The National Congress of American Indians and the Assembly of First Nations have renewed their shared commitment to unity, cooperation, and mutual support through a Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation among the Indigenous Peoples and Nations of North America.

The declaration was signed during the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development's Reservation Economic Summit on Tuesday.

The declaration formalises collaboration between NCAI and AFN to advance the well-being, rights, and priorities of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and First Nations on issues of shared international concern.

The NCAI, founded in 1944, is the oldest and largest representative American Indian and Alaska Native organisation in the United States. NCAI advocates on behalf of Tribal governments and communities, promoting strong Tribal-federal government-to-government policies and a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people, and rights.

The Assembly of First Nations is a Canadian national advocacy organisation which works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.

NCAI President Mark Macarro, who is also Pechanga Tribal Chairman, noted that "though borders were imposed upon our homelands, the relationships among our peoples never ceased".

"Trade did not end. Traditions endured. Our kinship has remained strong across generations," he said.

"By renewing this declaration with the Assembly of First Nations, we reaffirm that our voices are strongest when we stand together in mutual respect, solidarity, and collective purpose."

The renewed declaration reflects the enduring ties among Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island / North America and strengthens collaboration on shared priorities, including international advocacy, sovereignty, and engagement with future generations of Indigenous leaders.

AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said with this agreement, the Assembly of First Nations looks forward to "working alongside President Macarro today and the NCAI in unity, solidarity and friendship to realise the full potential our First Nations economy in North America".

"Despite the risks we face with Canada-US trade and the growth of extremism around the world, I am optimistic because First Nations on both sides of the Medicine Line are already making so much positive change," she said.

"Unlike colonial governments, our leaders are showing it is still possible to tackle difficult cross-border discussions and shine a light on solutions. United, we can do anything we put our minds to."

Leaders noted that Reservation Economic Summit (RES) provided an important space to publicly advance this renewed commitment. International convenings like RES create opportunities for Indigenous leaders to strengthen relationships, align priorities, and build momentum for cooperative action across Nations and across borders.

NCAI and AFN emphasised a shared belief that Indigenous youth must remain central to this work, ensuring that future generations inherit strong relationships, strong institutions, and strong pathways for collaboration.

"We are grateful to NCAIED and RES for creating the space for this important moment," Mr Macarro said.

"This renewed declaration is a sacred affirmation that we are, and have always been, relatives; yesterday, today, and forever."