Remarks by the President at the 3rd Annual 2011 Tribal Nations Conference (and Pics)

Now, today, I’m here not only as President. As I’ve mentioned before, I am also here as an adopted member of the Crow Nation. (Applause.) So I’d like to recognize my adoptive Mom and Dad, Sonny and Mary Black Eagle, who are backstage. They’re going to be coming out here in a little bit. I’m so grateful they took me into their family. I bet they’re grateful that I never went through the “terrible twos” -- (laughter) -- or “terrible teens.” They got me after I was a little more polished. (Laughter.)

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We’re working to make our government-to-government relationship even stronger. We asked Congress to recognize the power of tribes to prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence, whether they’re Indian or non-Indian. (Applause.) And in the wake of the Carcieri decision, we've asked Congress to restore the Secretary of the Interior’s authority to take land into trust for federally recognized Indian tribes. (Applause.)

So this new relationship represents a major step forward. It is change. But I promised even more than that. I told you that as President, I would work with you to tackle the most difficult problems facing Native American families. And that’s exactly what we’ve done. We passed the Tribal Law and Order Act, and began making Indian Country a safer place to live. We permanently authorized the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and made quality health care accessible to more Native Americans.

Just this week, we streamlined leasing regulations, which will lead to more homes, more businesses, more renewable energy on the reservation. That’s what change is. (Applause.)

And finally, we said that even as we include Indian tribes in the broader promise of America, we're going to keep native traditions alive. So when Michelle launched Let’s Move! in Indian Country, she brought lacrosse players to the White House, and invited Native American children to plant the “three sisters” crops in the White House vegetable garden.

While our work together is far from over, today we can see what change looks like. It's the Native American-owned small business that's opening its doors, or a worker helping a school renovate. It’s new roads and houses. It’s wind turbines going up on tribal lands, and crime going down in tribal communities. That’s what change looks like.

So we should be proud of what we’ve done -- together. But of course, that should sharpen our resolve to do even more. Because as long as Native Americans face unemployment and poverty rates that are far higher than the national average, we’re going to have more work to do. And I wake up every day focused on how to get this economy growing and create jobs for every American, faster. We’re working to rebuild an economy where no matter who you are, no matter what you look like -– black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American –- you can make it if you try.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/12/02/remarks-president-2011-tribal-nations-conference