The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the oldest, largest, and most representative national organization serving American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations, is convening in Seattle, Washington for its 82nd Annual Convention where delegates will elect the next NCAI President. Tlingit & Haida Executive Council has formally endorsed Jacqueline Ḵus.een Pata, Tlingit & Haida 1st Vice President, for the position. The endorsement was adopted through Executive Council Resolution EC 25-160.
Pata brings a deep understanding of tribal sovereignty, particularly in contexts with limited infrastructure, rural challenges, and complex land and federal policies.
The NCAI President serves as chair of the Executive Committee, unifying tribal voices and advancing shared priorities nationwide. Pata has dedicated more than three decades to advancing tribal sovereignty, strengthening Native governance, and elevating Native voices. A lifelong advocate for Indigenous communities, she has led federal policy initiatives, intertribal collaborations, community development programs, and institution-building efforts.
She previously served as NCAI Executive Director for 18 years, during which she oversaw major organizational growth, established the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C., launched the NCAI Policy Research Center, expanded national civic engagement through Native Vote, and advanced initiatives strengthening tribal self-governance.
“Jackie has unmatched experience and a demonstrated commitment to all Tribal Nations,” said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson. “She understands the complexities of federal policy, the diversity of tribal governments and what it takes to build unity across Indian Country. Her leadership is grounded in service, respect, and accountability—values that reflect the best of who we are as Native peoples. She is ready to lead NCAI forward.”
Pata currently serves as President & CEO of the Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority where she leads major housing initiatives across Southeast Alaska. She is also the President of Haa Yakaawu Community Development Financial Institution supporting economic development, and financial empowerment initiatives and chair of the Goldbelt Heritage Foundation. She has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for HUD’s Office of Native American Programs, Sealaska Board of Directors from 1999 -2019, and on regional community foundations. Her ongoing work supports youth development, language revitalization, and cultural stewardship.
“I am honored to receive the Tribe’s support,” said Pata. “For generations, our peoples have carried the responsibility of protecting sovereignty, culture, lands, and the wellbeing of our future generations. I have spent my life working alongside Tribal Nations across the country, and I am committed to ensuring that NCAI remains a strong, united voice for all of us. If entrusted with this role, I will work every day to strengthen our tribal governments, expand opportunities for Native families, uplift our youth, and ensure our collective voice is heard clearly at every level of national policy.”
As NCAI President, Pata would prioritize strengthening tribal sovereignty and self-governance, expanding economic opportunities and workforce development, advancing public safety and community wellbeing, supporting language and cultural revitalization, and building strong, transparent, and collaborative partnerships across Indian Country and with federal leaders.
Pata is Tlingit, Yeíl (Raven) of the Lukaax.ádi (Sockeye) clan. Her Tlingit name is Ḵus.een and her family is from Haines, Alaska.
About NCAI
NCAI was founded in 1944 and is the oldest and largest organization of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. NCAI’s policy issues and initiatives are driven by the consensus of a diverse membership, which consists of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, tribal citizens, individuals, and Native and non-Native organizations.