White House to host first summit of tribal nations since 2016
- US President Joe Biden will announce steps on Monday to improve public safety and justice for Native Americans
- Leaders from more than 570 tribes in the United States are expected to join the two-day event, with nearly three dozen addressing the gathering
Leaders from more than 570 tribes in the United States are expected to join the two-day event, with nearly three dozen addressing the gathering. The summit is being held virtually owing to the coronavirus pandemic that has affected Native Americans and Alaska Natives at disproportionate rates.
Biden and first lady Jill Biden are set to speak on Monday, with Vice-President Kamala Harris to follow on Tuesday. Several members of Biden’s Cabinet will also participate.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the summit coincides with National Native American Heritage Month and is being hosted by the White House for the first time. The summit was not held during the previous Donald Trump administration. Past conferences were held at the Interior Department.
Biden will use the summit to announce steps to improve public safety and justice for Native Americans and to protect private lands, treaty rights and sacred places, Psaki said.