LTE: Confirm Haaland

This piece originally appeared as a Letter to the editor in The Santa Fe New Mexican on January 24, 2021.

By HECHO National Advisory Board Chair, Rock Ulibarri — 1/24/2021 2:00 AM PT

My family was one of the original families that settled Las Vegas, N.M. For generations, my family has lived off the land, growing food in the summer and hunting at the first snow to prepare for the winter. I am chairman of the advisory board for Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO). This deep connection to the land has led me to advocate for the responsible management of our public lands so that wildlife populations will flourish for generations to come. That’s why I’m so supportive of the nomination of U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland to lead the Department of the Interior.

As the first Native woman to be nominated for this job, she brings deep knowledge and passion to issues of public lands, wildlife and outdoor traditions. She grew up in New Mexico eating wild game and gained a deep reverence for hunting from her grandfather and her pueblo’s ancient traditions. In Congress, she played a key leadership role in passing the Great American Outdoors Act and America’s Conservation Enhancement Act, which conserves wildlife habitat and expands access for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. She champions wildlife corridor conservation, having sponsored both the Wildlife Corridors Act and the Tribal Wildlife Corridors Act. Haaland is the right person to restore our lands and our wildlife so all Americans can continue to enjoy our vibrant outdoor heritage. She deserves swift confirmation.

Rock Ulibarri