The Federal Bar Association is holding its 29th annual Indian law conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Thursday and Friday of this week.

This year's theme, "The Role of Indian Tribes in Modern American Society," reflects on the many roles tribes play today. Speakers will address jurisdiction, gaming, civil rights and other issues that impact tribal and non-tribal society.

The conference kicks off Thursday with a keynote by Billy Frank Jr., the chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. He will speak on the importance of treaty rights and sovereignty. Frank, a member of the Nisqually Tribe of Washington, was instrumental in the fishing rights battles of the 1970s.

New assistant secretary Dave Anderson is scheduled to speak for Thursday's luncheon. The day ends with panel discussions on the Indian Child Welfare Act and the No Child Left Behind Act.

Friday's agenda includes panel discussions on Indian gaming and criminal jurisdiction in Indian Country. Tom Heffelfinger, the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota and the chair is the luncheon speaker.

A full agenda can be found at http://www.fedbar.org/Indianlaw04.pdf.

Relevant Links:
Federal Bar Association - http://www.fedbar.org