US President Barack Obama has
made his first visit since taking
office to a Native American
reservation. The president and his
swife, Michelle, traveled Friday to
Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Nation
in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, in
the north-central US. He is just the
fourth sitting president to visit a
10 Native American reservation.
Citing legendary tribal chief Sitting
Bull, Obama said, "Let's put our
minds together to build more
economic opportunity in Indian
15 country."
Native Americans who live on reservations face low education levels,
poor health care, a high poverty rate and substandard housing. The
White House announced new initiatives Friday, including reforms
for the Bureau of Indian Education, efforts to bring high-speed
20 Internet to tribal schools and training for teachers.
The president and the first lady met privately with tribal youth to
discuss their challenges growing up on the reservation that was
home to Sitting Bull.
Tribal government Chairman Dave Archambault praised the
25 president for helping to correct what he called "historic wrongs"
involving tribal land disputes.
Standing Rock is home to nearly 1,000 residents. The Bureau of
Indian Affairs about 63% of able workers at the 9,300 square-
kilometer reservation are unemployed.
Is this usual for US president