FORT YATES - Founded in 1972 by the presidents of the nation's first six tribal colleges, as an informal collaboration, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium has grown to represent 36 colleges in the United States and one Canadian institution.

Unlike most other professional associations, AIHEC is governed jointly by each member institution, with the president from each member tribal college serving as a board member.

Today through Thursday, the North Dakota Association of Tribal Colleges in association with AIHEC, will convene the 27th Annual AIHEC Conference at the Bismarck Civic Center, with the Best Western Ramkota Hotel serving as the host hotel.

The conference will host three keynote speakers, including Olympic gold medalist, Billy Mills, former Pine Reservation chairwoman, Cecelia Fire Thunder, and former basketball coach Dale Brown.

Close to 1,000 registrants, including a little more than 600 tribal college students are expected to converge on the city of Bismarck..

This year's conference theme is Leadership and will play host to 40 workshops, 75 exhibitors and a little more than 25 student programs and competitions, including a cross promotion with the Bismarck-hometown Dakota Wizards, titled Student AIHEC Night.

Another major conference highlight is the Annual AIHEC Conference Pow-Wow, which is being held Monday evening, at the Bismarck Civic Center-Exhibit Hall B.

All other AIHEC Conference activities begin at 8 a.m. Monday at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Bismarck Civic Center, with welcome remarks delivered at 9:15 a.m. by Gov. John Hoeven.

For more information about the conference, including program activities or registration contact Koreen Ressler at 701-854-8001 or go to the conference Web site at aihec.sittingbull.edu.