Thats the way youre raised by your family, and thats what I bring to the table., 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Rep. Debra Haaland honored her Indigenous heritage as she made history at her swearing-in ceremony as the new Secretary of the Interior on Thursday. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., is sworn in before her Senate confirmation hearing to be interior secretary last month. CNN More than three years after the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah was drastically shrunk in size, tribal leaders and activists are hopeful that Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland. Deb Haaland is one of the first Native American women elected to Congress The controversial man behind the atomic bomb, Discovering time-honored traditions in Texas, 4 French royal mistresses who made their mark on history. In all, she would oversee 500 million acres of federal lands, 62 national parks and work with 1.9 million Indigenous Americans from 574 federally recognised tribes. There isnt a one-size-fits-all for any of these things, she said. Their lifestyles are different and its up to us to make sure that we get them to the table to tell us whats important to them, she said. The fossilized shin bone shows clear signs of butchery, but the identity of the hominin species is still unclear. Discovering time-honored traditions in Texas, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Fellow progressive Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez praised her nomination as "historic on multiple levels". Nita Battise, a member of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, embraces Jennifer Margrett outside the Supreme Court building on Thursday after the justices upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act . Haaland grew up in a military family her late father was a decorated Marine and her late mother spent more than two decades working for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs after serving in the U.S. Navy. The Senate voted 51-40 Monday to confirm the Democratic congresswoman to lead the Interior Department, an agency that will play a crucial role in the Biden administration's ambitious efforts to combat climate change and conserve nature. Vice President Kamala Harris, right, speaks during a ceremonial swearing in for Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, third from right, with daughter Somah Haaland, second from right, in the Vice President's ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, March 18, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Secretary of the interior nominee Rep. Deb Haaland testifies during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee confirmation hearing in Washington, DC on Feb 24, 2021. It doesnt mean that thats the decision thats going to be made, said Haaland, 62, sitting in the shade of the towering cottonwood trees that line her backyard in Albuquerque. Who was Nahel M, shot by police in Nanterre? Rather, I hope this nomination would be an inspiration for Americans moving forward together as one nation and creating opportunities for all of us, Haaland said. Haaland was proud to say she turned the paper in to her committee in early June, looking to show that Indigenous knowledge continues to be carried down and that the foods eaten at Laguna Pueblo including stew and piki bread haven't changed since the tribe migrated from the Chaco Canyon area generations ago. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Growing up, I remember my grandmother and grandfather talking about the [Bureau of Indian Affairs] and how representatives of the BIA were not listening to us. She also heard from members of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, a 12-tribe group that is pushing for the monument. Despite moving around as a kid, Haaland said her traditions keep her grounded. 0:00. Deb Haaland visits Grand Canyon and Havasupai Tribe Rep. Deb Haaland will be an Interior secretary Indian Country can trust VOICES Deb Haaland Add Topic Tribes need fellow Native Deb Haaland in Interior to restore trust: Rep. Sharice. What gets conserved and how is at the root of a few thorny projects Haaland must navigate, from the Willow project to a drilling moratorium around a national park near northwestern New Mexico's Chaco Canyon, and now protests by Native American tribes over a proposed lithium mine in Nevada. We cant get funding from anybody. Shes a rocket. Remote sleeps: Canada's best wilderness lodges, The destination drawing art lovers to Luxembourgs forests, Explore the world like Indiana Jones at these 11 destinations, Colossal gravitational waves found for the first time. Interior Department Takes Steps to Restore Tribal Homelands, Empower Haaland has called the climate crisis the "challenge of our lifetime," and as interior secretary, she'll play a key role in the Biden administration's efforts to address it. Balancing the interests of every single American, she said. We also need access to broadband internet. It means so much to me and it has meant so much to Indian country so far just seeing the response on social media. There is a process, so I am dedicated to that. The monument will also ensure