Volume 14 Number 1
October 1974

THE SIXTH ANNUAL National Indian Education Association conference will be held in the Civic Plaza Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, November 11-14. This year’s convention is being sponsored by NIEA, "Concerned Phoenix Indians," and the Arizona Indian Child Development Services Program. All indications point to a record turnout of Indian educators, representing nearly all tribal groups from around the country.

Plans for the annual event are being finalized by the Facilitating Committee under Co-Chairmen Rick St. Germaine and Randy Eubank, both of Arizona State University. Dr. Kenneth Ross, Conference Coordinator, has completed all contracts for services and extends the official welcome to all Indian educators to participate in this year’s exciting program.

The agenda has outstanding speakers to provide the charge to current issues and educational policy for American Indians. The theme, "It’s Gotta Be Now," reflects the importance and urgency needed in the field to provide the services and delivery system that can bring about quality education for all American Indians. Workshop sessions will focus on federal government programs, higher education, media use in Indian education, bilingual education, civil rights, health careers, teacher training, pre-school education, and many other enhancing seminars. Arizona Governor Jack Williams will be on hand with Arizona tribal officials to welcome convention delegates to Phoenix.

Motel reservations can be obtained through the Sands Motel of Phoenix, central headquarters of NIEA during the conference, at (602) 275-7848. Rates have been set at $12 - $16. Prepaid reservations are highly advisable since the convention will be held at the height of the major tourist season in Phoenix.

Registration fees this year have been set at $10 pre-registration, $15 at-the-door, $5 student pre-registration, and $7 student at-the door. Registration will be mandatory this year for those wishing to get into the convention center and attend the sessions. Pre-registration packets were mailed out on October 9 to over 3,000 individuals and groups. Pre-registration can be made through: Ms. Phyllis Antone, 138 W. Camelback, Phoenix, Arizona 85013; phone: (602) 248-0374.

The NIEA Board of Directors, including the newly-elected board members (voted in by mail ballots by the general members), and Indian student board members, will hold meetings during the conference. The students will hold caucuses and elect nine student board members during the conference also. The general members and Indian student members will vote on resolutions and other issues during the general assemblies.

Membership can be obtained through: National Indian Education Association, 3036 University Ave. S.E., Suite 3, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414; phone: (612) 378-0482.

Exhibit/display booths are still available for those interested in publicizing or selling products, whether it be arts and crafts. or educational programs. Fees for Indian groups will run approximately $55 for the entire event. The Exhibit Hall of the Phoenix Convention Center has the architectural flexibility to make this activity the highlight of this year’s convention and, with the added incentive of Southwestern Indian arts and crafts sales in these booths, there will be a guarantee for maximum exposure. Contact: Ms. Ellen Martin, P. 0. Box 27622, Tempe, Arizona 85282; phone: (602) 966-5983.

An "open forum" will allow individuals to make presentations at a workshop, once they have signed up on the schedule upon arriving in Phoenix. Presentations will be limited to 30 minutes each.

On-site reservation visits can be made to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community and St. John’s settlement, both near Phoenix, on the afternoon of November 13. Visitors to these communities must sign up for these tours upon arrival in Phoenix. Activities will be abundant during the visits at both sites.

For further information contact: Rick St. Germaine, 1014 S. Farmer St., #2, Tempe, Arizona 85281; phone: (602) 968-8120.