"Today, we are releasing the White House Tribal Nations Conference Progress Report. This report, which was developed by the participating agencies, provides a summary of the feedback we received about the conference, and provides an update on the progress the Administration is making on the issues of concern to Indian Country. Thanks to tribal input which helped focus the Administration, I am pleased to report that we are making progress in these areas. Some highlights include:

* During the summit, the President signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the Federal agencies to submit detailed plans on how they intend to fully implement Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Tribal Governments.” The agencies are currently implementing these plans and will submit progress reports in August.

* The permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act was included in the Affordable Care Act which the President signed in March. We are working very hard to begin implementation of the many provisions in the Affordable Care Act.

* President Obama supports the Tribal Law and Order Act, which would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the tribal justice systems and better prevent crime in tribal communities. In addition, the President supports initiatives to hire new Indian country Assistant United States Attorneys to prosecute cases involving violent crime on Native lands and provide additional federal agents to support law enforcement efforts in tribal communities. Addressing crimes involving violence against women and children on Native lands is a particular priority of the Administration.

* The President supports enhancing the role of tribes in Indian education by strengthening the Tribal Education Agencies through the Elementary and Secondary Education Assistance reauthorization.

* The United States is formally reviewing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and is doing so in consultation with Indian tribes and with input from other interested stakeholders

All of these steps are part of President Obama’s commitment to ensure that tribal voices are heard in Washington."

Get the Story:
Kim Teehee: Forging a New and Better Future (White House 6/21)