tourist industry drained traditions of their true significance, turning them into mere spectacles for entertainment.

These are not just stories of the past—they are present in the trauma carried with you every day. Your children still grow up in a world where their culture is exploited, their lands are stolen, and their voices are ignored. But despite the darkness, we must also acknowledge your resilience. You have endured despite the countless attempts to erase you.

This is not a call for sympathy. It is a demand for accountability. Representation matters—it is not simply about political power; it is about healing. It is about reclaiming your voice, your land, and your rights in a way that honors the past while shaping a future where your children can grow up free of the burdens that have weighed your people down for so long.

Representation is the means through which healing can begin, ensuring that your culture is preserved, and that the atrocities committed against your people are never repeated. No longer should your heritage be exploited, your lands taken, or your voices silenced. It is time to reclaim your dignity and your rightful place in shaping the future of this nation.

To the Native nations and Hawaiian people, I call upon you to remember the strength of those who came before you. They fought, resisted, and endured so that you could stand here today. Now it is your turn to continue that fight—not with weapons, but with voices and unity. This is not about asking for permission to exist; it is about demanding your rightful place in the governance of your lands and your futures.

Let us rise together—not in submission, but with the strength and dignity that has always defined your people. Let us rise for your children, your ancestors, and your future. This is a moment in history where you can choose to reclaim what has always been yours: your identity, your voice, and your power. Together, we can forge a future where your people are respected, your lands are protected, and your cultures are preserved.

 
Conclusion:
To my Indigenous brothers and sisters, I recognize the feelings of pain, frustration, and even hopelessness that have burdened your people for generations. Many may question whether participating in the political systems of a nation that has long oppressed and disregarded you will lead to real change. You may fear that your voice will be lost in a sea of bureaucracy or that even speaking out could bring harm. For the brave warriors who have resisted for so long, you may wonder if engaging with these systems is a betrayal of your ancestors, your culture, and your ways.

But this proposal is not about surrendering your identity or diminishing your rich heritage. It is about asserting your rightful place in the decision-making processes that have shaped—and will continue to shape—your future. The Native American Chamber of Nations (NACC) is not a call to conform but a call to lead. It is a bridge between your sovereignty and the halls of power where decisions are made about your lands, your people, and your future. This is not about submission; this is about reclamation.

I recognize the deep wounds, but we must remember that your voices are powerful. For too long, you have been silenced, pushed aside, and ignored. This is your opportunity to ensure that you are never overlooked again. By participating in this movement, you are honoring your ancestors’ sacrifices while forging a new path forward—a path where your sovereignty is respected, your rights are protected, and your future is shaped by your own hands.

This is not wishful thinking; it is a powerful assertion of who you are. You are still here. And you are ready to stand together as proud Native people, united not by conformity but by your collective strength, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.

I invite you—the bold, the broken, the hopeful, and the wary—to join this effort. Let your voice be heard. Stand for the future of your people. For this is not a battle of surrender—it is a battle for your survival, your dignity, and the future you will create for generations to come. You are not asking for permission. You are demanding your place at the table, where your ancestors’ sacrifices will not be in vain.

Together, you can rise. Together, you can reclaim what has always been yours: your right to lead, your right to decide, and your right to hope.

 

Call to Action

We, the undersigned, call upon Congress to adopt and enact the ITANCAN Act – Indigenous Tribes Asserting National Congressional Authority and Negotiation Amendment, ensuring that Native American nations have a direct and permanent voice in the legislative process. We urge all citizens to support this petition in the name of justice, equity, and the fulfillment of the constitutional principle of representation for all peoples within the United States.

 

Your Voice Matters:
I recognize that I am not Native American, and my goal is not to lead this movement but to support and amplify Native American and Indigenous voices. This petition aims to create a strong legal foundation for a Native American congressional body and additional law enforcement advocacy through NITA. I invite you to share your thoughts on how these institutions could best serve your communities—their powers, duties, and responsibilities. Your insights will guide and shape this document over time to help ensure it truly reflects your needs and aspirations. Please reach out—I'm here to listen, learn, and collaborate.