Tribal Leaders to Converge on Portland for National Congress of American Indians

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

Opening Session

PORTLAND - The National Congress of American Indians 68th annual convention kicks off today in Portland, Oregon. Tribal officials from throughout Indian Country will attend this convention. The convention concludes on Friday, November 4.

The Native News Network will report from Portland this week.

The theme of this convention is "Footprints into the Future: Our Shared Journey Toward Tribal Prosperity."

Here scheduled convention events for Monday and Tuesday that was available at press time:

Monday, October 31: Opening Session - 8:30 am - Oregon Convention Center

Local Welcome by Political Leaders (including Oregon Rep. Blumenauer and Washington Rep. Inslee), NCAI Presidential speech, and International panel of Indigenous leaders.

Press Conference - 12:00 pm - Oregon Convention Center (Holladay Lobby)

Focus: Native Vote Launch & 2012 Election - International Indigenous Leader Panel

Tuesday, November 1: General Assembly - 8:30 am - Oregon Convention Center

Vision for Indian Country: Preparing for 2012 and Beyond

Cultural Night - 6:00 - 8:00pm - Hall B of the Oregon Convention Center

American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month Kickoff - National Congress of American Indians' Local Planning Committee will host a cultural night highlighting the Native culture of the area with song and dance exhibitions.

posted October 31, 2011 9:30 am edt