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ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - The NCAI 57th Annual Session, is scheduled for November 12-17, 2000 in St. Paul, Minnesota. the topic Post-Election Analysis and Strategy Highlighted.

The National Congress of American Indians, the country's oldest and largest organization of tribal nations, will host one of its largest gatherings of tribal leaders to date. The 57th Annual Session will take place at the Touchstone Energy Place at RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minnesota, November 12-17, 2000. This is the second Annual Session in the organization's history to be held in the Minneapolis area, the last one was held in 1951.

"The timing of this meeting will be perfect for tribal leaders to discuss the results of the November elections and make plans for engaging the new Administration and Congress," said Susan Masten, President of NCAI and Chair of the Yurok Tribe. "Indian Nations are heavily affected by federal policies, so we want to be sure that during the transition the new elected leaders gain a clear understanding of tribal sovereignty and self-reliance."

NCAI expects a tremendous turnout of tribal leaders for the meeting who will be discussing dozens of key issues. The Minneapolis area tribes are serving as the host for this Annual Session.

Other major events will include a special session sponsored by America Online that will focus on the "Digital Divide" in Indian Country and the challenges bringing new communications technologies to Indian communities. On November 14, there will be an award ceremony for the Harvard University project "Honoring Nations" which highlights excellence and provides examples of cutting edge tribal governance programs.

There will also be a Trade Show held on site throughout the week which will include hundreds of vendors of American Indian arts, clothing and jewelry, as well as information from dozens of companies and agencies who serve Indian Country. On November 16, one of NCAI's major sponsors, the Bank of America, will once again host the Gala Banquet.

Other special events for the week include a "Youth Track" leadership training program for Indian youth, a Welcoming Reception held on Sunday, November 12 for NCAI registrants; the Miss NCAI pageant will be held on Monday, November 13; a Youth Luncheon on Tuesday, November 14; a Women's Honoring Luncheon held on Wednesday, November 15; and a Cultural Celebration held Wednesday, November 15.

For more information on the Annual Session or any of the events, or if you would like to receive information about sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please contact the NCAI offices, phone: 202-466-7767 or visit our web site. URL: www.ncai.org