The National Congress of American Indians opens its 67th annual conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, today.

Thousands of tribal representatives are expected to attend the event. This year's theme is "Strong Tribal Nations, Strong America."

"I've said it before, and I truly believe this, that our people are suffering but their spirit is not broken. They are a very proud people," NCAI President Jefferson Keel told the Associated Press. "It's very humbling for me to go and talk to some of these people who are expecting their tribal and national leaders to help them find a way to overcome some of these problems. It's up to us to do the very best that we can to make a difference."

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is addressing NCAI this morning. Other speakers include Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) and Indian Health Service Director Yvette Roubideaux.

Get the Story:
Indian leaders gather in NM to address challenges (AP 11/14)