Obama: Relations with tribes at turning point
By SUZANNE GAMBOA, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says his administration offers a turning point in the tangled relationship between Washington and Native American tribes.
Obama told tribal leaders that as president, he's "got your back."
Obama spoke Friday to the nation's 565 tribal leaders. The president said he has honored his promise to Native Americans to make his administration more responsive to their needs.
Obama used the annual Tribal Nations Conference to announce a new education initiative for American Indians and Alaska natives. It aims to expand educational opportunities for Native Americans, including learning their native languages, cultures and histories.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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