In the summer of 1970, the federal government granted money to found programs for the education of American Indians at four colleges.

Thirty years later, Penn State's American Indian Leadership Program is the only one that has continuously existed and kept its commitment to educational initiatives.

Staff, current students, graduates and supporters of the AILP will celebrate its success tomorrow with a conference and a traditional powwow, which are free and open to the public.

"It's to highlight the program and to bring, hopefully, some renewed interest and support for the program, internally from Penn State as well as external," said John Tippeconnic, director of the AILP at Penn State.

The conference, which begins at 9:45 a.m. tomorrow, will include two panel discussions on the progression of American Indian leadership in education and a luncheon with a keynote speaker.

The AILP is a College of Education masters and doctoral program for graduate students who are American Indian or Alaska Native. Students graduate from the program with degrees in educational administration or special education.

Susan Faircloth, a recent graduate of the program who is now assisting Tippeconic, explained what brought her to the AILP.

"It's just well known throughout the country as producing leaders in American Indian education, and I was just really impressed by that and wanted to be a part of that," she said.

The program's national reputation attracts students to Penn State that might not otherwise consider the university.

"Without the leadership program, there would not be an American Indian/Alaska Native presence on campus," said Tippeconnic, who himself entered the program in its starting year.

One of his classmates, Dr. Gerald E. Gipp, the first Ph.D. graduate of the program, will be the keynote speaker at tomorrow's luncheon.

Other members of the program's approximately 180 alumni will also attend. "We have a number of alumni of our program on the various panels," said Tippeconnic. "We invited everyone to come back."

Supporters of the program will also attend. The morning panel will include the holders of the two top positions in Indian education within the government. "That's just one little indicator," Tippeconnic said, "that says that people know about the program nationally and that we have made a difference in the education of Indian people."

Following the day's conference, the AILP will hold its first-ever traditional powwow in Dean's Hall at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. John Sanchez, one of the three Indian professors on campus, is coordinating tomorrow night's powwow.

"A powwow is a big spring dance," Sanchez said. "People come and they honor American Indian culture by remembering these traditions and these dance steps."

Sanchez said he has received calls from people throughout the country wanting to attend. "I got a call from a lady in Columbus, Ohio yesterday," he said. "She's 70 years old and wants to come to dance."

In addition to dancing to drum groups from across the country, vendors will have authentic Indian arts and crafts at the event.

Since the powwow is both traditional and open invitation, a book of powwow etiquette has been created to educate people about respectful behavior, such as not taking photographs during certain dances.

"There are times when American Indian people don't mind if you take their picture," Sanchez said. "But then there are times when . . . you shouldn't do it."

Sanchez said there are also times when even the inexperienced attendees will be able to join in the dance. "Nobody cares if you miss a beat," he said. "It's just being out there and honoring Indian country by just trying and dancing. It's so relaxed, there's no uneasiness about it."