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Deb Haaland
Secretary of the Interior
First Native American cabinet secretary, investigating boarding schools
Overview
Deb Haaland is the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. As Interior Secretary, she has launched investigations into the federal Indian boarding school system that traumatized generations of Native children. She represents a historic shift in Interior Department policy toward Indigenous peoples.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
First Native American Cabinet secretary faced fierce Republican opposition during confirmation
Launched Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative uncovering decades of abuse and deaths
Reversed Trump-era policies on fossil fuel leasing on public lands drawing industry backlash
Related Investigations (3)
Known Associates & Connections
Joe Biden
President who appointed Haaland as first Native American Cabinet secretary (Interior)
Donald Trump
Predecessor whose policies Haaland reversed on public lands, fossil fuels, and tribal sovereignty
Bryan Newland
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs under Haaland; led Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- December 2, 1960
- Birthplace
- Winslow, Arizona
Education
- •University of New Mexico
- •UNM School of Law
Key Timeline
December 2, 1960
Born in Winslow, Arizona
2019-2021
U.S. Representative from New Mexico
March 16, 2021
Confirmed as Interior Secretary
2021
Launches Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative