Seneca Nation Congratulates Interior Secretary Deb Haaland On Historic Confirmation
Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels issued the following statement congratulating Deb Haaland on her confirmation as Secretary of the Interior by the United States Senate yesterday, making her the first Native American to serve in a Cabinet position:
“On behalf of the nearly 8,500 enrolled members of the Seneca Nation, I want to congratulate Secretary Haaland on her confirmation. This achievement not only speaks to her knowledge, skill and leadership as a lawmaker, but it is also a seminal moment for Native people throughout the United States.
It has taken more than 240 years, but the voice of Indian Country is finally being welcomed at the highest levels of United States government. Secretary Haaland’s deep understanding of the issues impacting Native Nations will be most welcome as leader of the Department of Interior. No other federal agency has a more direct impact on Native communities. The Interior Department is meant to be our partner, as sovereign governments, in defending and upholding our treaties with the United States, protecting our land and water, and recognizing our sovereign rights to self-determination. We all know that this partnership has not always been honored. Indian Country has far too often been left behind as collateral damage in a Washington culture that prioritizes politics over policy.
Under Secretary Haaland’s leadership, I hope that we can welcome the start of a new era of inclusion, understanding and respect for the concerns of all Native people.”
Photo credit: Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., poses for a ceremonial swearing-in picture on Capitol Hill on Jan. 3, 2019. Joshua Roberts
