The 70th annual National Congress of American Indians has opened in Tulsa with tribal ceremonies and a speech from Gov. Mary Fallin.
The Tulsa World reports that Fallin welcomed up to 3,000 attendees from tribes across the country on Monday.
Fallin congratulated tribes on their work to improve tribal health care, tying tribal efforts to national reforms.
Fallin also addressed the government shutdown, urging lawmakers to "see the light and get their act together."
With 38 federally-recognized tribes in Oklahoma, Fallin says she hopes Oklahoma can continue to be a leader among tribes in the U.S. The governor says the American Indian is an integral part of the state.
Fallin encouraged tribes in Oklahoma and elsewhere to continue to work on communication with state and federal governments.
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