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                C O N F E R E N C E   O F   T R I B A L
                         G O V E R N M E N T S

                             INTRODUCTION

          "The need for tribal governments to work together 
     becomes necessary for their very survival.... Individually, 
     Indian nations have limited ability to meet these.... 
     challenges.  Collectively, the voice of tribal governments 
     can be formidable." 

                (Conference of Tribal Governments - May 13, 1979)

     
     
          Speaking on behalf of the host tribal government Mr. 
     Wesley Whitener, Treasurer of the Squaxin Island Tribe, 
     convened Session III of the Conference of Tribal Governments 
     in Tacoma, Washington.  Delegates representing twenty-four 
     tribal governments sat in plenary session for the first time 
     since the Conference of Tribal Governments convened in 1977. 

          Delegates to Session III debated and approved ten 
     resolutions that defined inter-tribal policy on subjects as 
     diverse as inter-governmental relations, Indian Child 
     Welfare, Nuclear Wasted Disposal and the Statute of 
     Limitations (28 U.S.C. 2415).  Tribal governmental officials 
     listened to presentations on a ranging of topics including 
     the potential for an alliance between environmental 
     interests and tribal governments;  and proposed Northwest 
     power legislation and its possible affects on tribal 
     communities. 

          The body of this report includes a description of the 
     conference and its procedures, verbatim transcripts of each 
     keynote speaker and the final resolutions adopted by the 
     General Assembly of tribal delegates.  The minutes of the 
     Conference include all major actions of the General 
     Assemblies.  The Squaxin Island Tribe has on-file the 
     verbatim transcripts of all five General Assemblies.  These 
     transcripts are available for inspection by any tribal 
     government official. 

          Mr. Russell Jim of the Yakima Nation was selected to 
     chair the next session of the Conference which may be 
     convened before December 1979.  As Mr. Jim said in his final 
     remarks before Session III:  "We have had a pretty good 
     meeting, in my estimation, even though there are some 
     disputes among people yet.  You cannot resolve in one 
     meeting, there has to be a continuation of meetings." 

     Rudolph C. Ryser
     Conference Coordinator
     May 1979

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