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To mark the event, supporters projected a picture of the New Mexico congresswoman on the side of the Interior Department building with text that read “Our ancestors’ dreams come true.” A mobile billboard with Haaland’s image also made its way around Washington, D.C.
Many Native Americans see Haaland as a reflection of themselves, someone who will elevate their voices and protect the environment and tribes’ rights. Here are stories of her impact:
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Suazo first met Haaland when they were campaigning for Barack Obama, walking door to door in New Mexico’s pueblos.
When Haaland was chosen to represent New Mexico as one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress, she asked Suazo and the state’s Native American Democratic Caucus to make treats for a reception.
By Matthew Daly, Associated Press
President Joe Biden s nominee to head the Interior Department faced sharp questions from Republicans Tuesday over what several called her radical ideas that include opposition to fracking and the Keystone XL oil pipeline.
Deb Haaland, a New Mexico congresswoman named to lead the Interior Department, tried to reassure GOP lawmakers, saying she is committed to strike the right balance as Interior manages oil drilling and other energy development while seeking to conserve public lands and address climate change.
If confirmed, Haaland, 60, would be the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency.
Native Americans see her nomination as the best chance to move from consultation on tribal issues to consent and to put more land into the hands of tribal nations either outright or through stewardship agreements. The Interior Department has broad oversight over nearly 600 federally recognized tribes as well as energy development and other
Native Americans gripped by Deb Haaland hearing for secretary of Interior
(Leah Salgado via AP) This photo provided by Leah Salgado shows the image of New Mexico U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland projected on the side of the U.S. Department of the Interior building in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. Native Americans will be closely watching a confirmation hearing Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, for Haaland, who has been nominated to lead the Interior Department. If confirmed, she would be the first Native American to lead the agency that has broad oversight of tribal affairs and energy development.
By Felicia Fonseca | The Associated Press