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MARCH 15, 2001
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KALAPUYA !
ROGUE RIVER
503-879-5211
1-800422-0232
A Publication of the Grand Ronde Tribe
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www.grandronde.org
Tribal Leaders Convene in the Nation's Capital
First National Congress of American Indians Conference for 2001 held in Washington, D.C.
MANY NATIONS, ONE FAMILY"
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House On the Hill - The Na
tional Congress of American Indians
Conference, the largest and oldest
gathering of Tribal leaders, chose
Washington, D.C. as the setting for
their first meeting of the year 2001.
This was also the first gathering of
Tribal leaders since newly elected
Republican President George Bush
took control of the oval office. Na
tive people called on each other for
a renewed sense of togetherness as
we address the issues most impor
tant to Indian Country in the years
ahead.
Silent Sentry - The Washington
Monument (right), one of America's
most famous landmarks, stands guard
over the Capital Mall and the nearby
White House in Washington, D.C
By Brent Merrill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The theme
of this year's National Congress of
American Indians (NCAI) winter ses
sion in Washington, D.C. was
Many. Nations,- One Family. The
message from Tribal leaders to Tribal
TeaotenTwas "that although we'are"
from many different walks of life, we
share a common bond and now is the
time to pull together and face the is
sues most important to Indian Coun
try together.
The mission of this year's meeting
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of Tribal leaders was establishing an
overall legislative strategy for the
year 2001. The backdrop was the
fast pace and bright lights of the
nation's capital.
Despite the conference mission, the
main thrust of this year's gathering
was the continuing importance of
education in Indian Country.
Newly appointed head of the IJ.S.
Department of the Interior Gale
Norton, used the NCAI platform to
talk about her goals for improving
educational opportunities and giving
attention to the physical needs of
Indian schools. She said her goals
for education are the same as Presi
dent George Bush's recently an
nounced education plans.
Norton said she plans to try to build
bridges between her office and Tribal
leaders. She said strong manage
ment skills are the key.
Norton said she has always placed
importance on her ability to exercise
cooperation and communication in
her relationships with Tribal leaders
and Tribal governments. She said she
wants to pursue creative problem solv
ing as a way to improve Indian self
determination in self-governance.
"I take very seriously, my respon
sibility as the trustee for Indian
lands," said Norton. "Our depart-'
ment must make sure that strong
management skills are in place. As I
choose the management team for my
. department that is one of the key
things that I will be looking to do so
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Gale Norton Newly appointed
Department of Interior Secretary
Gale Norton addressed the meeting
of Tribal leaders at the NCAI Confer
ence. Norton, who was confirmed by
the U.S. Senate 75 to 24, spoke about
the importance of our children.
that we have the ability to provide
the services that we need to provide."
The complexity of all the issues
surrounding modern day Indian
Country have garnered Norton's at
tention. And, education is foremost
on her mind.
"It has been a monumental task to
begin to understand all of the issues
that we face within the department,"
said Norton. "One of my challenges
will be to learn which programs best
serve Indian Country. One of the
priorities that President Bush ad
dressed during this campaign was
education including Indian edu
cation and school facilities. I see that
as one of my top priorities. There is
no more important priority than our
children. A good education is a key
continued on page 4
Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde
Community of Oregon
9615 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347
Address Service Requested
Serials Dept. - Khi9ht Library
1299 university. of Oregon
eugene or $7403-1205
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SALEM, OR
PERMIT NO. 178
Dinner & Auction
Friday, March 30 VV
VFWHallinWillamina tesi
Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. g University of Oregon Library
Auction will start at 7:30 p.m. 1 Received on: 03-15-01
Dinner tickets are $7.50 k Sioke signals
The memorial will honor !
men and women Veterans from i
Grand Ronde, Willamina and Sheridan, hi
Contact: Tribal Public Information office at
503-879-2321 or VFW Hall at 503-876-4540. '