The primary purpose of the 1997 National Planning Meeting was to plan the upcoming 1998 NOAC to be held at Iowa State University. The National Elections, which are always highly anticipated, was a highlight.

Mat Milleson of Yah-Tah-Hey-Si-Kess Lodge, Albuquerque, New Mexico was elected National Chief.  Dave Petrush from Otahnagon Lodge, Binghamton, New York was elected National Vice Chief.

Region Chiefs elected were: Ryan King – Central Region, Jason Kuder – Northeast Region, Mark Angeli – Southern Region and Brandon Fessler – Western Region.