Deb Haaland, former Interior Secretary, has Pueblo Indian roots that date back before the founding of the United States. Her ancestors were the original inhabitants of New Mexico and parts of the Southwest. In 2018, she became one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. Later, President Joe Biden appointed her as the first Native American cabinet secretary in the U.S.
Now, Haaland aims to be the first Native American woman elected as a state governor. Her memoir, A Voice Like Mine, details her journey from working in a bakery to influencing policy at high levels. She grew up with parents who were civil servants; her father was a Marine, and her mother worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Despite this background, her decision to pursue public office was her own.
“We have more of a voice than we’ve ever had, but the struggle is real,” Haaland said. “That’s why I’m saying we need more voices at the table.”
Haaland stressed her commitment to empowering people to realize their potential, including running for office. She remarked on the current state of American behavior, noting that although the nation’s independence is 250 years old, societal behaviors towards one another have regressed. True citizenship, she argues, involves a shared duty to care for each other and the land.
In a discussion with Morning Edition host A Martínez, Haaland touched on her book and the impact of policy changes between administrations on communities.