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Blog Posts Related to the Native American Community

Learn more about the work President Obama is doing with the Native American community.

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Achieving a Brighter Future for Tribal Nations

The White House releases the Synopsis of the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference. The synopsis encompases the feedback tribal leaders suggested during the conference.
March 18, 2013 at 11:26 AM ET by Jodi Gillette

President Signs 2013 VAWA – Empowering Tribes to Protect Native Women

President Obama signs the Violence Against Women Act into law. This act increases protection for many women, including Native American women.
March 7, 2013 at 7:07 PM ET by Jodi Gillette and Charlie Galbraith

Protecting funds from the Cobell v. Salazar settlement

Hundreds of thousands of Native Americans started getting the first payments last week as part of a long-awaited settlement with the federal government over its management as trustee of Individual Indian Money Accounts. The settlement, commonly known as Cobell v. Salazar, means the arrival of funds for Native Americans across the country. Cash payments like this can be a great opportunity for consumers to build up their assets—but we also anticipate scammers targeting settlement recipients, looking to separate these communities from their money.
January 2, 2013 at 11:14 AM ET by Nick Rathod and Kent Markus

Looking back at the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference

For the fourth year in a row, President Obama invited leaders from all 566 federally recognized tribes to Washington, D.C. to participate in the White House Tribal Nations Conference. It has been my honor to host the conference at the Department of the Interior every year and to meet with so many dedicated, visionary leaders who are making a difference in Indian Country. I know how important this conference has become to give leaders an opportunity to speak directly with senior Administration officials, hear from the president himself, and discuss issues facing their communities.
December 21, 2012 at 9:11 AM ET by Secretary Ken Salazar

White House 2012 Tribal Nations Conference: Helping Indian Country Move Forward

Kevin K. Washburn attends his first White House Tribal Nations Conference as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. The conference provides tribal leaders this important opportunity to speak directly with officials at the highest levels of federal government, and hear from the president himself, about Indian Country issues.
December 12, 2012 at 10:10 AM ET by Kevin K. Washburn

Update on IHS Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative

December 10, 2012 at 6:22 PM ET by Dr. Yvette Roubideaux

Continuing the Progress in Tribal Communities

The 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference continues to build upon the President’s commitment to strengthen the government-to-government relationship with Indian Country, and a new report examines the President’s agenda and how this Administration, by working together with tribes, has made a difference for American Indians and Alaska Natives
December 5, 2012 at 10:53 AM ET by Jodi Gillette

President Obama to Host the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference

On December 5, 2012, President Obama will host representatives invited from each of the 566 federally recognized American Indian tribes, and Alaska Native Villages, at the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference.
December 4, 2012 at 11:53 AM ET by Charlie Galbraith

2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference

On December 5, 2012, the White House will host representatives invited from each federally recognized tribe at the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference in Washington, D.C. Learn more and find answers to frequently asked questions here.
November 29, 2012 at 10:15 AM ET by Charlie Galbraith

Improving Education for American Indians and Alaska Natives

The Obama Administration announces nearly $2 million in competitive grants to Tribal Education Agencies under the State-Tribal Education Partnership program.
October 5, 2012 at 5:13 PM ET by Jodi Gillette and Roberto Rodriguez

Fathers and Families Moving Forward in the Land of Enchantment

The efforts to help dads be better dads got a big boost at the second New Mexico Fatherhood Forum. Hosted by the New Mexico Alliance for Fathers and Families at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, this gathering highlighted the efforts of President Obama’s responsible fatherhood initiative and many others.
August 16, 2012 at 4:59 PM ET by Max Finberg

Celebrating the Two-Year Anniversary of the Tribal Law and Order Act

This week marks the two-year anniversary of the enactment of the Tribal Law and Order Act, and as implementation of the law continues, the Act is already improving the Federal Government’s ability to work with Indian tribes in the investigation and prosecution of crime impacting tribal communities.
August 1, 2012 at 6:21 PM ET by Jodi Gillette

Strengthening Tribal Communities Through the HEARTH Act

New authority granted by the HEARTH Act has the potential to significantly reduce the time it takes to approve leases for homes and small businesses in Indian Country, promoting investment in tribal communities and facilitating economic development
July 30, 2012 at 1:54 PM ET by Jodi Gillette

Promoting Job Creation and Economic Growth in Indian Country

Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service published new guidance today on allocating Tribal Economic Development Bonds, which provides Tribes with the authority to issue tax-exempt debt for a range of activities that spur job creation and promote economic growth in Indian country.
July 16, 2012 at 7:07 PM ET by Aaron Klein

