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President Johnson disclosed that a recording machine was to be set up, and he wanted to take up that time to make a few remarks. They were all here from different parts of the country. Indian people representing their respective tribes. They all had their peculiar problems. They as Indians knew that too few people really understand and know about the Indian. They had for many, many years been content to let the Indian Service formulate their policies and regulate their affairs. The Indians had taken a more or less passive attitude to their own problems. A few years ago, some Indians met in Denver to form an organization through which the Indians could crystalize their thoughts and make known their wishes on their affairs.

A constitution and by-laws was drafted. A platform or program was adopted. The organization had been successful in achieving the things they were wanting to have done. Too often the legislation in Congress is not good for the Indians. The NCAI reported on all legislation affecting Indians through the organization's Washington Bulletin and Newsletter and thus kept the Indians informed.

The delegates would be given an opportunity to hear a discussion on whether they wanted Federal or state control. Some felt that the federal government should be released of the obligation and that the states should take over. A panel under chairman Louis Bruce, Jr., would discuss this subject very thoroughly.

Indians should make their views known. They should state whether they want Federal control to continue or whether they want the state to take over their affairs. The NCAI was interested in learning the views of the delegates on this important subject.

The president also mentioned that the mayor of Rapid City had been very cooperative. He also announced that the auditorium would be open every morning at 8:00 A. M. and the meetings would start promptly at 9:30. All meetings would be held in the Raid City High School Auditorium.

President Johnson asked William Fire Thunder to introduce their distinguished and honored guest.

WILLIAM FIRE THUNDER: Ladies and Gentlemen, delegates to the convention, and honored guests: Today we have with us a distinguished guest who will address the convention. He is the governor of this wonderful state of South Dakota. South Dakota has produced many great governors, and you are to be addressed today by the greatest governor South Dakota has had. It is an honor and a privilege which I will cherish long to introduce to you the Governor of South Dakota, and I feel that the NCAI is honored to have as our guest speaker, the Honorable George T. Mickelson.

GOVERNOR GEORGE T. MICKELSON: Mr. Fire Thunder, President Johnson, officers and members of the National Congress of American Indians and members of the great Sioux Nations: