With the promise of 1 million voters at the polls this November, the president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) kicked off the largest inter-tribal organization's winter session on Monday.

President Tex Hall echoed the theme of the three-day conference in his opening remarks about the importance of the Native vote. He said the national parties are paying attention to American Indians and Alaska Natives because they have the power to tip elections in several key states.

"That means that the Bush administration and Congress can step up to the plate for us this year," Hall told tribal representatives in Washington, D.C. "That we can work together with them to solve the seemingly unsolvable. And if Congress and the administration forget, well, we will have a reminder for them �- 1 million votes."

The message was carried throughout the first afternoon of NCAI's winter session. A standing-room crowd greeted Bush administration officials and leading members of Congress for discussions on the federal budget, trust reform and health care.

"Ask candidates where they stand on trust reform and what they will do to build consensus for a just settlement," challenged Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.). "Ask them and say that they don't get your vote until they say yes to your determination to get that done."

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), a longtime tribal advocate, said he will be stepping down as vice-chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee later this year, as will Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.), the current chair who is another strong defender. "It's been a lot of joy," Inouye told attendees.

But he said Native voters have a shot at putting another friend, Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), in the powerful post. In November 2002, Johnson was re-elected by 524 votes with the help of Native Americans.

"If Indian Country is active in this election, if Indian Country did what it did not too long ago ... if you are successful, he will be chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee," Inouye said to applause. Democrats would have to regain control of the Senate for a party member to head the panel.

NCAI's winter session continues today with appearances by several members of Congress, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who is facing her first election this year. Since being appointed to the post by her father, who retired to become governor of Alaska, she has emerged as an advocate for Alaska Natives and rural Alaskans.

Making his first appearance today before NCAI is Dave Anderson, the new head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He was sworn in earlier this month and had an public ceremony for visiting tribes in Washington, D.C., yesterday afternoon.

Relevant Documents:
Remarks: NCAI President Tex Hall | Remarks: Sen. Tom Daschle

NCAI Highlights: Tuesday
9:00 a.m. - Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.)
10:00 a.m. - Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.)
10:30 a.m. - White House update with Jennifer Farley
11:00 a.m. - David Anderson, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs
1:10 p.m. - Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.)
1:30 p.m. - Sen. Ben Nighthorse-Campbell (R-Colo.)
2:00 p.m. - Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
2:30 pm. - 4:00 p.m. - Issues Update: Trust Reorganization, Native Vote 2004, etc.
7:00 p.m. - Annual Leadership Awards Banquet. Dr. Patricia Zell, minority staff director for Senate Indian Affairs Committee, to be honored.

NCAI Highlights: Wednesday
9:00 a.m. - Rep. Nick J. Rahall II (D-W.Va.)
9:30 a.m. - Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.)
10:20 a.m. - Rep. Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey)
12:00 p.m. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)

Relevant Links:
National Congress of American Indians - http://www.ncai.org