The American Indian Resources Institute is hosting a two-day forum to address sovereignty and self-governance issues under the new administration of president-elect Barack Obama and the Democratic-controlled 111th Congress.

"Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance in a New Era: Forging Fair and Equitable Governance in a Time of Change" takes place January 23-24 on the Pechanga Reservation in California. Sessions are geared to the challenges and opportunities tribes will face with a new leader in the White House.

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), who will serve as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 111th Congress, is scheduled to speak. A representative of the Obama administration is expected to attend.