NCAI kicks off 69th annual conference in Sacramento, California

The National Congress of American Indians kicks off its 69h annual convention in Sacramento, California.

Speakers today include Gov. Jerry Brown (D), White House adviser Jodi Gillette, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and new Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn. This will be Washburn's first appearance at NCAI since being confirmed as the leader of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

With the 2012 presidential election just two weeks away, representatives of Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney are addressing NCAI today. Katherine Archuleta, the national political director for Obama's campaign, and California Sen. Mark Wyland, a Romney supporter, will talk to tribal leaders.

The conference runs through Friday.