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MAY 14, 2001

Connecticut officials frequently proclaim their state is at the center of Indian policy and for three short days this week, their perceptions will indeed become reality.

The location of a number of controversies over land-into-trust, gaming, federal recognition, and sovereignty, these issues and more will be discussed in southeastern Connecticut at the midyear session of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). The largest and oldest American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country has chosen the Foxwoods Resort Casino on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation as the site of its May meeting.

The decision was fitting, given the focus of a new report being released by NCAI today. The tribe's enormously successful casino is one which others have sought to emulate. A report called "Building the Future - Stories of Successful Indian Enterprises," might help some navigate the murky waters.

But while gaming and economic development are top concerns in the minds of the 700 tribal leaders and Indian Country representatives who are expected to attend the session, housing, taxation, welfare reform, transportation issues, and technology are also top on the agenda.

Coinciding with President Bush's release of his national energy policy on Thursday, NCAI will also be giving tribes a heads up on how to develop their own. Tribal lands contain vast troves of oil, gas, timber, and other minerals but tribes haven't always benefited from development of their own resources.

The session officially kicks off today, with a welcome by the Mashantucket Tribe. Following are highlights of the convention:

Monday, May 14
Updates on legislation affecting Indian Country.

Freshman Congressman Rob Simmons (R-Conn.), who has been mediating a land-into-trust dispute affecting the Pequot Tribe and three neighboring towns, will address delegates.

Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Vice-Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee is also on the agenda.

David Lester of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes will speak on energy policy issues.

Discussions on the Indian Child Welfare Act and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Tuesday, May 15
Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association , will discuss gaming issues, joined by executive director Mark Van Norman. Montie Deer, Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission will also address gaming.

Keith Harper from the Native American Rights Fund will provide an update on international indigenous issues.

Tribal representatives will provide an update on trust reform.

Discussions on technology, sovereignty and treaty rights, federal recognition, and nuclear waste.

Wednesday, May 16
An overview of the budget and federal appropriations process.

A litigation update by John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund. A discussion of recent Supreme Court decisions and upcoming is expected.

Secretary of Interior Gale Norton, who addressed the winter session of NCAI this past February in Washington, DC, has been invited to speak on Tuesday but hasn't been confirmed as of Sunday.

Relevant Links:
National Congress of American Indians - http://www.ncai.org