President Ford will meet with more than 200 leaders of the American Indian community at the White House Friday afternoon (July 16), Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson announced today.
It will be the first time a President of the United States has met with such a broad representation of the Indian leadership.
"This is an historic occasion," Commissioner Thompson said "President Ford has invited the chairmen of major tribes and leaders of national Indian organizations to meet with him so that he can personally express to them his support for their efforts under the Administration's policy of Indian self-determination.
The meeting with the President will be in the East Room of the White House at 3 p.m. Friday. The President's talk to the group will be followed by a reception.
Prior to the White House session, the Indians will meet at the Old Executive Building for discussions of Indian programs with Secretary of the Interior Thomas S. Kleppe, Commissioner Thompson and top officials of other Federal agencies which have special programs for Indians.
Dr. Theodore Marrs, Special Assistant to the President, is coordinating the meeting.
