ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The moment was profound as Secretary Deb Haaland watched the artwork, all crafted by Indigenous artists, being removed from her office walls. These pieces, chosen with care over her four-year tenure, symbolized her deep connection to her roots and the legacy she sought to leave as the first Native American cabinet secretary in U.S. history.
Emotions ran high as colleagues and supporters flowed in and out of her office to bid farewell, embracing her in heartfelt hugs. Reflecting on her tenure, Haaland began her historic term with bold aspirations: tackling the climate emergency, enhancing public access to nature, revealing complex historical truths, and initiating a renewed relationship with Indian Country.
Haaland’s commitment to balanced, thoughtful governance was evident in her approach to energy development on public lands and dedicating efforts to secure water resources as drought impacted many areas. In an interview, she expressed satisfaction in her ability to uphold her mission of listening to various stakeholders. Her nomination by President Joe Biden was seen as a step towards a cabinet that mirrors the diverse fabric of America. As a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico, she brought a unique viewpoint previously missing at such high levels of decision-making.
Challenging the status quo, Haaland was vocal against oil and gas industries even during her congressional tenure. She faced intense scrutiny from Republicans who argued that opposing drilling would harm employment and national security. However, under Biden’s leadership, there was an immediate halt to new oil and gas leases on public lands, sparking legal turmoil and putting many planned leases on hold indefinitely.
Although new drilling on federal lands resumed later, with production hitting unprecedented levels, Haaland pointed out that her tenure also saw the initiation of numerous renewable energy projects on federal land, as well as the conservation of vast areas. She emphasized the importance of strategically issuing leases to protect other lands for conservation purposes.
In her sustainable efforts, Haaland co-sponsored legislation aimed at bolstering protections for grizzly bears, seeking to reintroduce them to tribal lands. Recently, despite opposition from some Republican states, her efforts culminated in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continuing to protect these bears in the Rocky Mountains. Furthermore, Haaland recognized the intertwined issues of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, initiating new national wildlife refuges and expanding existing ones during her term. Notably, some species, including Arizona’s state fish, the Apache trout, saw their protections lifted, signifying environmental progress.
Haaland aimed to usher in a transformative era for Indian Country, intent on respecting and elevating tribal sovereignty through actionable strategies rather than mere rhetoric. To combat the historical trend of superficial consultations by the federal government, she set up a tribal advisory committee and promoted co-stewardship agreements, which have now reached 400. This collaboration resulted in the establishment of new national monuments, safeguarding ancestral lands across the western U.S.
Moreover, nearly $45 billion in investments were allocated to tribes for infrastructure and social programs, addressing long-standing issues of underfunding and historical neglect. Haaland understood that meaningful change would not be realized in just four years, encouraging tribal leaders to remain vocal and engaged in ongoing discussions.
Haaland’s recognition of the diversity within Indian Country highlighted her awareness that each of the 574 federally recognized tribes possesses its unique identity and needs. Challenges arose, as some tribal leaders voiced concerns regarding the impact of mining and renewable energy initiatives on sacred sites.
A significant highlight of her tenure was illuminating the dark legacy of Native American boarding schools, which forcibly separated children from their families in efforts to erase their culture and identity. Haaland shared her family’s painful history tied to this past and spearheaded an initiative to assess the overall impact of these schools on Indigenous communities. This involved extensive documentation analysis and community engagement to understand the lasting effects of trauma.
The comprehensive findings led to critical policy recommendations designed to foster healing. Unanticipated by Haaland, these outcomes initiated a response from the Biden administration, resulting in a publicly issued apology, delivered in Arizona alongside Haaland.
As she reflected on her journey during her farewell address, she recalled the enduring power of those who fought through adversity, allowing her and others to reclaim their shared heritage. Haaland acknowledged her resilience is rooted in her community’s strength, drawing inspiration from her ancestors who built the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. “I pondered their legacy’s weight,” she remarked, “a heavy load that has inspired me throughout my leadership in a department that once sought to erase Indigenous existence.”
