The National Congress of American Indians will host a gala on November 3 to celebrate the opening of the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C.

Earlier this year, NCAI purchased its first home in the nation's capitol. Tribes, individual Indians and other supporters donated more than $2.5 million for the effort, and the organization is raising more money to retire the debt on the building.

"It's our embassy," said NCAI Secretary Ron Allen, the chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe of Washington. The building, he said, "looks fabulous."

The gala coincides with the November 5 Tribal Nations Summit that was announced by the White House on Monday. NCAI will host a pre-meeting for tribal leaders on November 4.

"I encourage tribal leaders to come to Washington as a united Indian Country so we can begin the consultation process with the President and his administration," said NCAI President Joe Garcia.

Also Today:
Obama will meet with tribes (The Tulsa World 10/13)
Oklahoma tribal officials to attend conference (The Oklahoman 10/13)
Invitation to all Indian tribes: Obama wants to meet, listen (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 10/13)
Obama Keeps His Promise To Native Americans (KOAT-TV 10/12)