Deb Haaland’s Legacy: Advocating for Indian Country and Environment

Deb Haaland's historic tenure as U.S. Interior Secretary focused on climate goals, tribal sovereignty, and conservation.
Deb Haaland’s Legacy: Advocating for Indian Country and Environment

Deb Haaland’s Legacy: A Historic Journey as U.S. Interior Secretary

As her time in office came to an end, the removal of Indigenous artwork from her office walls signaled the closing of a significant chapter for U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. Serving for four years, Haaland became the first Native American to hold a cabinet secretary position, bringing a unique perspective to the role.

Haaland embarked on this journey with clear objectives: tackling climate and biodiversity issues, increasing accessibility to the outdoors, addressing historical injustices, and advancing a new era for Indian Country. She aimed to balance energy development on public lands with conservation efforts and uphold promises to Native American communities.

Haaland’s approach was characterized by listening and inclusivity, reflecting President Joe Biden’s vision for a cabinet that mirrors America’s diversity. As a member of Laguna Pueblo, her cultural heritage informed her decision-making, exemplified by her statement: “I really felt like I relied on the way I was raised, on my cultural wellbeing, the traditional aspects of who I am. I’m a Pueblo woman first, and I see things through that lens.”

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, right, visits a plaster art booth on opening day of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, with its festival theme “Indigenous Voices of the Americas,” Wednesday, June 26, 2024, on the National Mall in Washington.

Energy and Conservation: A Delicate Balance

Throughout her tenure, Haaland’s opposition to oil and gas expansion was clear, even drawing criticism for her “radical views” during congressional hearings. Despite initial moves by the Biden administration to halt new drilling on public lands, production eventually soared to record highs.

Haaland emphasized that while production increased, her agency also approved nearly four dozen renewable energy projects and conserved over a million square miles of land. “As it turns out, you don’t have to lease millions and millions of acres,” she noted, highlighting efforts to balance development with conservation.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland speaks during an event to commemorate World Wildlife Day and announced during her speech that her agency will work to restore more large bison herds to Native American lands at the National Geographic Society in Washington, Friday, March 3, 2023.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland speaks during an event to commemorate World Wildlife Day and announced during her speech that her agency will work to restore more large bison herds to Native American lands at the National Geographic Society in Washington, Friday, March 3, 2023.

Advancing Biodiversity and Tribal Sovereignty

Haaland’s commitment to biodiversity was evident as she pushed for increased protections for species like grizzly bears and established new wildlife refuges. Her work was intertwined with her cultural heritage, as she aimed to protect the land and its creatures, echoing the stewardship of her ancestors.

In her effort to redefine the relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes, Haaland initiated significant changes. These included the creation of a tribal advisory committee and 400 co-stewardship agreements with tribes to manage ancestral lands.

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland tours near ancient dwellings along the Butler Wash trail during a visit to Bears Ears National Monument Thursday, April 8, 2021, near Blanding, Utah.

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland tours near ancient dwellings along the Butler Wash trail during a visit to Bears Ears National Monument Thursday, April 8, 2021, near Blanding, Utah.

Confronting Historical Injustices

Perhaps one of Haaland’s most profound contributions was addressing the painful history of Native American boarding schools. She launched an initiative to document the atrocities committed, uncovering stories of children who never returned home.

Haaland’s efforts culminated in comprehensive reports with policy recommendations, prompting President Biden to issue an apology. Reflecting on her tenure, Haaland noted the importance of community and collaboration, drawing strength from her ancestors’ legacy.


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