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The Washington office had tried to be of assistance to Indians. It had tried to represent the tribes on some of the questions. The secretary had difficulty in answering promptly as the task was large and could not be performed without additional help. One person could not do the work alone. There was a need for financing the work of the organization so that they could have a full time member who could represent the Indians. The secretary and Washington office with the help of Mr. Curry and his staff had been publishing the Washington bulletin. The bulletin was one of the most important publications Indians have today. Every councilman should have a copy of that bulletin. It was the thought that news letters and bulletins carry news on legislation, court cases and related subjects. It was important to keep posted on court cases because one court case that affects one tribe in the state of Washington may affect tribes in other parts of the United States. This was because Indians were under one general arm of the federal government and because the Indians were one people. Indians now knew of the importance of seeking information. Too often, they had learned of cases that had been passed as legislation before Indians had an opportunity to ponder these problems.

The NCAI wanted to be a source of information for all Indians. They would try to let the people know so that they might appeal or present their views. With the complete support of Indians, the NCAI could help pass legislation or on the other hand defeat harmful legislation. The Washington office tried to send out the bulletin every month although they did not have adequate help. It took time to prepare for publication. It was not always possible to publish the bulletin although it was something that should be published with regularity.

Up to now, the Washington office had felt that the NCAI was a service organization for all Indian people. They had circulated the news letters and bulletins among tribes who were not members of the organization. The thought behind this was that all Indians should know what was going on. It was now time to determine whether such services should be provided if these groups were not interested in coming into the organization. It was quite obvious that each tribe should have access to facts available to the NCAI. This free service could not continue indefinitely.

Suggestions were solicited in order that the bulletin could be improved to give greater news coverage. Reporters were needed. The NCAI wanted to know what Indians want to do on various Indian problems.

Mrs. Bronson stated that it was her hope that this convention would start something that would work out the details she had disclosed.

She was glad to see a permanent legislation committee appointed.

After bills are presented in Washington, the NCAI had difficulty in getting word out to the Indians. This permanent legislative committee could be very helpful to the Washington office. The committee could serve as a guide in determining what types of legislation should be supported. The appointment of this committee was a step that was needed and she was glad that it was taken at this meeting.

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