By John Hilke
March 16, 2021, marks the beginning of a time for reflecting on environmental policy and, perhaps, a time to celebrate.
First American Indian Nations (and their allies) hope and expect that the confirmation of Rep. Deb Haaland, as the 54th Secretary of the Interior, will bring a brighter day for both our stewardship of the environment and for the ability of First American Indian Nations to protect themselves and preserve their cultures. Her family has lived in the area of NM for an estimated 35 generations.
Part of the potential cause for celebration is the possibility that First American Indian Nations will be able to effectively expand their defense of the environment by invoking their treaty rights. Secretary Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo Nation. Her family has lived in the area of NM for an estimated 35 generations. The contrast is stark between the views and attitudes of Secretary Haaland and those of previous Department of Interior Secretaries James Watt and Ryan Zinke.
The Department of the Interior, established in 1849, is the Federal government’s primary conservation and land management agency. It oversees National Parks, maintains records of the status of U.S. waters, forests, and lands, and develops scientific information on ecosystems and environmental health. The Interior Department is the primary agency working with First American Indian Nations by makings grants, enforcing treaties, and creating new treaties.