On Monday, Rep. Deb Haaland became the first Native American confirmed to serve in the president’s Cabinet — a historic moment celebrated by American Indians throughout the country. In California, which is home to 109 federally recognized tribes and more people of Native ancestry than any other state, expectations are high. Many wished for more land, more help for tribal businesses and a simpler process to petition for federal recognition. I’ve been a tribal leader for 17, maybe 18 years now, and I know we’ve had a lot of disappointments throughout the years. I think as the first Native American Interior secretary, the real opportunity here is for healing with Indigenous people across the nation.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 15, 2021 22:23 UTC