WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - President Joe Biden issued a historic apology to Native Americans for the federal government's role in Indian boarding schools.  This is the first time the federal government has formally apologized for forcing hundreds indigenous children into the schools, where many were abused and even killed. The practice happened for over 150 years as the U.S. tried to assimilate tribal children into white society, erasing their native culture and traditions in the process.  On Friday, President Biden delivered the apology at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona.  "I formally apologize as President of the United States of America for what we did," Biden said. "The pain it has caused will always be a significant mark of shame, a blot on American history." This moment comes after Interior Secretary Deb Haaland spearheaded an investigation into the boarding school system. Not only is she the country's first Native American cabinet secretary, her grandparents were survivors of the boarding schools themselves.  She recognized the importance of Friday's formal apology while wiping away tears and talking about her community's perserverence.  "In spite of everything that has happened, we are still here." Haaland said.  The event was also emotional for Ruth Anna Buffalo, who is with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. She calls the apology a good step.   "For me, it's good, it's hopeful, but it does have a heaviness to it," Buffalo said. "We're thankful that today is happening but the work continues to move forward." She also wants to see legislation passed to create a federal commission to further investigate the truth behind Indian Boarding School policies. Plus, she's pushing for more funding for tribal nations to address homelessness and opioid issues.  "Our native relatives are overrepresented, whether it's in prisons jails, or even on the streets. So we need a lot of help," Buffalo said.  At the event Secretary Haaland said the Biden administration's work to support tribal communities is ongoing. She announced that they are working on a project to collect and share history about the Indian Boarding Schools and says they're launching a new program to preserve native languages.