that visitors, future generations of Indigenous peoples, wildlife and plants will be able to enjoy a clean Grand Canyon, Tilousi said. Why should we expect anything different than what theyve been doing? Haalands heritage as a member of Laguna Pueblo makes her unlike any previous secretary, and shes aware of the added expectations from Indian Country as she leads an agency with a fraught and even murderous history with Native tribes. And Auntie just took the helm at the 172-year-old federal agency that most. Haaland eventually earned a bachelors degree in English from the University of New Mexico when she was 34. Anna M. Phillips is a former environmental policy reporter who was based in the Los Angeles Times Washington, D.C., bureau. I am proud and humbled to lead the dedicated team at Interior as we seek to leave a livable planet for future generations," Haaland said in a statement. But even some Democratic senators who support more wind and solar energy development have questioned that timeline, saying some projects take years to be permitted and could be at risk. 2023 www.azcentral.com. Want to keep your memory sharp? Amber Reimondo of the Grand Canyon Trust said a monument would prevent about 600 other mining claims from being pursued. Deb Haaland's confirmation as the first Native American to lead the Interior Department inspires new hope among California's Indigenous leaders. She is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and a 35th generation New Mexican. "Indian country has shouted from the valleys, from the mountaintops, that it's time. Renewable energy is something she wants to push and we look forward to working with her and seeing what opportunities there are. Deb Haaland confirmed, becomes first Native American Cabinet secretary "But we must also recognize that the energy industry is innovating, and our climate challenge must be addressed. Despite moving around as a kid, Haaland said her traditions keep her grounded. Deb Haaland confirmed, makes history as first Native American Cabinet Her appointment would also have real cultural significance, as the interior department has historically clashed with Native American groups. Tribal leaders and organizers had pushed Mr. Biden to choose Haaland, a member of Pueblo of Laguna, a tribe that has lived on the land that is now New Mexico for eight centuries. She understands how diverse tribes are. In early 2021, Deb Haaland was sworn in as the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, making her the first Native American cabinet secretary in the history of the United States. Critics say the Interior Department under her guidance had failed to conduct quarterly oil and gas lease sales as required under law, doubled the time it takes to get permits, and raised royalty rates charged to energy companies to discourage domestic production and advance the administration's climate goals. Im hoping shes open enough to listen, but itll depend on who shes got around her. Haaland still hangs her clothes on the line out back to dry in the New Mexico sun, finds time to be outside every day and makes big batches of her own red chile sauce with garlic and oregano, freezing it so she has a ready supply when she comes home. We are constantly having to speak out against the injustice our communities are constantly facing. Shes one of us. I see myself when I see Deb. Every tribe, I think, is different. In California, which is home to 109 federally recognized tribes and more people of Native ancestry than any other state, expectations are high. ", "I have really struggled with this one how to reconcile a historic nomination with my concerns about the individuals and an administrations conception of what Alaska's future should be," Murkowski said. The only tribe that is not a member of the association, the Navajo Nation, sent . The ribbon skirt reminds us of the matriarchal power we carry as Indigenous women. Ive been a tribal leader for 17, maybe 18 years now, and I know weve had a lot of disappointments throughout the years. The monarch butterflys spots may be its superpower. It doesnt mean that thats the decision thats going to be made, said Haaland, 62, sitting in the shade of the towering cottonwood trees that line her backyard in Albuquerque. She grew up in a military family and later became a single mother who struggled to stay above the poverty line. At her swearing-in ceremony, Haaland was joined by her family, including daughter Somah Haaland, who held the Bible Haaland took the oath on. The Senate on Monday confirmed Rep. Deb Haaland as interior secretary, making her the first Native American in U.S. history to serve in a president's Cabinet. Even if the monument becomes reality, it won't prevent one currently permitted mine from going into production. The two lawmakers have tried and failed to pass legislation to enact stronger protections in the 1-million-acre region surrounding the Grand Canyon. ". Native American tribes are not always pleased with the outcome, she acknowledged. And thats typical. Supreme Court strikes down Bidens plan to forgive millions of student loans, Supreme Court rules Christian web designer can turn away business related to same-sex weddings, California lawmakers act after Taylor Swift ticket fiasco. