At meeting, Obama vows to address deficiencies

More than 400 members of Indian tribes from across the country, including tribes from all parts of Washington state, met with President Obama on Thursday in a rare, daylong gathering of tribal nations in Washington, D.C.

Each of the 564 federally recognized tribes was invited to send one designee to the gathering, which included Cabinet members from across the administration. But Obama was the star of the day, pledging to work with tribes to address chronic problems with health care, economic development, land management and education in the Indian community.

Washington tribal leaders said they were thrilled the president spent more than a half-hour with them, and returned at the end of the day for parting remarks. Neither of the previous Bush administrations convened a similar gathering.

"There is a good feeling here," said Melvin R. Sheldon Jr., chairman of the board of directors of the Tulalip Tribes. "There is a sense of renewal. We have somebody who really wants to listen to Native Americans and really wants to work with us."

Tulalip tribal members offered traditional songs at a midday lunch break at the meeting, which was convened at an auditorium at the Department of Interior.

Obama began his remarks with an accounting of the historically troubled relationship between the federal government and Indian nations, telling them, "Few have been marginalized for as long by Washington as Native Americans. ... You have every right to wonder why this time will be any different."

Obama took questions from tribal leaders, several of whom wore traditional attire and spoke at times in their native languages. The president also signed a memorandum to Cabinet agencies requiring statements within 90 days as to how they will improve consultation and relations with tribes.

"It was historic occasion," said Leonard Forsman, chairman of the Suquamish Tribe. "You have all these expectations, he comes into the room and he is very genuine. You feel very comfortable around him."

Lynda V. Mapes: 206-464-2736 or lmapes@seattletimes.com.

Information from The Washington Post is included in this report.