ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On the heels of mid-term elections that shifted the balance of power in Congress, thousands of tribal representatives will gather for the 67th National Congress of American Indians Convention and Marketplace being held from Nov. 14 – 19 at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
Under the theme “Strong Tribal Nations, Strong America,” NCAI is hosting a variety of meetings, consultations, and events starting with a public welcoming reception sponsored by the All Indian Pueblo Council Nov 14.

“The peoples of North America share common bonds – we rely on the strength of our people, the independence of our governments, and the common vision for a more prosperous tomorrow,” said NCAI President Jefferson Keel.
More than a dozen major issues are on the agenda including water rights, teen suicide, meth/prescription drug abuse, health care, education, housing, transportation, gaming, violence against women, law enforcement, tribal jurisdiction and telecommunications.

“We are excited to have a wonderful set of speakers from all over Indian country and from the Obama administration,” said Jacqueline Johnson Pata, NCAI executive director. “Interior Secretary Salazar will be joining us and we’re happy to have representatives from a range of government agencies and programs to meet with NCAI members.

“On Nov. 16, we’ll have a special session for tribal leaders to really strategize about policy requests that we put forward collectively, and how we move the policy of self-determination to the next level.”

One main concern is how federal appropriations for Indian country will be affected by new members of Congress who must be educated about the priorities and needs of 565 tribes.

“Tribal leaders will be talking about how to strategize for advancing our agenda with new members of Congress,” said Mellor Willie, National American Indian Housing Council executive director. “We are heading into this lame duck session with a budget that hasn’t been passed by Congress yet.”
Another major concern for tribes is how climate change will impact tribal water rights. More than 32 states have climate change adaptation plans, while only three tribes have similar plans.

“One thing we do know about climate change is that it will accelerate the water wars not only in the West, but throughout the nation,” said Amy Bowers, a staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund who is serving on a panel focused on securing rights and access to water.

“Water rights are a critical part of developing and maintaining stable tribal economies while protecting cultural values. Yet fewer than 30 tribes have asserted their water rights through settlements or legal proceedings.
“It is urgent that tribes act now to protect their water rights and resources as climate change policy is under development and federal money for Indian water rights continues to decline,” she added.

On Sunday, Nov. 14, the Native Women’s Forum and the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Native Women will focus on provisions of the new Tribal Law and Order Act, and key women’s issues related to public safety, health, economic development and education.

NCAI First-Vice President Juana Majel Dixon said the task force is the primary policy body that has moved and shaped the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. As a result of this work, the Tribal Law and Order Act was passed in July 2010.

“The task force is not limited to just the United States; it includes many of our indigenous sisters throughout North, Central and South America. The issues we discuss are not easy – domestic violence, sexual assault, murdered and missing women, stalking and dating violence. We’re working toward solutions.

“Over time, it became logical to work together no matter what region or tribe that we came from. So many Native sisters have gathered over the past 11 years to bring these laws to life, and we are now pushing for the adoption of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which contains protections for our women and communities.”

This year’s conference also features live radio broadcasts by the national talk-show Native America Calling, an Elder’s Honor Luncheon, a special youth agenda and leadership awards luncheon, a golf tournament at the Isleta Eagle Gold Club, a health walk, numerous receptions, and the AIPC Chairman’s Ball.
Federal officials will be conducting tribal consultations throughout the week to provide an open forum for tribal leaders to voice their concerns, provide input, and share recommendations for addressing issues from their communities.
On Nov. 15 from noon – 2 p.m., the Department of Health and Human Services will provide tribes with a briefing on the Affordable Care Act which includes funding opportunities available to tribes. The ACA contains numerous provisions that will impact American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, tribes and Indian health facilities.

The Interior Department will hold a roundtable discussion at noon on Nov. 16 regarding the Federal-Tribal Team’s efforts to draft a department-wide policy on consultations with Indian country.

DOI’s Office of Indian Gaming will also hold a consultation session the same day at the National Indian Programs Training Center from 1 – 4 p.m. to focus on a memorandum regarding taking off-reservation land into trust for gaming purposes.

On Nov. 16, the Office of National Drug Control Policy will hold a tribal consultation session to receive input on how best to address drug use and its consequences in Indian country.

“We applaud their anti-meth media campaign, and are hopeful the White House will continue to recognize the horrific toll meth, heroin, cocaine and diverted prescription drugs are having on our tribal communities,” said Walt Lamar, CEO of Lamar Associates, whose company provides anti-meth training for law enforcement, schools and communities.

A related consultation meeting with the Departments of Justice and Interior regarding long-term plans for incarceration, prevention, rehabilitation, and juvenile justice in Indian country will be held Nov. 17 from 6 – 8 p.m.
That same evening, the Department of Agriculture Forest Service has scheduled a tribal consultation session for input on revising its national planning rule which will guide Forest Service land managers in social, cultural, economic and environmental sustainability.