American Indian leaders are gathered in Washington, D.C., to express their needs to officials in President Barack Obama's administration.
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell welcomed the leaders Wednesday to the White House Tribal Nations Conference held at the U.S. Department of the Interior. The audience includes representatives invited from 566 tribes.
Obama and a dozen other Cabinet members also give remarks during the conference. Obama vowed during his election campaign to regularly meet with tribal leaders, to hear directly from them about how his administration can meet their needs and help improve their lives.
A newly formed White House Council on Native American Affairs is holding meetings and listening sessions that coincide with the conference. The topics include mascots, violent crime, sacred sites and education.
