MERRIL ELECTED MIDWEST REGIONAL VP OF NCAI

District II Representative Wendy Merrill takes her oath of office as the Midwest Regional Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).

Advancing Native leadership with unity

District Il Representative Wendy Merrill was elected as the new Midwest Region Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and was sworn into office on Friday, November 21, 2025. She will serve a two-year term.

Founded in 1944, NCAl is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization, serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities.

"I am beyond honored and grateful for this leadership opportunity," Merrill wrote. "Thanks to the Mille Lacs Band team, and to all my relatives in the Midwest region, for believing in me. Chi-Migwech! Congratulations to all of the Executive Committee members who were also elected, to my dear friend Lenny as the new General Counsel, and to the VP Alternates for NCAI."

NCAl, a nonprofit organization, advocates for a bright future for generations to come by leading efforts to build consensus on a constructive and promising vision for Indian Country. The organization's policy initiatives are driven by the consensus of its diverse membership, which includes American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, tribal citizens, individuals, and Native and non-Native organizations.