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Watch and Engage: The White House Tribal Nations Conference and Youth Town Hall

Summary: 
Follow along as President Obama hosts the 2015 White House Tribal Nations Conference and roundtable with Native youth.

Today, the White House is bringing together tribal leaders from the 567 federally-recognized tribes to participate in the 7th Annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. The Conference continues to build upon the President’s commitment to strengthen the government-to-government relationship with Indian Country and to improve the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives, with an emphasis on increasing opportunity for Native youth.

President Obama will also take this opportunity to sit down with young leaders who will share their unique perspectives on the challenges facing tribal communities and how we can work together to help young people reach their full potential. Here's how you can participate:

  • Watch the conference right here and at WhiteHouse.gov/live
  • Join the conversation with President Obama and Native youth by tuning in and adding your voice on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #GenIAsksObama.
  • We’ll also keep you updated right here with photos, videos and discussions throughout the day


Last year, President Barack Obama launched a nationwide initiative to lift up the lives of Native youth in America, who, for too long, have gone unrecognized for their incredible talents and strengths. The Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) initiative seeks to shine a spotlight on Native youth who often grapple with challenges more severe than their non-Native peers, but who also refuse to be defined by statistics or stereotypes. Through Gen-I, many Native youth across the country are embodying the positive change they want to see in their communities, whether by mentoring others, learning their Native languages, or by serving on youth councils. In doing so, they contribute to what makes America such a rich and diverse country. The Administration is proud to stand behind Native youth by advancing new policies, increasing program resources, and providing new opportunities for engagement. This report provides an update on the progress made under Gen-I and how Gen-I will continue to move forward fueled by the strength and resilience of Native youth across the country. Learn more about Generation Indigenous in a new progress report.

Hear from some of these young leaders on how the Generation Indigenous initiative has given them a platform to elevate their voices and create positive change in their communities.