Native American Traditional Cultural Landscapes Action Plan - Better Decisions for Historic Properties

How do we balance the need for alternative energy and other development with the preservation of traditional cultural landscapes and other large-scale historic places?
June 28, 2012 at 9:27 AM ET by Milford Wayne Donaldson

USDA Highlights Efforts to Give Tribes the Tools to Improve Basic Services

USDA is making remarkable progress when it comes to supporting Native Americans, especially those who live on reservations or trust areas.
June 26, 2012 at 3:53 PM ET by Janie Hipp

Interior Department Helps Indian Country Go Green

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signs a Record of Decision approving the first-ever, utility-scale solar project in Indian Country.
June 22, 2012 at 6:13 PM ET by Jodi Gillette, Del Laverdure and Tracey A. LeBeau

The First Anniversary of Let's Move! in Indian Country Brings Together Renowned Panelists and the Positive Accomplishments in Indian Country’s Quest for Healthier Living and Eating

At an event marking the one-year anniversary of Let’s Move! in Indian Country, a panel showcases leaders from across Indian Country who have made significant contributions in addressing the health concerns of our nation.
June 8, 2012 at 5:01 PM ET by Del Laverdure

Taking STEPs to Improve Educational Opportunities for Native American and Alaska Native Students

The Obama Administration announces another step towards preparing the next generation of Native American students for success with the launch of the “State-Tribal Education Partnership” – or STEP – pilot program.
June 8, 2012 at 9:00 AM ET by Jodi Gillette and Roberto Rodriguez

Let’s Move! in Indian Country: Celebrating One Year of Progress

The White House hosts a panel discussion of leaders who have contributed to the progress of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiative and whose work can be expanded across Indian Country.
May 31, 2012 at 12:14 PM ET by Charlie Galbraith

Celebrating the One Year Anniversary of Let’s Move! in Indian Country

The White House recognizes community leaders in observance of the one year anniversary of Let's Move! in Indian Country,
May 25, 2012 at 4:54 PM ET by Charlie Galbraith

Addressing Violence Against Native Women in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization

The Violence Against Women Act is essential to protecting Native American women.
May 14, 2012 at 12:20 PM ET by Jodi Gilette, Lynn Rosenthal

Native American CDFI Representative to be Featured in the White House Summit on Financial Capability and Empowerment

Tanya Fiddler, the Executive Director of the Four Bands Community Loan Fund, participates in the White House Summit on Financial Capability and Empowerment.
May 9, 2012 at 10:14 AM ET by Charlie Galbraith

A Solid Record of Achievements for Indian Country

Kimberly Teehee, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, announces her departure from the White House and discusses the Obama Administration's accomplishments in Indian Country.
April 27, 2012 at 1:45 PM ET by Kimberly Teehee

63,000 Native Americans to be Impacted if Congress Fails to Act

If Congress doesn’t act, interest rates will double on July 1 for more than 7.4 million students with subsidized federal Stafford Loans. Approximately 63,000 Native American borrowers would see their loans increase.
April 25, 2012 at 11:10 AM ET by Francesca L. Covey

White House Releases Synopsis Report of the 2011 White House Tribal Nations Conference

To continue the ongoing dialogue regarding issues facing Native Americans, the White House issues a summary of the conference entitled "Achieving a Brighter Future for Tribal Nations."
April 20, 2012 at 4:23 PM ET by Kimberly Teehee

Strengthening DOL’s Interactions with Sovereign Tribal Nations

The Department of Labor's proposed tribal consultation policy creates a formal process through which the department will engage in consultation with federally recognized tribes on actions or policies that will have significant impact on tribal nations.
April 19, 2012 at 12:35 PM ET by Gabriela Lemus

Let’s Move! In Indian Country – Tell Us Your Stories

As part of Let's Move! in Indian Country, we want to hear your stories about how you are making a positive contribution to your tribes, nations, villages, Pueblos and communities.
April 16, 2012 at 4:10 PM ET by Charlie Galbraith

Preserving Our Natural Resources for the Future

Lead by Chairman Harold "Gus" Frank, the Potawatomi Community proves their commitment to protecting Mother Earth and "ensuring that future generations will have access to clean air, water and land," by incorporating renewable and energy-efficient initatives into their daily lives.
April 13, 2012 at 1:16 PM ET by Harold Frank

A New Beginning for the U.S.-Tribal Trust Relationship

The Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior announce the settlement of breach-of-trust lawsuits between the U.S. government and more than 40 federally recognized American Indian Tribes.
April 11, 2012 at 6:26 PM ET by Tony West and Ignacia S. Moreno