But after attending the Peace through Harmony and Balance Conference on Friday, James said she learned about the importance of making sure her elected officials know the issues affecting her American Indian community.

"They made us aware that we have a voice and not to wait for things to fall in place without any action," she said of the conference speakers.

Now she said she plans to tell elected officials and community leaders what's on her mind and share her ideas.

James was one of some 600 people - from children to grandparents from Utah and neighboring states - who attended the American Indian conference at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

The conference was paid for by private sponsors and organized by West Wind Seminars, a company that focuses on empowering American Indian youth. Co-organizer Kelly Zunie said the event started as a youth conference but turned into a family affair because elders and parents also were interested in attending.

The purpose of the event was to bring American Indians together, empower them to initiate change in their communities and encourage families to value their culture and traditions, Zunie said.

"We really want change in our community," Zunie said. "We want people to know that there are Native Americans in the Salt Lake Valley."

James missed work to come to the conference with her two teenage daughters, who got an unexcused absence at school. James said she wished the schools were involved or realized the importance of having such events for American Indian youth, who are such a tiny percent of the general population. American Indians make up an estimated two percent of the state's population and two percent of the student body in Salt Lake City schools.

"It's important for them to be around their own people," James said.

Eighth-grader Tiffany Sunbear, James' daughter, said she really enjoyed the conference because it was educational and helped boost her self-esteem.

She learned that "you should be around people who are positive rather than people who are negative."

Throughout the day, people attended four sessions on topics that included mental and educational balance, physical balance, emotional balance, and social and relationship balance.

High school freshmen Riva Chief and Shikera Jones thought the mental and educational balance workshop was the best. They said they learned about applying for college and how their American Indian background is something that can help them in the future.

They were impressed seeing American Indian professionals and community leaders at the conference and knowing that they're there to assist them in achieving their goals.

"It makes me feel good because it can give me something to relate to," said Riva, who wants to study computer programming in college.

Shikera said she has never felt "intelligent" enough to go to college. But now after learning about getting involved in the community, she said she's going to reconsider.

"It gives me more courage to stand up for what we believe in," she said.

jsanchez@sltrib.com

Did you know?

Facts on American Indians in Utah:

* There are 40,445 American Indians (in race alone or in combination).

* They make up some two percent of the state's population.

* Highest concentration of American Indians: 30 percent in Salt Lake County; 20 percent in San Juan County.

* The state's five major tribes are Ute, Dine (Navajo), Paiute, Goshute and Shoshoni.

Source: U.S. Census, University of Utah and the Utah State Division of Indian Affairs Web site.