U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, has made history as the first Native American woman in the cabinet.
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Of her many duties, she now also oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) which is welcome Tribal leaders and representatives throughout in Indian Country.
Tribal groups around the nation celebrated as she was confirmed and hope that she will be a bridge between the U.S. government and Tribal reservations. Her confirmation expands the representation of Natives in government and is well-deserving of recognition.
One of her greatest strengths is working across the aisle to gain support and achieve real change for Indian Country such as addressing the murdered and missing indigenous women crisis and protecting Native land and wildlife.
Haaland plans on focusing on repairing and reversing the injustices of the past, such as the broken treaties and exploitation of land committed by the federal government towards tribes.
As a 35th generation New Mexican and a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe, Haaland has broken down barriers. Haaland, better than anyone, understands the challenges and realities of life on Indian Country. She has experienced a range of circumstances in life from living on food stamps to being elected to lead a state party.
Deb Haaland’s confirmation is a momentous step for Indian Country, and Handel wishes to heartily congratulate her.
