First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to Interior Department in DC

Tuesday, April 23, 2013  

First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to employees at the Interior Department in Washington, D.C., this morning.

Obama last visited DOI shortly after President Barack Obama took office in 2009. She said her husband's administration has made great progress in the last four years.

"Thank you for building strong nation-to-nation relationships with tribes across Indian Country," the First Lady said, according to the transcript of her remarks.

In her speech, Obama highlighted the Let’s Move in Indian Country initiative that she launched in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In June 2011, she hosted Indian youth at the White House garden in order to promote healthy lifestyles.

"Through this initiative, together we are working to ensure that the American Indian and Alaska Native children get the nutritious food and physical activity that they need to grow up to be healthy and active individuals," Obama said.

The First Lady also welcomed Sally Jewell, the new Secretary of the Interior. Jewell took over the department on April 12.

"And I know that she hasn't been here long, but she's already making an impression. We are so proud to have her. We hear glowing reports," Obama said. "She is an example of everything that this agency stands for, and we're grateful for her leadership."

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Remarks by the First Lady at the Department of the Interior (White House 4/23)