Day 1, Introducing the 68th Annual National Congress of American Indians!!!!

I had been waiting all year to go to the National Congress of American Indians. I'd been waiting a long time. Ever since I was in high school and first heard of NCAI, I've wanted to go. Tribal leaders, Councilmen, (Councilwomen), Chairs, and Congressmen attend this conference every year to discuss important issues in Indian Country. There are workshops, on sovereignty, education, and legislation and resolution discussions. People as young as high school aged, (I even saw a few little ones running around), all the way to the elders who are honored at the Elders Luncheon. But in all the times I imagined going, I never thought I'd be going as a representing royalty!! 

It was an incredible week of networking, learning, and sitting in on what appeared to be the “grown-up version” of the Student Senate I’m so used of here at University of Washington. Our trip to Portland Oregon for this year's National Congress of American Indians 68^th Annual Convention began the night before as my mom and I frantically packed for the week-long venture. 


Some important issues I was looking forward to; attending the Youth Commission Meetings, my good friend Tyson Johnston of the Quinault Tribal Council is a Co-Vice President and he's been a great mentor and friend to me since our time together here at the University of Washington. Also, I've been yearning to learn more about the Native CLASS Act, legislation that would improve Indian Education nationwide, something that is important for any kid going to class, whether it's at elementary, or high school. Even in light of the conferences I've attended, I was still a little intimidated and unsure of what to expect.

We arrived late Sunday afternoon, just in time for the Welcome Reception. After checking in at the hotel downtown we headed over to the Oregon Convention Center. The building was dazzling and spacious. A large canoe was out in front in the main hallway, and it was more than appropriate for the diversity of Tribal representatives that would be attending throughout the week. The Reception, like the General Assembly, was held in the dimly lit Portland Ballroom. 

It’s important at Tribal Gatherings that we recognize our people and adhere to traditional protocols. Thus, during the Reception, there was a welcoming program and presentations by Oregon and Washington state tribal leaders, introducing people through powerpoint, films, and speakers, to the history and culture of their individual Tribes and Nations. Throughout the Reception I got the chance to meet and greet a few friends from the National Indian Education Association (our parting from the 42nd NIEA Convention a few days before, was short-lived), Longhouse Media (they would be documenting the whole conference), and a few Tribal Councilmen from Ute Mountain, my own Yakama Nation, and Makah Tribal Council. Even my professor, Charlotte Cote, from University of Washington was there. 

So far, so good. It was even more upscale then I expected and seeing so many Tribal leaders from all across the country, was very satisfying. I'm majoring in American Indian Studies and would say my knowledge is a little decent, but I was thirsting to learn more.


After the evening, my mom and I took the “scenic route” while giving some friends, Mary Kim Titla among them, from San Carlos Apache a ride back home. We drove one way, drove the next, my mom and I finally understood the magnets at the Airport that had read, "Keep Portland Weird!" Though it was a minor setback, we got to know each other and we enjoyed the night lights from the City of Roses. We went to bed brimming with excitement for the next day.


Learn more about the National Congress of American Indians at: http://www.ncai.org/