Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan today announced that a National Tribal Leaders Conference will be held September 28, 1990, in Albuquerque, N.M.
"This conference will focus on the tribal/federal partnership in expanding self-determination for American Indians and where we think it is headed in the future.” Lujan said. "Those of us in the federal government who have major responsibilities in Indian Affairs will explain our fundamental principles and approach to Indian Policy and administration of the federal trust responsibility. This will provide a unique opportunity for these tribal leaders to meet key people at the Departmental and bureau level who are involved in Indian affairs and talk about the future. It is the first such conference in modern times.” Invitations have been sent to elected tribal chairmen, presidents of inter-tribal councils and leaders of national Indian organizations.
Lujan will open the conference with the keynote address. Other speakers will include Dr. Eddie Brown, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs; Thomas Sansonetti, Solicitor of the Department; Lou Gallegos, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget; Tim Glidden, Counselor to the Secretary, and other Department officials. In the afternoon, four group meetings will be held focusing on Budget, Legal/Trust responsibilities, Bureau of Indian Affairs restructuring and Self-Determination/New Federalism. The conference will conclude with a general session to discuss questions developed at the group meetings. "If we are to build a future, we must have joint participation in the construction process," Brown said in letters of invitation to tribal leaders. "Only through this approach can we successfully develop policies supportive of self-determination and a stronger government-to-government relationship that forms the key to a successful American Indian future."
Reporters planning to cover the National Tribal Leaders Conference:
The conference will be at the Four Seasons Hotel, 2500 Carlisle N.E., Albuquerque, N.M. (505) 888-3311. Information Officers Eric Rehmann and Carl Shaw are scheduled to be present to provide any help needed. As indicated on the following agenda, a press availability will follow the conference.
