American Tribal Youth Gather in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON D.C.(AP)-American Tribal youth from across the nation are gathering in Washington, D.C., for a special summit called by the White House.

More than 875 teens representing 230 tribes will meet Thursday with First Lady Michelle Obama and cabinet members to discuss economic opportunity, education, cultural issues and other topics. It's part of Generation Indigenous, or Gen-I, a White House initiative that kicked off earlier this year with a brainstorming session in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The initiative stems from a visit last year by the Obamas to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, which straddles the border between the Dakotas.

Meetings followed, cabinet members conducted listening tours, and tribal youth were chosen as ambassadors. Officials say the goal is to remove barriers blocking tribal youth from reaching their potential.