Oregon Public Broadcasting

Native American tribal leaders from across the country are gathering in Portland this week.

Geoff Norcross / OPB

Executive Director of NCAI, Jacqueline Johnson Pata

The annual convention of the National Congress of American Indians will cover many issues, including the vote. With the 2012 presidential election approaching, activists are trying to mobilize native voters. 

I spoke with Jacqueline Johnson Pata.  She's Executive Director of NCAI, and a member of the Tlingit tribe in Alaska. 

We talked about electoral issues that are important to American Indians.  There are differences, but the issues are largely the same as you'll find elsewhere in the country.