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Poarch Creek Indians Chairwoman Stephanie Bryan congratulated Rep. Deb Haaland on her nomination to lead the Department of the Interior.

Haaland is the first Native American nominated to lead a department.

President-Elect Joe Biden nominated Haaland for the post.

The Department of Interior has a jurisdiction over a wide variety of government programs, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“My friend Deb has been a great advocate for Tribes during her time in the House of Representatives, and for that I want to thank her,” Bryan said in a statement. “It has been a pleasure to get to know her and see her passion for tribal priorities, and the Poarch Creek Indians have no doubt she will ably lead the interior department.”

Haaland has represented New Mexico’s First Congressional District since 2018. She was one of two Native American women to be elected to the House that year, making her one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress. Following this historic nomination, Haaland will now face Senate confirmation.