Native American tribes say stronger self-governance is key to future success

Tribes want the federal government to strengthen and modernize their ability to self-govern, saying the best solutions for Native American life comes from the tribes themselves.

This was the message from the president of the National Congress of American Indians in his 2016 State of the Indian Nations address Thursday.

Brian Cladoosby says decades of self-determination have turned some things around for Native Americans, pointing to successes in schools and tribal economies. However, he says antiqued laws and regulations need to be updated to continue the forward movement.

And he invited presidential candidates to come out to Indian Country to see the successes they have achieved and to plan for their relationship after President Barack Obama leaves office.