New Mexico Indians back Obama

Navajos, NM Indian tribes endorse ObamaThe All Indian Pueblo Council, the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the leader of the Navajo Nation have thrown their support behind Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Obama's campaign says the endorsements represent a majority of New Mexico's Indian leadership. The council represents 19 pueblos, and the Navajo Nation spans parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. says Indian Country has lived with federal policies for the last eight years that have eroded tribal culture and language. He says it's time for the federal government to honor its obligations to its native people.

Obama, in a statement issued Friday, said tribes face a special set of challenges and he looks forward to working will all tribal leaders.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Obama Meets 100 Tribal Leaders.