Obama meets with American Indians

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Efforts to strengthen American Indian communities and their relationships with the federal government are working, President Barack Obama said Thursday.

"We're moving forward," Obama said at the second White House Tribal Nations Conference attended by leaders of the 565 federally recognized tribes. "And what I hope is that we are seeing a turning point in the relationship between our nations."

His administration has worked for the past year to strengthen the relationship between the nations and develop a comprehensive strategy to help meet the challenges facing American Indian communities -- improving the economy and creating jobs, healthcare and education.

"I also want to note that I support legislation to make clear -- in the wake of a recent Supreme Court decision -- that the Secretary of Interior can take land into trust for all federally recognized tribes," he said to a round of applause.

"I'm confident that if we keep up our efforts, that if we continue to work together, that we will live up to the simple motto and we will achieve a brighter future for the First Americans and for all Americans," Obama said.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, whose department handles the main duties involving American Indians, highlighted the progress that has been made in fulfilling trust management responsibilities, empowering tribal governments and helping them build safer and stronger communities.

"We are here today to pledge anew our respect for the inherent sovereignty of Indian nations," Salazar said. "And we are here today to honor our commitments to American Indian and Alaska Native communities."