In the bureau's efforts to support the community, build relationships and continually diversify our outreach, Mikal Shabazz, Tiffani Penson, Colleen Daley and Andy Truong attended the Native American Family Center 5^th Annual Celebration in honor of Native American Heritage Month held at the Portland Art Museum. This event was an effort to raise money for "Housing for Our People and a Home for NAYA".

As the silent auction took place many Native American guests filled the room with their rich history and willingness to share their life stories with other guests. The event began with a silent auction in a beautifully lit room containing native artifacts, vacation spots, books and catered dinners for groups by native chefs. In addition, our very own Mayor Potter received many bids on a lunch for four with him.

After the silent auction, we changed venues to another room for an incredible native dinner consisting of wilted spinach with huckleberries and crab, mussel, clam, salmon and prawn seafood stew. As we ate dinner the keynote speaker and Executive Director of the Native American Community Development Corporation, Elouise Cobell, Blackfeet, delivered a powerful presentation on the Indian Trust Lawsuit Cobell vs Kempthorne. Not only was it moving, but it was very informative and an eye opener to issues the Native American Community faces.

The night finished with a fun, exciting and very successful live auction of native artifacts by talented artist, Native American vacation places in Montana, storytelling and many other items. "This event was a meaningful history lesson that I would encourage other staff to attend," says Tiffani Penson.

For more information on the keynote Speaker Elouise Cobell visit http://www.indiantrust.com.