The Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association (GPTCA) is a nonprofit organization composed of the elected leaders (Chairmen, Presidents, and Chairpersons) of the federally recognized sovereign Indian Tribes within the Great Plains Region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Primarily representing tribes in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, the association serves as a unified voice to protect tribal sovereignty and ensure the United States honors its treaty and trust responsibilities.
Core Mission and Focus
- Sovereignty Advocacy: Protecting the inherent right of tribes to govern themselves and their lands.
- Treaty Rights: Holding the federal government accountable for promises made regarding healthcare, education, land rights, and protection.
- Policy & Legislation: Reviewing and responding to federal and state legislation that impacts Native American communities, particularly in areas like water rights, land into trust, and judicial jurisdiction.
- Federal Liaison: Serving as a primary point of contact for the Department of the Interior (DOI), the BIA, and the Indian Health Service (IHS).
Member Tribes
- South Dakota
- Cheyenne River Sioux
- Crow Creek Sioux
- Flandreau Santee Sioux
- Lower Brule Sioux
- Oglala Sioux
- Rosebud Sioux
- Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
- Yankton Sioux
- North Dakota
- Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes)
- Spirit Lake Tribe
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa
- Nebraska
- Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
- Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
- Santee Sioux Nation
- Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska