Sen. Obama addresses Indian issues in Nevada

Wednesday, January 23, 2008  

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) said he would meet regularly with tribal leaders if he were elected president.

At a campaign stop in Nevada, Manuel Couchum of the Te-Moak Tribe asked Obama what he would do to help tribal members. Obama said he would first address the "tragic history" between tribes and the U.S.

"We have not always abided by treaties. We have not always been honest and truthful in our dealings and that's something that's history that we have to acknowledge if we are going to be fair and honest about moving forward," he said.

Obama also said he the Bureau of Indian Affairs won't be the only entity that deals with tribes. He said the White House would create a relationship of "dignity and respect" with Indian Country.

Finally, Obama said he would work to improve the health and welfare of Native Americans. He is a co-sponsor of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act that is being debated in the Senate this week.

The campaign appearance took place in Elko on January 18, before the Nevada caucuses. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York) won the overall vote, with Obama coming in second.

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Barack Obama: Stand for Change in Elko (Youtube 1/18)

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