Legislation Introduced to Establish a Congressional Charter for the National American Indian Veterans

On Thursday, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a Congressional Charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV). NAIV is a nonprofit organization on the Cheyenne River Reservation with a mission to advocate for tribal veterans.

According to VA estimates, in 2021 there were more than 150,000 Native veterans in the United States.

While Congressional Charters have been established for Polish American, Italian American, Jewish, and Black veterans' groups, currently, no Native veterans' organization has received a Congressional Charter.

"It is very important to pass this bill for American Indians. It would allow us to testify to Congress on the unique needs of our Native veterans," said Don Loudner, a Native veteran, enrolled member of the Hunkpati Sioux Tribe (Crow Creek Sioux Tribe), and National Commander of the National American Indian Veterans, Inc. "It doesn't ask for any money. It only asks that Congress recognize the sacrifices of generations of American Indians who have answered the nation's call and fought in every war since the American Revolution."

"With Native Americans serving in our nation's military at five times the national average, it certainly makes sense to provide federal recognition to a Native American veterans organization that advocates for the needs and interests of this unique population across 14 regions in the United States," said Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus and citizen of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma.

"Native people serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average and have a higher percentage of women service members than all other populations. That rich history of service to our country is reflected in my own family—my mom served in the Army for 20 years," said Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS). "The National American Indian Veterans, Inc. is a crucial resource to promote and support all American Indian and Alaska Native veterans.

A Congressional Charter recognizes the authority and purpose of an organization. A Senate companion bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D) in May 2021.