Minutes of the 2007 NAIGSO-AA Conference

January 28, 2007

Many Nations Recovery Center

The 3rd Annual NAIGSO-AA Conference was started with a traditional blessing and potluck at 12:00 noon.

Meeting Call to Order: 12:45 PM by Chairperson Robert V.

Robert turned the meeting over to Don W.

Readings: Serenity Prayer was led by Don W., Hemet, Ca. as was the Preamble and Earl's Vision, 12 Traditions read by Loretta M., Lakeside, Ca.

Attendance: 36

AA Birthday: Robert V. 12 years from Judy V.

Don introduced Gary C. from Rogersville, Alabama as new General Manager. He also recognized the passing of Gary's father this past week and honored his parents.

Old Business/Purposed 2006 Goals:

Minutes were read from the Second Annual NAIGSO-AA Conference, January 2006.

1. Helping Native American sobriety through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

2. Being a helping hand to New York and World Services with information and referrals.

3. Cultural Representation

4. Supports for Native Americans in A.A.

5. NAIGSO representatives

6. Directory for Native American meetings, gatherings and membership

Don explained we are bound together by this common desire, which produces unity.

Introductions were made around the room for each person in attendance to announce their name, tribe, area and homegroup.

Meeting turned over to Gary C.

Gary read the NAIGSO-AA daily meditation and gave a brief report on 2006 year-to-date as follows:

Registrar for website-Noelle G., North Carolina   Board secretary and Mail-Handler- Marla M., Lakeside,CA.   Established hotline link on website, inquiries responded to by Sparrow D., El Cajon, Ca.,-1 person still sober that reached out to hotline.   Don W., Hemet, Ca. now holds position of Webmaster.

New contact letters via snail mail and email sent to Tribal leaders.

Online Advisory Counsel established.

New Business 2007

Planning of next year's NAIGSO-AA Conference/ Convention Sept. 6th-8th, 2008 - Bismarck, North Dakota.

Gary C. turned meeting back over to Don W. who asked for group's input, announcements and questions.

Group Discussion

Matthew announced 49TH Annual Young Peoples Conference in Los Angeles. Invited NAIGSO to the panel at the Los Angeles Conference August 31-September 2, 2007 at the Bonaventure Hotel.

Gary C. encouraged Mark D. and Bill R. to represent for NAIGSO at the Young People's A.A. Conference.

Kyle from the San Diego Young People's A. A. recently started, which extends to North County/Coastal area inquired how can they be of help to Native American Youth?

Loretta asked if that was similar to Alateen?  Kyle answered no, it's A.A.

Mark announced A.A. Men's Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada; March 30th-Apr.1st, 2007 hosting two native American marathon meetings.

4 Directions-Pathfinders mtg. established and started Saturday 12:00 noon, Traditions stated, also in A. A. directory.

Also shared there are 400,00 A.A.er's with 3,000 mtg.'s in Los Angeles.

Audrey shared about the AA by the Bay meeting and Pacific Beach Youth AA meeting.

Carla asked if North Dakota was our conference.

Gary responded yes.

Location changed for feasibility of ALL people in United States to have better access.

Also corresponds with Annual International National Pow Wow.

Don W. explained NAIGSO was invited to Regional meeting of A.A. by Greg M. However, we declined as sending two representatives is to costly.

Don W. also stated: "We are 100% A.A."

Doug W. from the Remote Nations Committee asked, "How can we reach out to the reservations of Southern San Diego to come to unity with remote nations meetings? There were potlucks on a monthly basis that rotated reservation to reservation that is no longer in existence. First (1st) Sunday of the month Remote Nations Meeting that represents central California to border." Wants to promote/invite unity with remote Nations.

Bill R. shared since 1999 registered 30 people, encourages AA members to come to mtg. first of the every month to announce promote functions. Every quarter North County/San Fernando Co. get Kumeyyay to councils. Native language tapes and pamphlets.

Gary C. thought John's question was misinterpreted; NAIGSO-AA acknowledged by New York, not fully accepted and understood-we support AA unity as well as Native American culture/traditions. Example, Christianity Versus Buddhism in AA written about in the "As Bill Sees It."  South East Native American AA Council was met with resistance.

Being in service overcomes resistance or ideas of control.

Kim F. introduced herself and background, offered encouragement for our purpose and offered her assistance in any way.

Buck discussed religion vs. spirituality and AA.

Barb-Ogala Sioux -Steps keeps her sober and AA.

Mark shared regarding their NAIGSO formatted meeting ongoing for 3 years at their Los Angeles area location. Non-swearing, shows humility and respect for conscious contact with Higher Power.

Carla stated at their meetings everyone reads a passage of their choosing from the Big Book when sharing.

Marla M. asked for support, unity and membership on the website from each person in attendance.

Cindy B. secretary of the Sweet Grass group would like address and website information to put forth at their meeting.

Judy V. encouraged and praised the attendance at this year's conference.

Don W. said "connectivity vision" being achieved with Advisory Council, be a part of that "desire forms fellowship."

Dennis explained that the tradition of the Eagle Feather takes the prayers/message to Creator. Native American homeless or street person needs to register with Many Nations to get help.

Loretta asked, "Where does a urban raised Native American relocated to the reservation and then treated like an outcast go for acceptance?"

Don W. answered NAIGSO!!!

Mat also stated the conference is an opportunity to increase compassion and love.

Reminder; Remote Nations Mtg. this Sunday at Keith's Restaurant, Mira Mesa 9:30 AM to 10:30AM. Also held Every 1st Sunday of every month

Don W. to Gary C. for closing - Next NAIGSO-AA Conference; Bismarck North Dakota 2008.

Sylvia W. read the Native American prayer.

Meeting portion of Conference adjourned: 2:55 PM.

Raffle followed.

Respectfully submitted by,

Marla M.,

Secretary