Statement: Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, a Symbol of Progress and Opportunity

March 15, 2021  – Congresswoman Haaland has made history as the first Native American woman to lead the Department of the Interior, a symbol of the progress that is yet to come under her tenure, and an important opportunity for the protection of our public lands.  

A long-time advocate for expanding and preserving public lands so that future generations can continue to enjoy these special places, her track record of stewardship allows Indigenous and Latinx communities the opportunity to continue to practice the multicultural traditions that are reflected in our diverse landscapes such as hunting and fishing. Throughout her career, Secretary Haaland has worked to build equity, justice, and resilience in communities in New Mexico and across the country. 

Nature-based practices run deep in Hispanic and Latinx cultural history, and like Secretary Haaland, these communities feel connected to the land in a way that empowers us to advocate for all the things the land gives us such as clean water, clean air, wildlife, and landscapes to enjoy. We share the mutual belief that it is our responsibility to carry on the legacy of environmental stewardship our ancestors taught us so that future generations can continue to enjoy our nation’s prized public lands and waters. 

Our values align with the outstanding work Secretary Haaland has done to expand access to the outdoors for communities of color, protecting our public lands, and safeguarding wildlife and wildlife habitat. 

We look forward to working with Secretary Haaland as a champion for equitable access in the outdoors, and as the first Indigenous Cabinet Secretary.  

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