"Long before the United States was even an idea, your ancestors were harvesting the crops that would feed the world for centuries to come," she said, pointing out their contributions to music, art, medicine, and even government.
"Today on issues like conservation and climate change we are finally beginning to embrace the wisdom of your ancestors," she said. "So make no mistake about it, your customs, your values, your discoveries, are at the heart of the American story."
The First Lady also highlighted the historical atrocities committed by the United States against Native Americans.