Welcome

The Commission on Indian Affairs was established in 1971 and consists of 14 Indian commissioners appointed by the Governor. Additionally, the commission has one "ex-officio" member representing the Pawnee tribe. The commission's statutory mission is "to do all things which it may determine to enhance the cause of Indian rights and to develop solutions to problems common to all Nebraska Indians." It is the state liaison between the four headquarter tribes of the Omaha, Ponca, Santee Sioux and Winnebago Tribes of Nebraska. It helps ensure the sovereignty of both tribal and state governments are recognized and acted upon in a true government-to-government relationship. The commission serves off-reservation Indian communities by helping assure they are afforded the right to equitable opportunities in the areas of housing, employment, education, health care, economic development and human/civil rights within Nebraska. All goals of the commision are accomplished through advocacy, education and promotion of legislation.

2009 Native American Read-In

As part of the observance of Native American Heritage Month, the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs and Lincoln City Libraries sponsored an American Indian Read-In on December 3. Nativve readers of all ages read excerpts from works by or about Native Americans at the event. This event was recorded by Lincoln's Channel 5 for rebroadcast at various times and dates.
Lincoln Channel 5 Broadcast Schedule
View Channel 10 News Coverage of the Read-In

Women Veterans Honored at Capitol Ceremony

A tribal veterans ceremony was held on the 14th floor of the Nebraska State Capitol on Thursday, November 12. The one hour program sponsored by the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs honored Nebraska’s tribal veterans and gave special recognition to the contributions of women veterans. Representatives of each of Nebraska’s four federally recognized tribes spoke at the event which featured songs, drumming and a Native Honor Guard. Governor Dave Heineman was the featured speaker at the event, and also presented admiralships in the Great Nebraska Navy to three female World War II veterans honored at the ceremony. Following the governor’s presentations, representatives of the women’s tribes presented each of the veterans with a star quilt in honor of their service.

World War II Veterans Honored:
Annie E. Phillips is a member of the Omaha tribe and her Omaha name is “GthedoNshtewiN” which means “Hawk that knows its own mind.” She enlisted in the Women’s Army Corp in 1941. Annie was released on a honorable medical discharge on in 1942.

Regina Lowry Littlewolf is a member of the Winnebago tribe. She joined the Women’s Army Corp and served from 1944 thru 1947.

Genevieve May Lowry Johnson is a member of the Winnebago tribe. She joined the U.S. Navy WAVES and served from 1945 through 1946.

It is well recognized that, historically, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups. At this time there are nearly 190,000 Native American military veterans in the United States. This Nebraska event served to honor all Native veterans for their long history of proud service to their country and their tribes.

This event is part of the Indian Commission’s observance of Native American Heritage Month and also serves as an opportunity to display the tribal flags of the four Nebraska tribes (Omaha, Santee Sioux, Ponca and Winnebago). These flags are being flown on the 14th floor the entire month of November in recognition of Native American month. The ultimate goal is for the four flags to be flown year around in the State Capitol.
View More Pictures of the Event
Answering the Call: Veterans Day Short Film Contest

Tribal Health Roundtable With Senator Johanns

A tribal health meeting with Senator Johanns took place at his Omaha office on July 1. The purpose of this meeting was to give tribal representatives an opportunity to focus exclusively on Native healthcare issues. Representatives voiced a variety of concerns including: attempting to service growing populations with inadequate funding; health care monies being eaten up by critical care “level one” problems leaving precious little funding for prevention programs; and unique challenges serving an economically disadvantaged, mostly rural minority population. Johanns who is a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, stated that this position on the committee allows him to work closely with the chairman to try to find solutions to the health care problems discussed at the meeting.

Nebraska Tribal Representatives Meet With U.S. Senator Johanns

Representatives of the Omaha, Ponca, Santee Sioux and Winnebago tribes as well as representatives of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs met with Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns, his State Director, Nancy Johner, and his Omaha Director of Constituent Services, Emily Brummund. The meeting took place at Johanns' Omaha office on April 4. The purpose of the meeting was to give the tribes an opportunity to meet with Johanns, who is a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Commitee, and share with him the issues that each tribe is facing. Key issues identified by the tribes included health care, law enforcement, improving tribal courts, and state/federal tribal relationships. The tribal leaders and Johanns discussed how they can work together on these issues and establish a better working relationship with members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
More about Senator Johanns

2009 Chief Standing Bear Events

The fourth annual Chief Standing Bear Breakfast and fifth annual Noon Commemoration took place on in Lincoln on Friday, May 15, 2009. The keynote speaker for this year's breakfast was Lincoln native Joe Starita, author of "I Am A Man: Chief Standing Bear's Journey for Justice." The noon Commemoration Celebration featured the performance of portions of a historical play, music and the awarding of Organizational Awards and the Chief Standing Bear Humanitarian Award. Check out the links below for more information about the event.

McDonalds Chief Standing Bear Essay

McDonalds tray liners featuring portions of the four winning Chief Standing Bear essays. Tray Liner Image

Chief Standing Bear Scholarship

Omaha World Herald Story: Reporter Stood Up for Standing Bear's Rights

Chief Standing Bear Article Published in Indian Country Today

Native American Scholarships at Creighton University

Creighton University will award several three-quarter tuition Native American Merit Scholarships valued at approximately $20,000 per year which are renewable (a total value of more than $82,000 over four years). In addition to these scholarships, additional grant monies may be provided to Native American Scholar recipients. For more information click on the link above.

Briar Cliff College Offering Aid to Native American Social Work Students

The Briar Cliff University Department of Social Work has been awarded a $550,000 grant to provide educational stipends for Native American social work students who are pursuing careers in child welfare, beginning in the 2009-2010 academic year this fall. The grant also has been designated to develop and promote child welfare competencies, with a focus on Indian child welfare through social work education at Briar Cliff. According to Heather Craig-Oldsen, chairperson of Briar Cliff’s social work department, “We are very fortunate to receive this highly competitive funding. Applications were numerous, representing masters and baccalaureate social work programs from all over the country. We are one of nine programs receiving funds.” Awarded by the U.S. Children's Bureau, the grant is a five-year project in collaboration with the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute. It was developed by the advisory committee of the Siouxland Indian Child Welfare Traineeship Project: Developing Native Bachelor of Social Work Child Welfare Workers for Native Families (SICWTP). “This project has been an extraordinary example of community teamwork,” said Frank LaMere, member of the SICWTP advisory committee. “The advisory committee worked very hard to develop this successful and highly competitive grant. This would not have been possible without the community's resolve and many years of diligent work on issues of Indian child welfare in Siouxland. Good will come of it.” LaMere, who works for the Casey Foundation through Sioux City’s Four Directions Center, is known nationally for his advocacy for Native American issues. Applicants must meet the criteria set forth by the SICWTP advisory committee and the Briar Cliff Department of Admissions. Priority will be given to applicants enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. For more information, please contact Heather Craig-Oldsen, 712-279-5489.
SICWTP Application  Frequently Asked Questions  Reference Form

Office of Indian Education 2010 Student Art Contest

The U.S Department of Education, Office of Indian Education is excited that the 2010 Native American Student Artist Competition (SAC) is underway! All artwork and essays must be postmarked by Friday, January 29, 2010. 2010 SAC Entry Instructions 

Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs
Contact Information

Phone: 402-471-3475, Fax: 402-471-3392
State Capitol, 6th Floor, East, PO Box 94981, Lincoln, NE 68509-4981