March 20 , 2006

NORMAN – Native American tribal partnerships, government reform, economic relations, gaming projections and leadership all are topics of interest for a number of Oklahomans. According to Jerry Bread, Native American Studies outreach coordinator at the University of Oklahoma, a sense of positive anticipation prevails for the future development of tribal communication and partnerships within and among tribes, as well as among municipal and state governments.

“Tribal Governance and Leadership,” the overall theme for the 11th annual Symposium on American Indians to be held on Wednesday, April 12, at the University of Oklahoma, encompasses these topics and more.

The symposium will begin with registration and refreshments at 8 a.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave. Registration is $100, $25 for students, and includes materials, refreshments and a luncheon. The discounted registration rate for reservations made before April 5 is $75 or $20 for students. A reduced rate of $75 per person also is available for groups of five or more.

Panel discussions and break-out groups will cover tribal nation building and international partnerships, tribal council accountability, how tribal governments protect and perpetuate their existence, and tribal economic reform and gaming projections.

Knowledge and ideas about the topics for this year’s symposium will be discussed by a number of distinguished speakers from various tribal governments, municipal and state governments and associations.

A keynote address titled “Oklahoma American Indian Tribal Leadership: Characteristics of a Changing Tribal Government Leader” will be presented by Kelly Haney, principal chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.

Ambassador Edward Perkins, director of the OU International Programs Center, is the special speaker for the awards luncheon. Perkins will discuss “International and Tribal Partnerships: What It Means for American Indian Tribes and the Nation.”

Other honored speakers include Richard Allen, tribal policy analyst for the Cherokee Nation; Leaford Bearskin, chief of the Wyandotte Nation; Tracy Burris, member of the Chickasaw Gaming Commission; Jim Collard, Shawnee city manager; Dana Deere, attorney; Darrell Flyingman, chairman of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe; Phillip Martin, chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaws; Terry Mason-Moore, attorney and Osage Tribal Council member; Patrick Moore, member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Courts; LaNora Paker, member of the Comanche Nation Business Council; and Kay Rhoads, chief of the Sac and Fox Nation.