Tribal Leaders in Dakotas Gather for Pre-Powwow Summit

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Tribal leaders in the Dakotas will discuss topics ranging from health care to economic development during an annual gathering in Bismarck this week.

The 18th annual Tribal Leaders Summit is Wednesday through Friday at the Bismarck Civic Center. Coordinator Julie Dejarlais tells The Bismarck Tribune that there will be a panel of experts to give updates on issues, and a panel of tribal leaders who will ask questions.

Dejarlais says the goal of the question-and-answer format is to give the audience a clearer picture of issues impacting American Indians.

The keynote speaker this year is 1964 Olympic gold-medal runner Billy Mills. The Oglala Lakota athlete now works with an organization that helps American Indian youth.

The summit coincides with the United Tribes International Powwow, Thursday through Sunday.