A Tribal Leaders Forum

Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance in a New Era
Forging Fair and Equitable Governance in a Time of Change

Dates:
January 23 & 24, 2009

Location:
Pechanga Resort & Casino
45000 Pechanga Parkway
Temecula, CA

A new Administration and a newly-constituted Congress present both opportunity and challenge for tribal leaders. Tribal leaders have the opportunity to participate in the develop-ment of federal policies that will truly foster economic growth and support the full scope of governance in Indian Country.  Tribes and their leaders also must meet the challenge of assuring that new tribal initiatives are well understood, effectively implemented in a timely manner, and sustained over the long term through a continuing collaborative federal-tribal partnership. 

The composition of transition teams and the appointments that have been announced thus far suggest that tribal leaders will have allies in the new Administration who understand Indian Country, who are aware of the contours of past initiatives that have failed to accomplish their objectives, and who recognize the need for innovative thinking and strategies for strengthen-ing the exercise of tribal sovereignty and self-governance. 

Never before have tribal governments been better prepared to develop strategies for econo-mic success and the growth of healthy Native communities in which our families have access to quality health care, to decent, safe and affordable housing, and our children are afforded the educational opportunities that will enable them to realize their highest aspirations. 

As leaders, we need only to come together to reflect on the past and anticipate what potential the future can hold if we seize upon the opportunities and meet the challenges that await our active involvement.  We need to continue to formulate policies and press for the enactment of laws that will assist us in protecting our cultures, preserving our native languages, honoring our traditional ways, and that also facilitate our ability to participate effectively and success-fully in the global economy, as well as remove the obstacles to our growth and evolution as Native people.    

Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance in a New Era
Forging Fair and Equitable Governance in a Time of Change

  Properly understood, modern American Indian history has been made by Indian leaders who seized the initiative, brought forth their grievances and proposed solutions, and, more often than not, accomplished the kind of progress they dared seek.

Charles Wilkinson, from Blood Struggle (2005)

General Information

MEETING LOCATION & REGISTRATION:  The meeting location is the Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA, which is located approximately one hour north of the San Diego Airport on I-15 and one hour south of the Ontario Airport on I-15.  For more information about the Pechanga Resort and Casino, please visit their website (www.pechanga.com).  The Registration Fee is $450 and includes two continental breakfasts, break refreshments, two luncheons, a reception, and meeting materials.  The Registration Fee, along with a completed registration form, should be mailed in advance to 1025 W. Vine Street, Stockton, CA 95203, or hand carried to the forum.  Checks should be made payable to the American Indian Resources Institute.   

LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS:  Participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.  A block of rooms is being held at the Pechanga Resort & Casino until January 12, 2009 at the group rate of $195 per night, plus 8.5% tax.  Reservations made after January 12, 2009 will be accepted on a space-and-rate-availability basis.  To make reservations, call 1-888-732-4264.  When making a reservation, inform the Resort that you will be attending the American Indian Resources Institute’s Tribal Leaders Forum.

FOR INTERESTED GOLFERS:  On November 13, 2008 the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians had the Grand Opening for its new beautiful clubhouse and golf course—Journey at Pechanga—located next to the Resort.  Tee times can be arranged by calling 951-770-8210.  If you have questions about golf at Pechanga, please contact Richard Trudell at 510-551-6551 or by email (dicktrudell@hotmail.com).     
      
FURTHER INFORMATION:  Please direct inquiries concerning the Forum to Richard Trudell at 510-551-6551 (phone) or dicktrudell@hotmail.com. 
[Click here for full agenda]