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Biden pledges to give tribal nations a stronger voice in federal policy

President Joe Biden has attempted to reach out to tribal communities during his administration in a number of ways, including the appointment of the first-ever Native American secretary of Interior.

The president took that commitment a step further at the opening day of the summit on tribal affairs.

Biden pledged to give tribal communities a stronger voice in federal policy and announced new steps that included tribal consultation and a plan to revive native languages.

But some changes may need to become law, and he acknowledged it will be a challenge to get Congress to act.

Outgoing Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said that even when changes are put into law, shifts in national priorities can push Indian country issues to the back burner.

The annual summit brings tribal leaders to Washington to discuss Native issues.

Ron Dungan was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2020 to 2024.