- Details
- By Brian Edwards
WASHINGTON—Arlando Teller, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, was sworn in Friday as the U.S. Department of Transportation’s first-ever assistant secretary for Tribal Affairs.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation confirmed Teller’s appointment and said there will be a ceremonial swearing in at a later date, to be announced.
The new position was created as part of the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that provides $550 billion for new federal investment in roads, bridges, mass transit, water infrastructure and broadband.
The BIL established an Office of Tribal Affairs to stand independently within the Office of the Secretary. It also changed Tribal Affairs leadership in the DOT by elevating the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs to the position of Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs.
Teller, who joined the DOT in February 2021 as deputy assistant secretary for tribal affairs, will fill the newly created post. He brings with him a lengthy resume in aviation/aerospace as well as transportation planning for both the state of California and the Navajo Nation.
“I am sincerely humbled and honored to represent my family, community, tribe and all of Indian Country as their Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs," Teller told Tribal Business News in a text message. "This opportunity wouldn’t have happened without the staunch advocacy and commitment from Tribal Transportation Leaders. A’hee’hee níí tsá’góó!”
Teller is the first Native American graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and also served as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives. He was elected in 2018 and resigned from his position in 2021 to accept the position as deputy assistant secretary at the Transportation Department.
Teller is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and a graduate of Chinle High School.
This story was originally published in Tribal Business News.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
CALL TO ACTION: The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act Needs Immediate Action
Q&A with Outgoing Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland
The Winter Solstice Begins a Season of Storytelling and Ceremony
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
