The Hoopa Valley Tribe attended the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Marketplace Gathering in Seattle, Washington, held from November 16–19, 2025, where federal agencies met with Tribal Nations to discuss major changes to national wildfire management.

The Tribe’s delegation included:

• Vice Chairman Jordan Hailey

• Councilman Ryan Jackson

• Chief Financial Officer Pateisha Ferris

• Self-Governance Director Meagen Baldy

• Education Director Onaleece Colegrove

NCAI plays a vital role in elevating Tribal voices at the national level. As the oldest and largest national organization representing Tribal governments, NCAI provides a forum for Tribes to advocate on federal policies, strengthen intertribal coordination, and engage directly with congressional leaders and federal agencies. Participation ensures that the Hoopa Valley Tribe remains informed, represented, and actively involved in shaping national discussions that directly impact Tribal sovereignty, safety, and community well-being.

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Wildfire Consultation – Executive Order 14308

During the conference, the U.S. Department of the Interior held a tribal consultation on Executive Order 14308: Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention, an initiative proposing the unification of multiple federal wildfire programs into the newly formed U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS). This service aims to modernize wildfire prevention and response, improve coordination, strengthen funding pathways, and support firefighters nationwide. Implementation is expected to begin in January 2026.

During the consultation, Vice Chairman Jordan Hailey delivered the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s official comments. He emphasized that while the Tribe supports improved coordination and access to funding, several priorities must be protected, including:

• Tribal sovereignty and self-governance

• Recognition of Tribal fire personnel expertise and qualifications

• Preservation of Tribal authority under 638 compacts

• Protection of traditional Tribal prescribed burning practices

• Maintaining fuels reduction funding as a separate category

• Ensuring Tribal access to federal systems such as IROC, reimbursement platforms, and qualification databases

• Proper classification of Tribal militia for their roles in prescribed fire management

Vice Chairman Hailey also invited the Department of the Interior to arrange a direct, one-on-one consultation with the Hoopa Valley Tribe and relevant departments to ensure the Tribe’s concerns are fully addressed in the development of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

Federal officials present represented wildfire management, policy development, and program oversight within the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe remains committed to ensuring that Tribal sovereignty, cultural fire practices, and operational authority are respected throughout this major federal reorganization.

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Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Sessions

In addition to the wildfire-focused sessions, Vice Chairman Hailey also attended meetings related to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). These sessions were not connected to the wildfire consultation but offered important opportunities to strengthen Tribal advocacy and awareness around protecting Native women.

Vice Chairman Hailey attended these VAWA sessions independently to gather information, support awareness efforts, and ensure that the Hoopa Valley Tribe remains engaged in national policy discussions addressing violence against Indigenous women.