MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (November 26, 2025) — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation proudly announces that Chairman Rodney Butler has been elected Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Northeast Region. Butler will join twelve Regional Vice Presidents from across the country who collectively help guide NCAI’s national advocacy, initiatives, and engagement with Tribal Nations. His election was confirmed last week during NCAI’s Annual Convention and Marketplace in Seattle, Washington.
Representing 31 Tribal Nations across 12 states, the Northeast Region plays a critical role in national conversations on sovereignty, economic development, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. In this leadership role, Chairman Butler will help elevate the region’s priorities within NCAI while supporting collaborative efforts that strengthen Tribal governments and communities across Indian Country.
“I’m honored to serve the Tribal Nations of the Northeast Region in this capacity,” said Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. “This appointment reflects our shared commitment to unity, collaboration, and meaningful progress for our communities. I look forward to working closely with leaders across the region to ensure that the voices of our Nations continue to be heard and respected at the national level.”
Chairman Butler currently serves as one of the longest-tenured Tribal leaders in the country. Over his career, he has championed economic diversification for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, advanced education and workforce initiatives, and helped build stronger government-to-government relationships at the state and federal levels. His election to NCAI regional leadership reflects widespread confidence in his experience and ability to advocate on behalf of Tribal Nations.
Established in 1944, NCAI is the oldest and largest organization representing Tribal governments across the United States. The organization provides a unified voice on key policy matters, supports the advancement of Tribal sovereignty, and works to protect the rights, traditions, and interests of Tribal Nations.