November 5, 2009 Obama pledges to address tribal concerns Play video

(NECN: Washington) - President Barack Obama spoke this morning at the opening of an all-day conference at the Interior Department, telling Native American tribal leaders that he is determined to reverse the federal government's history of marginalizing and ignoring the plight of Indian nations.

"I'm absolutely committed to moving forward with you, and forging a new and better future together," said Obama.

Noting extreme poverty and unemployment rates of 80% on some Indian reservations, Obama said he was determined to address Native American problems, along with those of the larger U.S. population hit hard in the recession.