The U.S. Department of the Interior recently announced Secretary Deb Haaland had been part of the U.S. delegation to attend the inauguration of Paraguay’s new president, Santiago Peña.
With Haaland were U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay Marc Ostfield, U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States Francisco O. Mora, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Todd D. Robinson and U.S. Representative Norma Torres, according to an Aug. 16 news release.
“Paraguay is a beautiful country – I was honored to represent President Biden, our administration and the American people at President Peña’s inauguration,” Haaland said in the release. “As we look to the future, the United States and Paraguay will continue to work together for the needs of our communities, promote equity and transparency and work to uplift Indigenous communities.”
Peña was sworn in as the new president of Paraguay Aug. 15, according to Reuters. Peña replaced Mario Abdo Benitez, and both men are part of the conservative Colorado Party, which has been a dominant force in the country’s politics for decades. As part of his campaign, Peña made promises about business-friendly policies to create jobs, low taxes and attraction of foreign investment.
“Secretary Haaland's visit sends a strong message about the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and Paraguay and the value we place on inclusive democracy, including the participation of women and Indigenous leaders at the highest levels of government," Ostfield said in the release. "We know that diversity is our strength, and democracy only works when it includes everyone.”
In late April, Peña made a speech after winning the election. He said, in part, "Thank you for this Colorado victory, thank you for this Paraguayan victory. We have a lot to do, after the last years of economic stagnation, of fiscal deficit, the task that awaits us is not for a single person or for a party," according to an earlier Reuters report.
The inauguration wasn’t the only appearance Haaland made. She also met with female indigenous leaders to discuss their challenges and opportunities, according to the news release.
She also told them about the co-stewardship agreements and elevation of Indigenous knowledge that helps the United States’ efforts to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationships with tribes of Indigenous people. The Department Office of International Affairs supports and facilitates international engagement to support complementary U.S. foreign policy, the release reported.
Haaland is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, and a 35th generation New Mexican. She is the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary and had earlier experience as a small business owner. She ran for New Mexico lieutenant governor in 2014. She is also one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress, according to her official biography.
