Deb Haaland

Deb Haaland is an American politician and member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, who made history as the first Native American to serve as a U.S. Cabinet secretary. Born on December 2, 1960, in Winslow, Arizona, she was raised in a military family and later earned a law degree from the University of New Mexico. Haaland began her political career as a community organizer and served as the chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, representing New Mexico's 1st congressional district .

In March 2021, Haaland was confirmed as the 54th U.S. Secretary of the Interior, overseeing federal lands, natural resources, and the government's trust responsibilities to Native American tribes. During her tenure, she focused on climate change, environmental justice, and addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Haaland also worked to strengthen the relationship between the federal government and Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of tribal sovereignty and stewardship of natural resources .

Haaland's leadership is reflected in her words: “Our ancestral commitments are as deep as the canyons and as strong as the mountains,” highlighting the enduring connection between Indigenous peoples and their lands . She also stated, “We must shift our thinking away from short-term gain toward long-term investment and sustainability, and always have the next generations in mind with every decision we make,” underscoring her commitment to future generations and sustainable practices .