Native Resources Theme at National Congress of American Indians Mid-Year Conference

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Jefferson Keel, Chickasaw

MILWAUKEE - "We stand on the brink of another historic year for Indian Country, not because of the legislation that is passed into law, but what we choose to do in the face of a difficult political environment in Washington, DC," said Jefferson Keel, Chickasaw, president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).

President Keel made these remarks in a speech to the delegates of the National Congress of American Indians' mid-year conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"Our greatest Native Resource is our unified voice and I encourage you this week to strengthen it by working together here, so that we speak to the world around us from the position of a shared alliance," Keel encouraged the delegates.

The theme of the mid-year conference is "Native Resources: Tribal Cultures and the Economy."

"Exactly how we envision Indian Country's collective relationship to our 'Native Resources' will change the future of Indian Country and our nation. We will do it by offering fresh and bold solutions to our nations' most pressing problems," continued Keel.

The National Congress of American Indians was founded in 1944 in response to termination and assimilation policies that the United States forced upon the tribal governments in contradiction of their treaty rights and status as sovereigns.

The mid-year conference began on Tuesday and concludes today.

The full text of speech is available below.

Revised June 16, 2011 7:10 am et to include full text of speech
posted June 16, 2011 6:00 am et