Looking back at the 2012 White House Tribal Nations Conference

Ed. note: This is cross-posted from the DOI blog.

For the fourth year in a row, President Obama invited leaders from all 566 federally recognized tribes to Washington, D.C. to participate in the White House Tribal Nations Conference.

It has been my honor to host the conference at the Department of the Interior every year and to meet with so many dedicated, visionary leaders who are making a difference in Indian Country. I know how important this conference has become to give leaders an opportunity to speak directly with senior Administration officials, hear from the president himself, and discuss issues facing their communities.

As we continue our important work to honor and strengthen our nation to nation relationship, the White House Tribal Nations Conference stands out for me as a special and meaningful day in 2012.

Click to view a short video of what happened at the conference.

Click here for some photos from the opening and closing sessions, as well as some photos from the breakout sessions held with tribal leaders.

Ken Salazar is the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior