The confirmation of Haaland to the position made history for the Department of the Interior and the nation.
On March 16, 2021, Representative Debra Haaland resigned her spot in the House of Representatives. Two days later, she was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris as the country's first Indigenous Secretary of the Interior.
“At my confirmation hearing, I said that we all have a stake in the future of our country. No matter your political party or Zip code, your ancestral heritage or income level, we all must take the formidable challenges that lie ahead seriously, and we will take them head-on, together," said Debra Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
Courtesy of Congresswoman Debra Haaland (via Facebook)
After attending both the University of New Mexico and the University of California, Secretary Haaland earned her J.D. at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. A member of the Laguna Pueblo Tribe, Haaland was elected to represent the state of New Mexico in the House of Representatives. She has extensive experience as a tribal administrator and state leader, with an emphasis on family-centered issues and conservation initiatives.
To commemorate the important event, Secretary Haaland chose to wear traditional dress and authentic Native American moccasins. The colorful ribbon skirt that she wore to the swearing-in ceremony was made by Agnes Woodward, a Plains Cree seamstress, who had this to say about the special garment, “It’s just a beautiful moment to be a part of when you come from places that sometimes reject or refuse to see you and to acknowledge you, that I'm a part of a moment that's huge for every single Indigenous person in the world."
Thank you @POTUS Biden and @VP Harris. I am honored and ready to work. I look forward to tackling some of the nation's most pressing issues with @Interior so that future generations can enjoy our public lands and waters for years to come. pic.twitter.com/pONJgAlwk2
— Secretary Deb Haaland (@SecDebHaaland) March 18, 2021
In her new Cabinet position, Secretary Haaland will oversee the country's public lands and conservation in every state and territory. This includes everything from managing our natural resources to running our national parks.
During a visit to her father’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery today, @SecDebHaaland paid her respects to the servicewomen laid to rest on these hallowed grounds. This #WomensHistoryMonth we honor history both past and present. pic.twitter.com/0gW4ilpF7w
— US Department of the Interior (@Interior) March 19, 2021
Read more about Secretary Haaland and her work in the administration by visiting the Facebook page for the U.S. Department of the Interior or their Twitter account. You can also click here to see the full statement about her confirmation.
I meant it when I said I believe every one of us shares a common bond: our love for the outdoors and a desire and obligation to keep our nation livable for future generations. pic.twitter.com/NzgZfN7RqZ
— Secretary Deb Haaland (@SecDebHaaland) March 19, 2021
What are your thoughts about Debra Haaland's confirmation and having our country's first Native American Secretary of the Interior? Let us know in the comments!