Tribal Symposium Destined to Make History

Montana plays host to the largest gathering of American Indian professionals, scholars, and traditionalists in over five decades on the campus of the University of Great Falls from July 1-3, 2005.   Aptly titled, American Indian Nations: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow , symposium organizer George Horse Capture says, "there hasn't been an assembly of this stature in many, many years." With nearly 55 leaders and advocates from across Indian country representing over 35 different tribal nations, Horse Capture predicts this symposium is destined to be the largest intellectual gathering of American Indians in over fifty years.

The goal of the symposium is survival. Presenters will examine the state of Indian Nations and discuss issues crucial to their survival as a people. Speakers plan to review the role historical events played in shaping today's Indians and project the future of Indians in the changing American political and social scene. Several sessions will encourage audience participation in dialogue about what being Indian means today and how blood quantum affects recognition as an Indian in today's society. Horse Capture, retired curator for the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, believes "the event promises to be a reflection of where and how far American Indians have changed and made a difference in history"

Part of the Explore! The Big Sky , the Lewis and Clark National Signature Event, symposium organizers are located across the nation and include: Horse Capture, retired in Great Falls, Dr. Duane Champagne, Native American Studies Department at the University of California at Los Angeles, Chandler Jackson, Librarian at Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO, and Linda Juneau, Director of Confluence of Cultures at the University of Montana, Missoula. Together, this committee has assembled an array of speakers with national recognition for their accomplishments, leadership, or advocacy for Indian rights.

Topping the speakers list is politician, Senator Ben NightHorse Campbell of Colorado who will address the critical need for Indians to engage in national politics to influence the decisions that affect Indian communities. Commander John B. Herrington, the first Native American astronaut will describe his journey into space and how exciting young children in science can open a new world of opportunities. Suzan Shown Harjo, Director of Morning Star Institute in Washington, DC and best known for her criticism of professional sport mascot names like the "Washington Redskins" will argue the need for change on the American playing fields.

Dr. Kevin Gover, former Assistant Secretary of the BIA will describe his frustrations and successes working inside the BIA to affect change.   Chief Oren Lyons of State University of New York will address how indigenous people have internationally been working to gain sovereignty and human rights. Tex Hall, president of the National Congress of the American Indian and Chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes in Mandan, ND will share his concerns with Indian leadership on the national level and at home on the reservation. Olympic Gold medallist, Billy Mills, will stress the importance of leading an active lifestyle in order to avoid diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, rampant on the reservations. Lenor Scheffler, Attorney in Minneapolis, MN will discuss the complexities when tribal issues cross reservation, state, and federal jurisdictional boundaries. Elousie Cobell, lead plaintiff in the Indian Trust Fund lawsuit, will offer her views on how this issue can be equitably settled. Dr. Duane Champagne will discuss the difficulties of establishing and maintaining credible Native American Studies programs on today's university campuses. Dr. James Nason, Professor Emeritus from the University of Washington will summarize the historical and contemporary reviews presented at the conference and weigh the changes and status of tribal communities across the nation.

Cost to attend the symposium
The three-day symposium includes 38 concurrent sessions of panelists and individual presenters. Seating is limited, so early ticket purchases are strongly recommended. The cost of the symposium is reasonably priced. Participants with a $15 daily pass to Explore! The Big Sky can attend 29 General Sessions by panelists and individual speakers, a total of $45 for all three days. Nine additional Symposium Theater Sessions featuring special guest presenters require a daily $25 fee that allows admission to all symposium events that day, a total of $75 for all three days of the symposium. The Symposium Theater Sessions speakers are:

• Friday : Emil Her Many Horses, Dr. David Penney, Dr. Kevin Gover, and Chief Oren Lyons
• Saturday : Commander John B. Herrington, Billy Mills, Suzan Shown Harjo, and Lenor Scheffler
• Sunday :   Elouise Cobell and Dr. Duane Champagne

Tickets can be purchased at Mansfield Ticket Box Office located in the Civic Center, 2 Park Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59405 or visit the website at www.explorethebigsky.org for on line purchases.

The symposium schedule is as follows:

Friday, July 1 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, July 2 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, July 3, from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Renewal units for teachers are being offered through the University of Great Falls, contact Carol Franco at the University of Great Falls, (406) 791-5382 f or information.   Continuation credits may be offered for lawyers through the Montana BAR Association.

Co-sponsors of the event include the University of Great Falls, National Museum of the American Indian, National Park Service, University of California at Los Angeles, Fort Lewis College, USDA, Forest Service, QWest, University of Montana. George Horse Capture and Duane Champagne, planners for the gathering, encourage non-Indians to attend the symposium and witness the present day achievements of Indian people. Both also stress the importance of Indian youth attending the symposium sessions. Horse Capture said "I hope the young people will participate and find motivation from this gathering, for these Indian leaders are our heroes"

Panels vary each day. Following is a sample of the panel speakers and topics: