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Monday, December 7, 1953 
The Phoenix Gazette 

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Gazette Staff Photo
Tribal leaders from different states discuss common problems at the 10th annual conference of the National Congress of American Indians, which opened here today. They are (from left) Chief Jack House, Ute Mountain tribe, Colorado; Martin Cross, Fort Berthhold, N.D., and W.W. Short, president of the NCAI, a Chickasaw from Davis, Okla.

INDIANS

Concluded From Page One

several bills pending in the nation's congress," Short said.

"If they cannot close their ranks, strengthen their forces, and recognize and work with their friends - it may be too late to protect their remaining precious resources."

Short's view was echoed by Mrs Helen Peterson, an Ogallala Sioux from Denver, Colo., NCAI's executive director.

"We have seen progress in recent years," she said, "but there are still too many Indian people who - because of the undeveloped lands, lack of capital, inadequate education, and poor health - are kept from contributing fully to their communities.

"OUR SERIOUS problems can be solved, but only if we work together - only if we have the courage and determination to fight for our common goals."

Delegations from about 40 tribal groups from states as distant as Washington and North Carolina met in the lobby Lounge Room of the hotel this morning for the call to order.

This afternoon, the tribesmen were to be officially welcomed by Frank G. Murphy, mayor-elect of Phoenix, and Royal Marks, attorney and chairman of the Indian affairs committee of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

THE KEYNOTE address was to be delivers by Clarence Wesley, chairmen of the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council and member of NCAI's executive council.

Today's general meeting - on the topic "What Is the Outlook for Indians in the Year Ahead?" - was to start at 3 p.m. with an opening statement by Justice N. B. Johnson of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, a Cherokee from Oklahoma City, Okla.

Tomorrow delegates are expected to buckle down to the serious business of drafting a legislative program acceptable to all member tribal groups.

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Gazette Staff Photo
Mrs. Helen Peterson of Denver, executive director of the National Congress of American Indians, holds some of the 200 Allie Reynolds autographed baseballs to be given out to delegates to the organization's convention at Hotel Westward Ho today through Wednesday. The New York Yankees pitcher, a Creek Indian, couldn't attend the convention, but sent the baseballs as souvenirs.

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Gazette Staff Photo
Mrs. Bernice Green, San Carlos Apache tribal secretary, looks over addresses prepared by delegates to the 10th annual convention of the National Congress of American Indians.