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the bulletins, news letters and other information to the Indians in the field. She met with committees in Congress and obtained information from the Indians and from government officials. Mrs. Bronson said she wanted to tell the delegates how glad she was for the support the Indians had given her in fighting the congressmen on the hill in Washington during the past year. If it had not been for the support from the Indians in the field, it would have been too discouraging. The backing of the people made the job easier to do. They had had to work with an unfriendly Congress, The past year had been a very trying year for Indian people. There had been some very unfriendly legislation. Most of the time was spent in fighting those bad bills. The organization was now five years old. In the five years, they had made tremendous strides. They had accomplished so much. The Indian cause had met with more opposition than ever before. The NCAI was going ahead because they were working together to a better advantage. If the Indians had not united, they were not have advanced. In fact, they might have lost ground if they had not united. The Indians were a small group. If all the Indians in the United States were organized, they would still be a small group. They could not elect a president of the United States. But they could have their voice heard in telling people what they want to present. The Indians now have more organizations behind them. The NCAI had many contributions during the past year in obtaining the assistance of many groups. Whenever the Indians decided on legislation they wanted, these same groups would get behind the Indians and it would be possible to get things done. The NCAI as an organization was a great thing. If made to work right, the Indians' outlook would be bright. Mrs. Bronson then disclosed some of the organization's troubles. The NCAI had a membership of about 85,000 Indians made up of tribal groups, organizations, individual members and others. The organization's income was not great. During the past year, they had taken in something less than $4,000. The secretary had given her time without pay. The other members had also served without compensation. For herself, she had been gad to contribute her time. However, the delegates probably know that free service is n limited service. The secretary had other duties to perform. They therefore had been limited on their activities. The organization could do more if they had a paid representative to work for them in Washington, D.C. There was a dire need for some one who would spend full time in behalf of the organization in Washing. They had to maintain a closer contact on the activities of Congress. Some one should be up there when Congress is in session. Know the Congressmen. Learn who is fighting for the Indians. Too often, Indians learned about legislation after it had been proposed on the floor of Congress and when it was too late to combat it. Therefore, there was a need for some one who would serve as a source of information far enough in advance so that the Indians in the field could be warned of impending legislation. -4- DENVER 1948 NCAI CONVENTION