Tribal Leaders Navigate Federal Absence at NCAI Winter Session

By Troy Littledeer | UKB Media Director

UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche was asked to speak about the M-Opinion during the federal recognition session (courtesy photo).

WASHINGTON, D.C.—United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma Chief Jeff Wacoche, Assistant Chief Amos Ketcher and Flint District Council Representative Frankie Still joined tribal leaders from across the United States this week at the National Congress of American Indians’ Executive Council Winter Session 2025 in Washington, D.C.

The annual winter session, organized by NCAI’s Executive Council—one of the organization’s three primary governing bodies—allows tribal delegates to engage with members of Congress and federal officials. The meeting aims to strengthen the government-to-government relationship between tribal nations and the U.S. government.

“I think it is important to support this project so that the Keetoowah members can have a stronger voice in the policies and practices of the federal government,” UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche said. “What I hope comes out of these meetings is a better understanding of all tribes across the nation, but especially of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. We have struggled to receive the rights and benefits to which we are entitled as a federally recognized tribe for nearly 79 years. It’s time the government to uphold their obligations to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma.”

The Executive Council Winter Session gathers representatives from NCAI’s member tribes to strategize for the upcoming year. Though now a cornerstone of NCAI’s operations, the meeting was not mandatory in the organization’s early years. Founded in 1944, NCAI initially held council meetings irregularly until a 1955 revision to its constitution mandated the annual session. Originally scheduled flexibly after the annual fall conference, the event is now required to occur within the first quarter of each year.

Left to right, Congresswoman Betty McCullum of Minnesota; Bryan Shade, Chief Wacoche, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, AC Amos Ketcher at NCAI ECWS (courtesy photo).

Bryan Shade, UKB advisor and attorney at Lippes Mathias in Washington D.C., highlighted the session’s importance, saying, “The National Congress of American Indians Executive Winter Session provides an opportunity for tribal leaders to connect with members of Congress and leadership from the executive departments that touch our relationship with the federal government. Because of its location in Washington, D.C., ECWS is an excellent opportunity to advocate for our tribal communities and access decision-makers who may not be as easily available otherwise. ECWS, especially when it is within the early days of a new federal administration, creates an opportunity for Indian Country to unite on the major issues that affect us all and make sure that the White House and both Chambers of Congress know where we stand.”

NCAI was established in 1944 in response to U.S. policies of termination and assimilation that sought to dismantle tribal governments and erode Native cultures, violating treaty rights and tribal sovereignty. The organization continues to prioritize the protection of these rights and the advancement of tribal communities nationwide.

Chief Wacoche and Flint District Representative Frankie Still in Washington, D.C. (courtsey photo).

Chief Wacoche, Tom Cole's aide Sophia, AC Ketcher, Rep. Still and Tom Cole's Chief of Staff Will McPherson (courtsey photo).