MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- The First Lady’s, Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiative is partnering with the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) council, and the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute at the 2011 UNITY National Conference. Let’s Move! in Indian Country (LMIC) is an initiative dedicated to ending childhood obesity among Indian youth, a group which is twice as likely to be overweight when compared to the general U.S. population. The initiative was developed by First Lady Michelle Obama and officially kicked off in Indian Country in May of 2011. Let’s Move! in Indian Country has four main Goals: (1) create a healthy start on life for children, (2) create healthy learning communities, (3) ensure families access to healthy, affordable, traditional foods, and (4) increase opportunities for physical activity.
By attending the 2011 UNITY Conference, LMIC will have a further opportunity to present information on ways Indian youth can lead more active and healthy lives, receive input from Indian youth, and dance and exercise along with them. Amongst government representatives in attendance will be Charles Galbraith, a member of the Navajo Nation, Associate Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, who will be speaking on Sunday, July 10th, 2011.
WHO: Charles Galbraith, Associate Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement
WHAT: The First Lady’s, Let’s Move! in Indian Country is partnering with the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) council and the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute at the 2011 UNITY National Conference to promote ending childhood obesity within a generation to approximately 1,000 American Indian and Alaska Native youth from around the nation. The UNITY event consists of the nation’s largest youth roundtable where youth will be brainstorming solutions to improving health and wellness in Indian communities. In addition, there will be engaged in Let’s Move! in Indian Country activities over a two day period.
WHEN: Sunday, July 10th, 2011- Associate Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement Charlie Galbraith will be addressing the students on behalf of the First Lady’s office and Let’s Move! in Indian Country.
WHERE: Sheraton Bloomington Hotel 7800 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439 Phone: (952) 835-7800 sheraton.bloomington@twincities-hotel.com
NOTE: All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials.
