For a half hour Tuesday, David Gipp has the ear of the Democratic Party.

The president of United Tribes Technical College will speak in the afternoon at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

It's an opportunity for him to address the American Indian in the United States and education.

"It's the first time I've received this kind of invitation," Gipp said. "I'm pleased it's happening. It's a historical moment."

He received an invitation from DNC chairman Howard Dean at the request of Sen. Barak Obama, the presumptive party candidate.

Usually, tribal leaders are invited to speak. Sometimes, this can help shape the party platform for Indian affairs policy, Gipp said. He will be able to provide an educator's perspective, he said.

He has served as president of United Tribes, a two-year college operated by the tribes in North Dakota, since 1977. Each year, under the Bush administration, he has had to testify to Congress for operational funding.

"Whoever is the new administration, Barack Obama or John McCain, will be a closer alignment to Indian affairs and policy," he said.

Gipp will leave Sunday to attend the convention. He speaks at 3 p.m. MDT Tuesday. North Dakota sends 21 delegates to the national convention.

The Republican National Convention is Sept. 1-8 in Minneapolis.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@bismarcktribune.com.)