Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland joins Joe Williams to discuss her historic role as the first Native American cabinet secretary and the significance of her position for Indigenous communities across the United States. Raised in a military family and deeply connected to her Pueblo heritage, Haaland shares her journey from organizing voter registration efforts to holding a key leadership role in the federal government. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the influences that shaped her career, including trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm and the importance of community voices in politics. Haaland emphasizes the need for hard work and dedication to ensure that Indigenous rights and treaty obligations are upheld. The episode also touches on personal stories and cultural connections, including a delightful discussion about the secret to making great salsa, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of New Mexico.

Secretary Deb Haaland made history when she became the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. She is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and a 35th generation New Mexican.

Secretary Haaland grew up in a military family; her father was a 30-year combat Marine who was awarded the Silver Star Medal for saving six lives in Vietnam, and her mother is a Navy veteran who served as a federal employee for 25 years at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. As a military child, she attended 13 public schools before graduating from Highland High School in Albuquerque.

As a single mother, Secretary Haaland volunteered at her child’s pre-school to afford early childhood education. Like many parents, she had to rely on food stamps at times as a single parent, lived paycheck-to-paycheck, and struggled to put herself through college. At the age of 28, Haaland enrolled at the University of New Mexico (UNM) where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and later earned her J.D. from UNM Law School. Secretary Haaland and her child, who also graduated from the University of New Mexico, are still paying off student loans.

Secretary Haaland ran her own small business producing and canning Pueblo Salsa, served as a tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, and became the first woman elected to the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors, overseeing business operations of the second largest tribal gaming enterprise in New Mexico. She successfully advocated for the Laguna Development Corporation to create policies and commitments to environmentally friendly business practices.

Throughout her career in public service, Secretary Haaland has broken barriers and opened the doors of opportunity for future generations.

After running for New Mexico Lieutenant Governor in 2014, Secretary Haaland became the first Native American woman to be elected to lead a State Party. She is one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress. In Congress, she focused on environmental justice, climate change, missing and murdered indigenous women, and family-friendly policies.

A powerful dialogue unfolds as Joe Williams welcomes Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to his podcast, which highlights the voices and stories of Indigenous creators and leaders. The conversation shines a spotlight on Haaland’s groundbreaking role as the first Native American cabinet secretary in U.S. history, a significant milestone for Indigenous representation in government. Williams and Haaland delve into her personal journey, exploring her upbringing in a military family, the influences of her Pueblo culture, and the legacy of Native leaders who came before her, including champions of voting rights and treaty responsibilities.

Haaland shares the deep connection she feels to her roots, crediting her grandmother and mother for instilling a sense of pride in her heritage. The discussion transitions into the vital work she is doing at the Department of the Interior, emphasizing the importance of upholding the trust and treaty obligations owed to Native tribes. Haaland’s commitment to environmental justice, advocacy for missing and murdered Indigenous women, and family-friendly policies reflects her dedication to addressing the pressing issues facing Indigenous communities today.

In a lighter yet poignant moment, the conversation touches on a personal favorite topic of Haaland – making great salsa. She emphasizes the significance of using local New Mexico chili, underscoring how food connects us to culture and community. This episode is not just an interview; it is a rich exploration of identity, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward justice for Indigenous peoples in America.

Takeaways:

• Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of listening to elders for invaluable knowledge.
• Her career journey highlights the significance of hard work and community engagement in politics.
• Haaland’s historical appointment reflects a broader acknowledgment of Indigenous rights in the U.S.
• She draws inspiration from past leaders who fought for Indigenous treaty rights and justice.
• Haaland’s experiences demonstrate that personal history shapes one’s commitment to public service.
• Her advice for the youth is to cherish family wisdom and cultural heritage.