National Longhouse, Ltd. is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3), volunteer-run organization.
which owns and administrates the NATIONAL LONGHOUSE® programs. Enrollment into one
these programs entitles a participant with non-voting NATIONAL LONGHOUSE® membership and an open invitation
to attend any of the periodic events, conventions, or general assembly meetings which it offers.
Administrations of National Longhouse, Ltd.
There are two administrative branches of National Longhouse, Ltd.
- The corporate branch called the National Board of Elders (NBE).
- The operational branch called the National Council of Officers (NCO).
1. NATIONAL BOARD of ELDERS
The governing body for National Longhouse, Ltd. is the National Board of Elders (NBE) which serves as its board of trustees.
The National Board of Elders establishes policies, sets long-term corporate goals, and oversees the general interests of
National Longhouse, Ltd. There are four types of
elders on the NBE:
- Executive Elders
- Active Elders
- Representative Elder
Executive Elders
The Executive Elders are the corporate officers of National Longhouse, Ltd.
who hold two-year terms. They are as follows:
PRESIDENT
The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of National Longhouse, Ltd.
and executes all authorized deeds,mortgages, bonds, contracts and other obligations, in the name of
the National Longhouse, Ltd.
CHAIRMAN
The Chairman presides over all meetings of the National Board of Elders and performs
general supervision over the property, business, and affairs of National Longhouse, Ltd.
SECRETARY
The Secretary records the minutes of all National Board of Elders meetings and performs
any necessary bookkeeping as prescribed by the NBE.
Active Elders
Participating elders not holding an executive office are considered to be Active Elders.
These may be individuals who are new to the NBE or former executive officers wishing to remain on the NBE.
Active Elders must declare their active status every two years.
Representative Elders
A Representative Elder is a representative from the operational branch of National Longhouse, Ltd. Once such
elder is always the National Chief of the NATIVE SONS AND DAUGHTERS PROGRAMS® who sits on the NBE,
ex officio. This elder acts as a liaison between the NBE and the National Council of Officers (NCO) which is the
administrative body for programming operations. Basically, the Representative Elders represent the general
membership on the Board of Trustees of National Longhouse, Ltd.
Appointed Elders
At its choosing, the NBE may appoint or give honorary status to additional elders for their programming knowledge,
historical background, or cultural expertise. Such elders may have either full or non-voting rights based
upon the NBE's needs or the appointee's desire.
2. NATIONAL COUNCIL of OFFICERS
The administrative body for the operational branch of National Longhouse is the National Council of Officers (NCO). The NCO
consists of three groups:
- National Officers
- Regional Officers
- Representatives
National Officers
These officers serve as the organization's executive programming directors and are elected by the National
Council of Officers. There are six National Officers:
NATIONAL CHIEF
Serves as the Chief Operating Officer for National Longhouse, Ltd. and spokesperson for the NATIVE
SONS AND DAUGHTERS PROGRAMS® family activites. The National Chief presides over
the NCO meetings and is responsible for the day to day operations of NATIONAL LONGHOUSE®
parent-child programming. As stated previously, the National Chief serves as the NCO Elder, ex officio.
ASSISTANT NATIONAL CHIEF
Assistant to the National Chief. Assumes the role of the National Chief in his or her absence.
NATIONAL TALLY KEEPER
Recorder, archivist, and general secretary for the NCO. Responsible for the recording of minutes
for all NCO meetings. Notifies and documents of all administrative votes. Archives all important
administrative documents.
NATIONAL WAMPUM BEARER
Treasurer for National Longhouse, Ltd. Responsible for all financial transactions and accounting.
NATIVE AMERICAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN
A person of Native American heritage who presides over the Native American Council (NAC).
Provides NAC reports and recommendations to the NCO.
NATIONAL SACHEM
Previous National Chief. Assists in the smooth transition of the incoming and exiting administrations.
Regional Officers
The Regional Officers are the collective of regional programming officials elected from their respective part
of the country. Each region elects five trustees called Regional Officers who serve ex officio, on the
National Council of Officers and to their regional administrative body called the Regional Advisory Lodge (RAL).
The officers are elected every two years by, and from within its body of voting lodge officers and local
representatives.
Representatives
There are two types of NCO representatives, appointed and designated:
APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE
At its choosing, the National Council of Officers may appoint a two-year representative to serve on
the National Council of Officers, usually as a Chairman of one of the NCO created committees.
DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES
The Regional Advisory Lodges may designate an alternate representative to the National Council of
Officers from within its ranks to temporarily or permanently substitute for one of its regional
officers. 
