WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Monday aimed at addressing what the administration calls an "epidemic" of missing or murdered Indigenous people across the U.S. — part of an overall effort to showcase his commitment to Native Americans.The White House is hosting a two-day summit, with leaders from more than 570 tribes in the United States expected to participate.
The summit is being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected Native Americans and Alaska Natives at disproportionate rates.The president’s new executive order tasks the Justice, Homeland Security and Interior departments to work together to help combat human trafficking and crime on native lands.