White House Celebrates Anniversary of "Let's Move! in Indian Country"

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Del Laverdure today participated with the White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs Jodi Gillette to moderate a panel of leaders from across Indian Country in celebration of the contributions made to the First Lady's "Let's Move!" in Indian Country initiative.

Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Laverdure with American Indian youth

The event, in honor of the one year anniversary of the program's launch, was streamed live online at WhiteHouse.gov.

“One year ago the Office of the First Lady"s Let"s Move! initiative and four federal agencies launched "Let's Move! in Indian Country,”

Laverdure said.

“Through Let"s Move! we are supporting and advancing the great work that tribal leaders and community members are already doing to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native children. Today we were privileged to hear first-hand the wonderful progress being made across the country by our extremely accomplished panelists.”

White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs Associate Director Charlie Galbraith welcomed all those viewing the webcast as well as those watching it in person at the White House. President of the National Congress of American Indians Jefferson Keel provided the invocation, followed by brief opening remarks made by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

As a part of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative, "Let's Move!" in Indian Country brings together federal agencies, communities, nonprofits, corporate partners and tribes to end the epidemic of childhood obesity in Indian Country within a generation. A key component of the Let’s Move! In Indian Country focuses on four pillars that are essential to building a healthy future for American Indian and Alaska Native youth:

The featured panelists have demonstrated success in one or more of these pillars and shared their stories with the moderators and those viewing in Indian Country on the live-stream. Also in attendance at the discussion was Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives and Assistant White House Chef Sam Kass.

The following panelists' brief biographical statements are listed below:

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posted June 2, 2012 7:40 am edt