Honoring Native Warriors.
Advancing Native Veterans.
Native Americans serve in the United States military at the highest rate of any demographic.
The National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) organization exists to ensure their service,
sacrifice, and legacy are recognized and supported nationwide.
Championing the Rights of American Indian Veterans.
Uniting Veterans across 14 regions to advocate for benefits, recognition, and support for our nation's first warriors.
A Silent Crisis. A Historic Opportunity.
Our Native veterans have served at a higher rate than any other group, yet they face a silent crisis when they return home. Now, with a historic Congressional Charter to organize,
we have the power to change that.
The Crisis
Native American veterans face the highest suicide rate of any racial or ethnic group of U.S. Veterans, with rates more than doubling between 2002 and 2018. They also experience disproportionately high rates of PTSD, elevated exposure to homelessness, and significant barriers to accessing care—particularly in rural and tribal communities, where over 75% of Native Veterans live.
The Mandate
In 2024, NAIV was granted a Congressional Charter, a rare and prestigious mandate to advocate for and support our nation’s first warriors. This empowers us to organize and to fight for the benefits and recognition our veterans have earned.
The Mission
Our mission is to build a national network of culturally competent support, connecting Native veterans with the resources they need to heal, thrive, and lead. We vet services to ensure they honor our traditions and values.
Sources:
VA Tribal–VHA Partnerships Suicide Prevention Toolkit Tribal-VHA-Partnerships-in-Suic…
VA 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report 2024-Annual-Report-Part-1-of-2_…
RAND 2025 Veteran Suicide Prevention Landscape Analysis RAND 2025 Suicide Prevention Re…
A New Era of Leadership
Meet the Veterans Leading the Charge
As a Marine Corps veteran and a member of the Native community, I have seen firsthand the silent battles our warriors fight when they return home. NAIV is more than an organization—it’s a lifeline. It’s a place where you can be both a warrior and a Native person, where your service is honored and your culture is celebrated.
With our historic Congressional Charter, we are mobilizing to build a future where no Native veteran fights alone. Join us, and let’s honor our sacred duty to those who served.
— Dean Dauphinais
Executive Director, National American Indian Veterans
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
As Chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and a proud Marine Corps veteran, I’ve dedicated my life to strengthening Native communities through service, healing, and unity. My mission—like NAIV’s—is to honor our warriors by addressing the issues that impact their lives most deeply: mental health, suicide prevention, and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Through leadership and advocacy, I work to ensure that every Native veteran has access to the resources, respect, and representation they deserve. Together, we can build a future rooted in culture, community, and the warrior spirit that defines us all.
— Peter Lengkeek
National Commander, National American Indian Veterans
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Join the First 1,000 Warriors
Join our Akicita Warrior Rising campaign, this is your opportunity to be a founding member of our national movement and to help build the future of Native veteran support.
Benefits List
Full Membership Benefits: Access our growing network of resources and support.
Voting Rights: Have a voice in the direction of NAIV.
Founding Member Recognition: Be recognized as one of the first 1,000 warriors in our revitalized organization.
Building Culturally Competent Support
for the Modern Native American Warrior
We don’t just provide resources; we provide the right resources. Our model focuses on vetting and partnering with service providers who understand and respect Native culture and traditions.
Vetted Partners
We rigorously vet our partners to ensure they provide high-quality, culturally competent care.
Holistic Support
We aim to connect veterans with a wide range of services, including mental health, housing, employment, and traditional healing.
National Network
Our 14-region structure ensures that we can reach and support veterans in every corner of Indian Country.
