Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland addressed attendees at the Biden-Harris administration’s fourth White House Tribal Nations Summit, held at the Department of the Interior. Her remarks focused on progress made in Indian Country, highlighting initiatives that empower Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
The summit, reinstated by President Biden in 2021, serves as a platform for dialogue between the Administration and leaders from the 574 federally recognized Tribes. It aims to strengthen nation-to-nation relationships and ensure sustainable progress for Indigenous communities.
During her speech, Secretary Haaland emphasized enduring progress achieved under her tenure. She stated, "I knew that it was my job – our job – to achieve enduring progress for our people with the time we were given."
Haaland marked the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act as a milestone in empowering Tribes to oversee their own federal programs. Reflecting on this legacy, she said, "50 years of asserting that Tribes have the right to make decisions about the well-being of our own people."
The Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative was highlighted as a significant achievement during Haaland's tenure. This initiative resulted in an investigative report detailing past policies' impacts on Native children. Haaland shared that it led to "The Road to Healing," a journey allowing survivors to share their experiences.
Haaland announced new agreements with institutions like the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and U.S. Library of Congress to preserve these narratives: "Today, I am so proud to announce new agreements...that will preserve these survivor stories."
On land management, Haaland noted over 400 co-stewardship agreements between federal departments and Tribes: "Through this unprecedented number of co-stewardship agreements...we acknowledge and empower Tribes as partners."
Financially supporting Indigenous communities remains a priority. Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly $65 million has been allocated for nine water rights settlements. Haaland declared this allocation marks exhausting every dollar provided by law.
Secretary Haaland also introduced the Tribal Community Vision Partnership aimed at deploying $1.2 billion over seven years for community development: "By working together...we can support advancements made over four years."
Concluding her address, Secretary Haaland expressed pride in achievements under her leadership: "Indian Country is better because of each of you." She encouraged continued engagement and advocacy for Tribal rights.
