PORCUPINE, S.D. (AP) - President Barack Obama hailed the head of a nonprofit organization on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation as an example of positive change in Indian Country.

Obama spoke to more than 500 tribal leaders during the fourth White House Tribal Nations summit on Wednesday in Washington.

Obama recognized Nick Tilsen as someone making great strides among Native Americans. Tilsen is the executive director of Thunder Valley, a community-development corporation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Obama says that using spiritual and cultural practices, Thunder Valley is helping to keep Native youth off drugs and alcohol. The president says the organization is now building a clean energy program.

Obama says that "day by day" and "community by community" Tilsen, Thunder Valley and others like it are making a positive difference.

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