National Council of American Indians
This organization's purpose was to advocate for Native American rights and representation before the United States government.
Zitkála-Šá and Raymond Bonnin's contributions to the National Council of American Indians started with its establishment as well as its leadership.
[3] The other members of the National Council of American Indians included: Vice President Joshua Wetsit, Executive Secretary Treasurer Meade Steele, and Counsellor General R.T. Bonnin (Raymond Bonnin).The tribes included in the National Council of American Indians included the Apache, Assiniboine, Comanche, Chippewa, Crow, Kiowa, Klamath, Miami, Oneida, Osage, Ponca, Sioux, and Utes.
Both Zitkála-Šá and Raymond Bonnin corresponded with people across the United States as well as traveled to publicize the NCAI as legitimate way to keep the U.S. government responsible.
In a letter from March 5, 1928, Zitkála-Šá informed the delegation about the important members of the House Committee on Indian Affairs and specifically whom to speak to.
Her work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs was vital for the continued activism for Native Americans within the United States government.
At his funeral, Ernest Wilkinson, President of Brigham Young University and prominent leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gave the eulogy.
When concerning what their purpose should be, Zitkála-Šá said, "We must resort to this means of mutual protection sooner or later; and we must not fuss or find fault with minor things; but all look to the big things that are possible of accomplishment if we truly unite our forces; If the Indian people want to live; and want their children to live, they must ORGANIZE; therefore they must join us.
[9] Zitkála-Šá and others in the NCAI lobbied congress members, local representatives, friends, and families, to become educated and involved in Indigenous land claims, sovereignty rights, and social problems.
[8] Zitkála-Šá died at the age of sixty-one on January 26, 1938, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery under the name Gertrude Simmons Bonnin.
[9] Raymond Bonnin worked closely with Ernest Wilkinson to submit claims cases to Congress after Zitkála-Šá ’s death.
[9] At no time had the Council exceeded the amount of $1300 in any one year, and these funds were used for the basic needs of the organization; including stationery and office rent.
[12] The current concerns of the National Congress of American Indians include community and culture; economic development and commerce; education, health, and human services; land and natural resources; and tribal governance.
As of April 2019, the NCAI responded to an EPA legislation, proposing to revise the definition of water rights within the United States.