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. In perhaps the most historic milestone of the 2018 mid-term elections, the United States Congress will soon welcome its first two Native American women members. Kenneth Kahn, chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, looks forward to Rep. Deb Haalands confirmation as Interior secretary. We want to protect this country," she said. And we do our best, as I said, to balance whatever the project is using the science, using the law.. hide caption. Im a little biased, Im from a California tribe that has a very small land base. On Sunday, Haaland visited with the Hopi Tribe. Your gut health can affect the rest of your body. Interior: Secretary Deb Haaland takes action for tribal homelands . I feel like shes part of a shift. The introduction Haaland gave is similar to the one Siow is teaching her son, a practice meant to pay respect to ones ancestors. It also argued that U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, whose . Deb Haaland Confirmed As 1st Native American Interior Secretary . Here in San Diego County, we have 18 federally recognized tribes. I also stand on the shoulders of my ancestors and all the people who have sacrificed so that I can be here.". Coverage of Indigenous issues at the intersection of climate, culture and commerce is supported by the Catena Foundation. Sometimes I cant even believe it.. "History is being made, yet again," Vice President Kamala Harris said Thursday as she swore in Deb Haaland as the first Native American woman as interior secretary -- taking over the agency that once said the federal government's policy of removing tribes from their lands, leading to the Trail of Tears, needed to be even more oppressive. Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, is the first Native American cabinet secretary in US history. Madam Secretary Haaland holds something special, something only a woman can hold, something that carries us all along with her. Secretary Deb Haaland | U.S. Department of the Interior National Geographic profiles one of the first Native American women to be elected to Congress in a historic 2018 mid-term election. COVID has exposed some weaknesses. Jamul Indian Village chairwoman Erica M. Pinto poses for photos at the Jamul Indian Village on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in San Diego, CA. US Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., would be the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency. The hardest part? "Secretary Haalands leadership of the Interior Department provides a long-overdue opportunity to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship and help our nation swing the pendulum on our most pressing indigenous and environmental justice issues., Republican senators were not as pleased. ET. I feel like its an incredibly promising time for Indian Country to have a Native person who understands what its like to be from a tribal community and understands the issues were facing, which are incredibly unique and you dont find anywhere else. Deb Haaland, a member of New Mexico's Laguna Pueblo, has become the first Native American Cabinet secretary in U.S. history. And as a woman, its even more exciting. For us, attention to social services programs would really help us provide for our members while theyre unemployed or looking to get new skills. The 60-year-old congresswoman from New Mexico . for the district of columbia circuit. The meetings were not open to the public or to the media, and participants said they were advised to not advertise the visits in advance. From head to toe, Bidens new interior secretary dressed in pieces that honored her Native American heritage when she was sworn in on Thursday: a sky-blue ribbon skirt adorned with embroidered images of butterflies, stars and corn along with moccasin boots, dragonfly earrings and a turquoise bead necklace. Every tribe, I think, is different. The world is her stage and she has our [Indigenous peoples] undying support.. Now we do everything via Zoom, including telehealth. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland poses for a picture, in Albuquerque, N.M., Monday, June 12, 2023. The Rappahannock Tribe, a Native Tribe in Virginia, has reacquired 465 acres of sacred land at Fones Cliff. Her confirmation is as symbolic as it is historic. Stuart wrote in the 1851 Report of the Interior. Designer can refuse gay couples, top US court says, Florida murder suspect arrested after 40 years, Rescuers amputate leg of woman stuck in travelator, Two dead as man opens fire at Moldova airport, Finland minister resigns over Nazi references. "This moment is profound when we consider the fact that a former secretary of the interior once proclaimed his goal to, quote, 'civilize or exterminate' us," Haaland said. Some 200 years later, Haaland, a congresswoman from New Mexico when nominated, spoke then of what it meant. Ill clap, but shes not the first Indian to hold a high position in government, and no changes came out of those either. But the Grand Canyon area does not have optimum ore bodies, she said. The federal government isnt going to change anything. When they come out here, they call us interested parties. We are not Indians to them. The Interior . Four years after he first appeared in Norwegian waters wearing a camera harness, the beluga whale is on the moveand may be in danger. Its always been about land for us. Shes our modern-day warrior., Jamul, San Diego CountyJamul Indian VillageTribal Chairwoman Erica Pinto. It would enact permanent protections for cultural sites, watersheds and lands from destructive development while allowing land uses like grazing, wildlife management and recreation. In 2018, she became one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. Haaland was confirmed by a 51-40. 