Deb Haaland: First Native American Cabinet Member’s Legacy at the Interior Department

Deb Haaland made history when she became the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet. After starting her second term in Congress representing New Mexico in January 2021, President Joe Biden nominated her as Secretary of the Interior. Haaland admitted that stepping into such a big role was intimidating at first, but she embraced the challenge and focused on making a difference for Indigenous communities.

Achievements as Interior Secretary

Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, prioritized giving Native American tribes a stronger voice in managing lands and water. During her term, tribes gained more involvement in decisions about the Colorado River and partnerships were formed to bring electricity to homes in tribal areas for the first time.

She also led efforts to uncover the painful history of federal Indian boarding schools. Haaland launched a study documenting the abuses children faced at these schools, such as being punished for speaking their native languages. She traveled to hear survivors’ stories and published a report recommending ways to heal communities affected by this dark chapter in history.

Under her leadership, Biden apologized to Native communities for the harm caused by boarding schools. He also created the Carlisle Indian Boarding School National Monument to remember the children who suffered and to educate future generations.

Conservation and Tribal Involvement

Haaland championed environmental conservation, working on Biden’s “America the Beautiful” plan to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. She helped establish new rules for managing public lands and supported clean energy projects, such as bringing renewable power to tribal lands. Her department signed over 400 agreements with tribes to incorporate their knowledge into land stewardship.

In 2023, she banned new oil and gas drilling near Chaco Canyon, a sacred site for Pueblo tribes. While celebrated by many, the decision faced criticism from some Navajo groups concerned about losing economic opportunities.

Honoring Indigenous Culture and Protecting Resources

Haaland also celebrated milestones like the removal of the Apache trout from the endangered species list after decades of conservation efforts. She helped secure funding for drought resilience and tribal water projects and created a unit to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons cases.

Looking Ahead

As Haaland prepares to leave her role at the end of Biden’s term, she expressed hope that the partnerships she built with tribes will continue. She believes the changes made during her tenure, such as giving tribes a seat at the table and respecting their traditional knowledge, will endure.

While she hasn’t revealed her future plans, rumors suggest she might run for governor of New Mexico in 2026. For now, she plans to cheer on the Interior Department staff, praising their dedication and hard work.

Haaland said her main goal was to stay true to herself and serve the public. She hopes her efforts have paved the way for greater respect and collaboration between the government and Native communities.

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