Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, made history as one of the first Native American women elected to the U.S. Congress. Born on December 2, 1960, in Winslow, Arizona, Haaland grew up with a deep connection to her Pueblo heritage and a strong commitment to public service. Before her political career, she worked as an advocate for Native American rights and environmental issues. In 2018, Haaland was elected to represent New Mexico’s 1st congressional district, becoming one of the first Native American women to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout her tenure, she championed Indigenous rights, environmental protection, healthcare, and affordable housing, while also advocating for stronger protections against climate change and for preserving Native American culture and sovereignty.
In 2021, Haaland achieved another historic milestone when she was confirmed as the first Native American to serve as a U.S. Cabinet Secretary, being appointed as the Secretary of the Interior by President Joe Biden. In this role, Haaland oversees federal land management and the protection of natural resources, playing a critical role in the administration’s efforts to address climate change, expand conservation efforts, and protect Native American lands and communities. Haaland’s appointment was seen as a groundbreaking achievement for Indigenous representation in government, and she continues to serve as a trailblazer and a symbol of empowerment for Native peoples across the United States.