Secretary of the Department of the Interior: Official Statement from Pueblo Action Alliance on the vote to confirm Deb Haaland’s Nomination

For Immediate Release

Contact: Pueblo Action Alliance

Email: Puebloactionalliance@gmail.com

March 15th, 2021

Secretary of the Department of the Interior: Official Statement from Pueblo Action Alliance on Representative Deb Haaland’s Nomination

Deb Haaland’s nomination is historic in many ways. Herstory in the making as well as herstory being made as today the vote for Rep.Deb Haaland will take place. Over the course of these past few months we have seen and heard many perspectives of this nomination. We have witnessed both opposition and support from multiple levels on both sides of governmental structure, but one thing remains clear. Deb Haaland’s voice will impact the relationship between the federal government and the treatment of communities who have lived through a history of broken treaties, promises, and the non-fulfilment of trust from the U.S government. The need for this paradigm shift is critical and has always been immediately necessary. The Pueblo Indigenous feminist perspective has potential to attribute to tribal consultation and more importantly tribal consent over the ways in which land and water management has been handled since colinization of Turtle Island. 

Deb Haalnd’s perspective as a K’awaika (Laguna Pueblo) Matriarch is of utmost importance for the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Deb has proved herself by navigating through a system that has intentionally been created against BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities. Deb has shown our community and greater Turtle Island that she is prepared to take on this position. From addressing extractive colonialism and water & land management practices to addressing climate change in achieving climate justice, there has never been an opportunity of this leadership as there is now. This is a moment in time to be celebrated and encouraged! Hope is critical as sacred sites must continue to thrive without the tampering of traditional and cultural resources. 

Pueblo Action Alliance supports and congratulates our Auntie Deb for all of the triumphs and efforts she has pursued in securing this position as Secretary of the Department of the Interior. There is no doubt Rep. Haaland will fulfill obligation and responsibility the same way that she does in her home community. The time is now for the resurgence of Indigenous identity as this step connects Indigenous future back to our Earth Mothers. 

"Pueblo Action Alliance welcomes Deb Haaland as the new Secterary for the Department of the Interior. This being the first time an Indigenous woman gives the Pueblos hope to ensure protections for cultural landscapes like Chaco Canyon and Bears Ears. We pray that our auntie continues with strength to continue advocating for tribal consultation and consent as well as the just transition to renewable energies. Pueblo youth don't want the fossil fuel era and continue to support a shift in leadership to uplift the Pueblo feminist perspective on land, water and cultural resource management. Blessings to our relative!"  - J.F.B. 

Contact: Julia.f.bernal@gmail.com Marcusl.trujillo13@gmail.com Mcrhetorik505@gmail.com