By Stephanie Perez, Staff Writer & Assistant Copy Editor
Making history as the first Native American cabinet secretary in the history of the United States, Deb Haaland, member of the Pueblo of Laguna and a 35th generation New Mexican, is breaking barriers and bringing pride to her people.
Having an Indigenous person lead the U.S. Department of the Interior can not be taken for granted with how significant Halaand holding this position is. For most of its history, the Interior Department was used as a tool of oppression against America’s Indigenous people and having Haaland in this position brings hope and serves as a symbol for a new era.
This is not the first time Haaland is making history, in fact she was one of the first two Native American women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Holding positions in the past as chairwoman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico’s Native American Caucus, and later as chairwoman of the entire Democratic Party of New Mexico, she has been making history for years now. Haaland serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for all Native Americans, and her legacy will continue to inspire the generations to come.