"Why did President Obama create your position?
Indian Country suffers from so many socioeconomic challenges: the unemployment rate, infrastructure needs, health care, a high crime rate. Those things were not being addressed adequately. Tribal nations should have a voice at the table whenever policy decisions are made.

What are you working on now?
Job creation is a huge priority: Unemployment rates on some reservations are as high as 80%. We’re also working to modify and strengthen the criminal-justice system that operates in Indian territory. And we’re working with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” campaign to address obesity: As many as 50% of American Indians suffer from it. Indian Country has great needs, but our future is far from bleak—more than $3 billion was directed to Indian tribes through the Recovery Act, and the 2011 budget provides a 5% increase over 2010. "

Get the Story:
A Voice for Indian Country (Parade 5/30)