North Dakota tribal leaders and public officials will gather in Bismarck Sept. 6 to 8 to exchange information about current issues facing tribes during the ninth annual United Tribes Intertribal Council Summit.

United Tribes Technical College sponsors the meetings, which precede the United Tribes International Powwow. The theme is "A Cultural Context for Tribal Development." The opening session begins at 1 p.m. Sept. 6.

Discussion topics include cultural preservation, sovereignty, Indian gaming, tribal courts, the economic impact of health care, entrepreneurship, wind energy, trust reform and BIA education.

The summit concludes Sept. 8 with policy discussions and the formation of resolutions by the United Tribes of North Dakota Board.

Reduced prepaid registration is available at $300 per person until Aug. 26. Registration at the time of the conference is $350.

The summit takes place at the Best Western Doublewood Inn, 1400 E. Interchange Ave., (exit 159 & I-94). A reception honoring Standing Rock Chairman Charles W. Murphy is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 7.

For more information, or to register, contact Wes Long Feather, 701-255-3285, ext. 1218, or visit the college Web site, www.uttc.edu; click on Events and Conferences.