Snow Owl, Tribal Governor of the Paugcesukq Nation, said he enjoyed "hearing from the different tribal standpoints and how they deal with their own problems."

President Clinton sent a letter to the conference saying "respect grows through understanding" and high-lighted the actions his administration has taken to foster good will among Native Americans and all Americans.

Clinton wrote that "American Indians have embraced sovereignty, peace, goodwill and harmony, serving as an example for all Americans."

"It is so important for all law schools to understand and acknowledge the rights of Indian tribes to self-government, and to educate both their students and their communities about the government status of Indian tribes," he wrote.

The day closed with a reception celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Native American Program.

Susan Power, a 1986 graduate of the Law School, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and author of the award-winning novel The Grass Dancers, read experts from her short story entitled "First Fruits" in honor of Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck 1665, the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College.

"I think it's important that Harvard acknowledge the past. It's wonderful that there is so much support [here]," Powers said.

Powers' mother, who attended the reading commented "Harvard has washed [its] ears and heard the spirits.