President Barack Obama greets audience members after remarks during the 2013 Tribal Nations Conference at the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., November 13, 2013. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

President Barack Obama delivered a short video message to the Alaska Federation of Natives this morning.

Obama emphasized voting rights in his message. He said Alaska Natives have fought for the right to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

"Make this the year you join thousands of folks across Alaska to stand up for your community and your state," Obama said.

The conference is taking place at the Dena’ina Center in downtown Anchorage. Obama noted that an early voting location -- City Hall -- is nearby.

"You can do it right now -- walk across the street to City Hall and vote early," Obama told attendees. "Don't wait until November 4."

Voting is a major issue at the conference, which has drawn 5,000 Alaska Natives from across the state. Nearly every major politician and candidate is on the agenda in hopes of securing a potential endorsement from the organization.

Audio from Obama's message can be found on the Indianz.Com SoundCloud.

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