fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

WASHINGTON — "I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of my child Somah, partner Skip, my mom Mary Toya, my extended family, and generations of ancestors who sacrificed so much, so I could be here today. I acknowledge that we are on the ancestral homelands of the Nakochtank, Anacostan, and Piscataway people." 

This is one of the first things Democratic Rep. Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) is expected to say when she begins her confirmation hearing Tuesday. 

Haaland, who is President Joe Biden's nominee for Interior secretary, will testify before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The New Mexico congresswoman would be the first Native American to hold a presidential Cabinet post in U.S. history if confirmed by the Senate. CLICK HERE to watch the hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. - EST.

A vote on Haaland's nomination by the committee likely won't come Tuesday, but rather at a separate committee meeting in the coming days.

Read Haaland's full prepared remarks, provided by the Department of the Interior, below: 

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
President Biden to Tribal Nations: "We don’t erase history"
President Biden to Designate National Monument at Carlisle Indian Boarding School
Vice President Harris Will Address the White House Tribal Nations Summit Today

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.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].