Native Americans Open Historic Embassy in Washington

 Historic Opening in Conjunction with White House Tribal Nations Summit

WASHINGTON, -- Tribal representatives from all corners of Indian Country will be joined by international dignitaries, Members of Congress, Administration officials and tribal supporters to officially open the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The opening will include traditional Native American cultural presentations.

"For the first time since settlement, tribal nations will have a permanent home in Washington, D.C. where they can more effectively assert their sovereign status and facilitate a much stronger nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government," said NCAI President Jefferson Keel.

The historic opening coincides with the 1st Annual Obama Administration's Tribal Nations Conference set for Thursday, Nov. 5 at the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Administration invited one representative from every federally recognized tribe in the U.S. to attend the conference.

WHO: Tribal Leaders, International Dignitaries, Supporters of Indian Country

WHAT: Embassy of Tribal Nations Gala Open House

WHEN: Tuesday, November 3, 2009--2:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Embassy of Tribal Nations

1516 P Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20005

We do expect remarks from Members of Congress as well as remarks from tribal leaders. Remarks will depend on timing of arrivals.

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights.

SOURCE National Congress of American Indians