PREVIEW - Native Americans To Discuss Tribal Matters At 75th Anniversary Convention In Colorado

WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 21st October, 2018) Native American tribes in the United States will come together to discuss the outstanding matters and ways to address them at the 75th Anniversary Annual Convention & Marketplace that begins on Sunday and runs through October 26 in the US state of Colorado.

The subjects that will be highlighted at the six-day event, organized by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), will vary from Medicaid, making the native vote count, ending violence against women, to climate action efforts across tribal nations, Native homeownership, and preventing substance abuse.

"Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future" is a rediscovery of NCAI's history, the lessons learned from our journey, and how tribal nations and communities can apply those lessons to shape the future for seven generations to come," the NCAI said. "Tribal leaders and other representatives from across the country will come together to celebrate tribal sovereignty and self-governance as well as decades of tireless work by our elders, advocates, allies, and friends."

Tribal leaders and other NCAI members will be have a chance to discuss their ideas and concerns during the plenary sessions, roundtables and meetings. In addition, the convention will feature the 75th Anniversary Gala, the unveiling of its coffee table book commemorating NCAI's difference-making legacy, the Cultural Night Powwow, and special feature presentations throughout the week.

The event's speakers will include tribal leaders, federal and state government officials, partners, and industry leaders. They are NCAI President Jefferson Keel, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Colorado Mayor Michael Hancock, Administrator of Federal Emergency Management Agency William "Brock" Long, as well as Director of Smithsonian National Museum of American Indian Kevin Gover.

The conference will kick off on Sunday with the discussions on administrative and legislative initiatives impacting Tribal temporary assistance for needy families nationally, addiction in the communities, as well as travel visas, treaty rights.

The issues planned for discussions on Monday include fee to trust issues, permitting and environmental review issues, and other matters involving tribal land, international, border crossing; tribal government identification cards; known traveler programs and air travel, active shooters, and cyber security, among other issues.

The third day of the conference will feature discussions on current tribal economic development efforts, preparing for disasters and how to avoid the pitfalls in post disaster recovery, opioid addiction, developments in marijuana policy, education issues, current water issues, as well as cultural protection, protection of traditional knowledge, and climate change.

During the rest of the convention, the conference's participants will discuss issues concerning, Medicaid, developing tribal economies, and tribal court systems among various others.

The US federal government recognizes 567 Indian nations in 33 states, including 229 in Alaska. Native American tribes are further recognized by their respective state governments, according to the NCAI.

Established in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest and largest non-profit organization representing US native tribes and the interests of tribal governments and communities.