United Tribes Summitt

 UNITED TRIBES SUMMIT IS SEPTEMBER 4-6

BISMARCK (UTN) – Leaders of North Dakota’s tribal nations and key tribal supervisors and employees are set to gather in Bismarck for the 17^th Annual United Tribes Tribal Leaders Summit.

The event is organized by United Tribes Technical College and takes place September 4-6 at the Bismarck Civic Center Exhibit Hall.

            “The summit is a forum that attracts tribal leaders, tribal professionals, and friends,” says Janet Thomas, conference coordinator. “We have a tradition of coming together to talk about relevant issues and exchange ideas.”

            Participation is open to all interested in advancing Indian issues. Online registration is available, along with CEU’s for educators and students. The sessions are typically attended by members of the North Dakota Congressional delegation or their representatives and other leaders at the federal, state and local level.

“The political landscape in Indian Country is constantly changing,” says Thomas. “Paying attention to current realities is one of the best ways for leaders to work on behalf of the communities they serve.”

AGENDA ITEMS

            The agenda offers major sessions about energy, education, public safety, health care, economic development, the environment, and housing. Briefings and updates will cover gaming, taxation, emergency management, Veterans services, the budget, NCAI initiatives and the Violence Against Women Act.

The summit has two main tracks that share breaks, luncheons and general sessions: Tribal Leaders Summit and Tribal Transportation Planners Conference. Other conferences and meetings are scheduled for Bismarck in and around the same time.

LEADERSHIP HISTORY

The event will also pay tribute to a gathering in Bismarck 50 years ago of tribal leaders from across the country. Amidst the nation’s Civil Rights movement, the National Congress of American Indians held its annual conference in the capitol city in September 1963, featuring keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy, the nation’s attorney general.

TRADE SHOW

The Tribal Leader’s Summit begins Wednesday, September 4 at 9 a.m. with an opening ceremony. The theme is: “United, Tribal Nations Pursuing the Promise of Tomorrow.”

The summit includes a trade show open to vendors with a current North Dakota Sales and Use Tax Permit.

View the agenda and registration form, along with listings of other meetings, by clicking here: http://www.unitedtribespowwow.com/summit/. Or contact Janet Thomas 701-255-3285 x 1431, jthomas@uttc.edu. Trade show contact Debbie Painte 701-255-3285 x 1232, dpainte@uttc.edu.