"Tribal leaders are hailing the announcement by President Barack Obama that the United States will sign a United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. Reporter Sara Sciammaco has more on what the move, which leaders say is long overdue, will mean for Indian Country.

In a packed auditorium hall in the U.S. Interior Department, tribal leaders jumped from their seats at President Obama’s announcement.

OBAMA: “As you know in April we announced we were reviewing our position on the declaration rights, and today as I can announce is lending its support to this declaration.”

In 2007, the United States was one of only a handful of countries to vote against the non-binding declaration.

Since then, tribal leaders have increased pressure on the Obama Administration to sign on to it. They say it will help better protect their institutions and cultures, and give them the rights to land and resources.

Elwood Emm chairs the Yerington Paiute tribe in Nevada.

EMM: “Anything that can happen at the White House that can change the way Indian Americans are treated is always a good thing, we have been stuck in the corner, we haven’t been heard.” "

Get the Story:
Native Americans Celebrate Pres. Obama Announcement (Capitol News Connection 12/16)

Also Today:
U.S. will sign U.N. declaration on rights of native people, Obama tells tribes (The Washington Post 12/17)
Obama: US will back UN on rights of native peoples (AP 12/16)

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