Obama makes first trip to Indian Country as president

President Barack Obama is in Indian Country for the first time as president, witnessing two sides of Native American life — a celebration of colorful cultural traditions on the powwow grounds and a view of the often bleak modern-day conditions on tribal lands. The president and first lady arrived by helicopter as native songs and dances at the Flag Day Celebration were already underway at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, which straddles the border between North Dakota and South Dakota. The couple first was meeting privately with tribal youth about their challenges growing up on the reservation that was home to legendary tribal chief Sitting Bull. Today, the 2.3 million-acre reservation is home to about 850 residents who struggle with a lack of housing, health care and education, among other problems familiar on reservations nationwide. The Bureau of Indian Affairs reported in January that about 63 percent of able workers on Standing Rock were unemployed. Obama pledged to help address the struggles of Native Americans when he was running for president in 2008, the last time he visited Indian Country. The White House said that during remarks to conclude his visit, Obama will recognize that more work needs to be done and will outline steps to improve Native American education and economic conditions...more