Interior secretary starts off Native youth listening tour

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) – Interior Secretary Sally Jewell is visiting with American Indian youth to get their thoughts on how federal                   policy can improve their lives.

The visits Tuesday to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Gila River reservation mark the start of a Native youth                   listening tour.

President Barack Obama has said his staff will hold the listening sessions throughout Indian Country this year.

Jewell is scheduled to visit a family advocacy center that houses counseling, law enforcement and other social services before meeting with a youth council.

She’ll be joined by Bureau of Indian Education director Charles “Monty” Roessel and Gina Jackson, Casey Family Programs director and Indian Child Welfare Programs director.

A report released by the White House last year says more help is needed to develop tribal economies, health programs and education.