“At the National Indian Health Board, we believe firmly believe that the fulfillment of the trust responsibility applies to all federal agencies including the Department of the Interior. To have an Indigenous woman leading an agency that oversees our water, lands and resources is not only fitting, but appropriate and long overdue,” said NIHB CEO Stacy A. Bohlen. “Congresswoman Haaland has been a champion for Indian Country, underserved populations and rural communities while serving in Congress. During the pandemic, she gave continuous support for relief funding, testing and vaccination for Tribal communities. We know she will continue that leadership in her new, and historic, role as a Cabinet Secretary.”
The
Department of the Interior oversees the nation’s natural resources and public lands, which are inherently Tribal land. The agency is tasked with upholding the federal government’s trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives to help them prosper.