Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland joins Native Bidaské this Friday, July 24, at 12 p.m. ET, for a wide-ranging conversation about her new memoir, A Voice Like Mine, her historic public service, and her campaign to become New Mexico’s next governor.

In a candid interview with host Levi Rickert, Haaland reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership, from growing up in a military family and learning from her Pueblo community to becoming one of the first Native women elected to Congress and the first Native American to serve as U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

Haaland says she hopes young Native people will see themselves in her story and recognize that leadership is not reserved for those with privilege or political connections.

“I want every young Native person to recognize that their backgrounds… are experiences that benefit your professional life,” she says, encouraging Native youth to embrace where they come from and use those experiences to serve their communities.

The conversation also explores the importance of courage, public service, and showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Haaland shares advice for Native youth who struggle with self-doubt, reminding them that courage comes from honoring the perseverance of their ancestors.

Rickert and Haaland also discuss some of the defining moments of her tenure as Interior Secretary, including the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative and President Joe Biden’s historic apology to Native communities affected by the federal boarding school system. Haaland reflects on the work behind the initiative and why the apology marked a significant moment in U.S. history.

Looking ahead, Haaland discusses her campaign for governor of New Mexico, the importance of tribal-state partnerships, and why Native voters must continue making their voices heard at every level of government.

Watch this episode of Native Bidaské on Friday, July 22nd, at 12 p.m. ET on Native News Online’s Facebook, YouTube, NativeNewsOnline.net, and TikTok.

Watch past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@NativeNewsOnline/streams