1976-10-15 Char-Koosta News

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Volume 6 Number 12 MOON OF THE HALF SUMMER-HALF AUTUMN      OCTOBER 15, 1976
NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS CONVENES
Washington D.C.
"Justice through tribal sovereignty" is the theme of the thirty-third national convention of the National Congress of American Indians, the oldest and largest organization of Native Americans in the United States.
The convention will be held at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, October 18 -22, 1976.
More than 3,000 people, representing more than 110 tribes, Indian organizations, federal and state agencies are expected to attend.
The convention is expected to be the most important in all the history of the Indian Congress, not only because of the
major issues now confronting the Indian people, but because of the growing strength of the organization.
Tribal Councilmen Bill Morigeau, Pol-son; Tom Pablo, Hot Springs; Noel Pichet-te, St. Ignatius; Pat Lefthand, Elmo; Joe McDonald, Ronan; Louie Adams, Arlee; and Chairman Harold Mitchell, Jr., St. Ignatius will be in attendance at the 33rd Congress.
In its convention call, NCAI brought particular attention to the forthcoming national election, stating, Whether Gerald Ford or Jimmy Carter is elected Indian tribes can expect 'new' Indain policy.  In waning days of the unelected
Photo taken at the National Bison Range in a range area inhabited by elk. Don Matt photo
Ford Administration, tribes have seen a growing departure from the policy of consultation with tribes in major decisions.
" This is exemplified by the statement of Interior Secretary Thomas Kleppe that he ' would not be dictated to by Indian tribes ' regarding matters in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. " In addition " to the convention call declared, "the White House office of Management and Budget this year commissioned a report (the Brogstrom memo) that offered a policy of termination of the unique federal/tribal relationship as a major policy alternative. This is looked upon by many tribal leaders as a portent of Indian policy of an elected Ford Administration."
Policies of Presidental candidate Jimmy Carter, will also be evaluated by the Congress in its session next week, to determine Carter's stand on Indian rights.
A detailed report will be published in the next issue of the Char-Koosta.
ACCIDENT REPORT
Dixon: For the month of September, there were 13 accidents on the reservation hi-ways. Two have been termed alcohol related. There were three people injured and one death.
The rate of alcohol related
accidents is down 12% from the month of August when there were 18 accidents, and five of them were alcohol related. Keep up the good behaviour out there.....maybe
soon we will have no alcohol related accidents or deaths.