1:54. To continue, enter your email below. (Eduardo Contreras / The San Diego Union-Tribune). Deb Haaland in Washington at the ceremony on Thursday. They turned us down a couple of years ago. Republican lawmakers grilled her over those stances during her confirmation hearing in an effort to portray her as a radical choice to manage the nation's public lands, but Haaland struck a moderate tone, repeatedly saying that as interior secretary she would aim to accomplish Biden's environmental goals not her own. It's overdue," Sandia Pueblo tribal member Stephine Poston told NPR after Haaland was nominated. Ticketmaster tries to shake it off. Ms Haaland also comes with two years of experience on the House Natural Resources Committee. Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters. energy development to meeting the nation's treaty obligations to 574 federally recognized tribes. This is our mother. Speaker of the House of Representatives Democrat Nancy Pelosi described Ms Haaland as one of the most respected members of Congress. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Interior nominee Deb Haaland earns strong Native support Its a big deal to me, its a big deal to my nieces, its a big deal to us American Indians to see not only an American Indian, but a woman in this position. Tribes need fellow Native Deb Haaland in Interior to restore trust: Rep Haaland is a 35th generation New Mexican and an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, a tribe of Native American Pueblo people in west-central New Mexico. They were telling us what we needed. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed Haaland's position as bringing an indigenous perspective to the table. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said she would vote to confirm Haaland despite some "serious misgivings. New US Secretary of Interior signifies hope for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Why not now?" National Geographic profiles one of the first Native American women to be elected to Congress in a historic 2018 mid-term election. 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. stretch from managing energy development to meeting the nation's treaty obligations to 574 federally recognized tribes . Deb Haaland Confirmed As 1st Native American Interior Secretary : NPR Even at the county level, theyre being more inclusive of all people, no matter who you are. Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico did not get a response from Haaland when asking when the first utility-scale offshore wind projects would be permitted. It's going to be amazing to have my daughters - and my son - see somebody like Deb in a position of this magnitude. Are electric bikes the future of green transportation? Were not federally recognized. . She will also be the first Native American in a cabinet secretary role. On Monday evening, Debra Haaland, a 35th-generation New Mexican from the Pueblo of Laguna, became the first Native American ever to be confirmed as a Cabinet secretary. She made history again when President Biden nominated her to lead the Interior Department. Interested in an electric car? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I just think about my son and how hes going to be able to visibly see someone who looks like him, someone who comes from his same community, who is at that level, said Valerie Siow, an educator and Laguna Pueblo Native. Haaland, 60, is an enrolled citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna Native American tribe in New Mexico. There is a process, so I am dedicated to that. Was Nepal right to ban solo trekking in the Himalayas? VideoThe surprising truth about frozen fruit, What Titan sub wreckage can tell us about the tragedy. The hardest part? But the mine exacted a terrible cost: it polluted reservation waters and lands, rendering areas unviable, and destroyed the health of those who worked there. California tribes welcome Deb Haaland's confirmation - Los Angeles Times Along with the acreage itself come concerns about stewardship, about air, land and water quality. Haaland grew up in a military family her late father was a decorated Marine and her late mother spent more than two decades working for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs after serving in the U.S. Navy. When you drive into the Coachella Valley, you see all those windmills, hundreds of them. Wearing it in this day and age is an act of self-empowerment and reclamation of who we are and that gives us the opportunity to proudly make bold statements in front of others who sometimes refuse to see us.. //