Deb Haaland

Sworn in two weeks ago, Deb Haaland is the first Native American woman in United States history to hold a Cabinet Secretary position. She will lead the Department of Interior, a branch that is vital in combating the climate crisis and preserving natural resources. Haaland’s duty as head of the Department will be overseeing the U.S’s natural resources and one-fifth of federal lands which are large contributors to our nation’s carbon emissions ––about 25% to be exact–– and be a key leader in meeting Biden’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050. 

Haaland’s confirmation also holds a great significance for the Indigenous community. Not only is it extremely powerful for the community to have representation at this level of government, but it should also be noted that throughout history this position has been predominantly occupied by white men who have intentionally used this power to oppress Indigenous peoples. The Secretary is responsible for communication between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, and this will be the first time that Native tribe leaders will be in conversation with someone of the same identity. 

Before she was confirmed as the 54th Secretary of Interior, Deb Haaland was one of the two Native American women elected to Congress. She served as a Representative for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District from 2019 to 2021, and was one of the first sponsors of the Green New Deal, proposed back in 2019. She is also a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe.

Deb Haaland has a challenging road ahead of her with fixing the resonant policies of an administration that denied climate change and supported the degradation and pollution of public lands for the past four years. America has its eyes on Deb Haaland, but many are hopeful for the change she is going to bring to our country with her fierce dedication to clean energy and the preservation of native land.