The National Congress of American Indians kicks off its mid-year conference in Reno, Nevada, today.

The theme of the conference is “Sovereignty in Action." Hundreds of tribal leaders from across the nation are attending the three-day event to talk about issues affecting their communities. They will hear from colleagues, members of Congress and federal officials.

With the presidential election approaching, they are paying special attention to the Native vote. All three candidates -- Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois), Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York) and Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) -- have made plays for the American Indian and Alaska Native vote.

"Our Native vote is our voice, a civic duty, which is vital to our progress as Native people and sovereign nations," NCAI President Joe Garcia said in a letter to tribal leaders.

For more information about the conference, including the agenda, visit the conference web page