National Congress of American Indians President Tex Hall gave his last State of Indian Nations address in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.

The speech began in 2001 as way to educate the public about the status of American Indians and Alaska Natives. It has turned into a lobbying tool aimed at Congress and the executive branch.

This year, Hall focused on legislative and policy proposals covering a wide variety of areas. He said the key to improving life for Native Americans was to help tribal governments succeed.

Hall steps down as NCAI president later this year.

Get the Story:
Tribal leader: Federal help needed (Lee Enterprises 2/4)
Tribes seek economic growth (AP 2/4)

Relevant Documents:
State of Indian Nations Address | FY 2006 Tribal Budget Request

Listen to the Speech:
Real Audio | Windows Media

From the Indianz.Com Archive:
State of Indian Nations 2004 | State of Indian Nations 2003

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