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The Native American Business Alliance will hold its 2001 Convention at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's Grand Casino Convention Center in Hinckley, Minnesota on August 11-15, 2001. The casino is located about 1 hour and fifteen minutes north on 35W.

Ms. Michelle Bereza is extending a special invitation to American Indian college students particularly those in the business field to attend for one day. The cost would be free and include a luncheon followed by business seminars and workshops. The college student day will be Monday, August 13, 2001 beginning at 11:00am. Students should contact Michelle, phone 248-988-9344 for more information.

NABA intends to provide attending Native business people, tribal representatives and corporate executives with a wide range of experience and learning opportunities. On Monday, August 13 the luncheon speaker will be Chadwick Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma.

Chief Smith is a descendant of the leaders of the Original Keetoowah Society who fought to keep tribal traditions and culture alive. Smith's great-grandfather was Redbird Smith, a Senator of the Cherokee Nation in 1896. Known as the "Renaissance Chief", Smith is dedicated to the renewal, preservation, protection and renaissance of Cherokee history, language and culture. Smith is also known as the "Working Chief" and has set a very high standard when it comes to serving the Cherokee people.

A renowned speaker, educator and constitutional scholar, Chief Smith has taught college level courses in Indian law and history around the country including Indian law as a visiting professor at Dartmouth.

The Native American Business Alliance has two basic missions - To facilitate mutually beneficial relationships between private and public businesses with Native American owned companies. To educate the communities on Native American culture, paving the way for future generations." For more information, concerning the convention visit, NABA 2001 Convention.