U.S. Secretary of the Interior

Deb Haaland | Biography

American politician

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 28, 2025

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Who is Deb Haaland?

Deb Haaland is a groundbreaking political figure, becoming the first Native American to serve in a U.S. president's Cabinet when she was confirmed as Secretary of the Interior in March 2021. A member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe and a proud 35th-generation New Mexican, Haaland has dedicated her career to advocating for both Indigenous rights and environmental justice. After winning her election to Congress in 2018, she quickly established herself as a fierce proponent for legislation addressing issues such as climate change, the protection of public lands, and the crisis of murdered and missing Indigenous women.

Born on December 2, 1960, in Winslow, Arizona, Deb Haaland's unique background has shaped her political ethos. Raised by a Navy veteran mother and a Norwegian American father who served in Vietnam, her life experiences inform her commitment to social justice and equity. Haaland climbed the political ranks through various roles, including serving as the chair of the New Mexico Democratic Party. Her relentless dedication to fostering voter engagement within Native communities has made her a significant advocate for Indigenous voices in American politics.

Early Life and Education

Deb Haaland was born on December 2, 1960, in Winslow, Arizona, as a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe, which has been situated in present-day New Mexico since the 1200s. Growing up in a military family, she moved frequently, attending a dozen different public schools before her family finally settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, she graduated from Highland High School in 1978. Raised in a matrilineal community, Haaland learned the importance of her heritage from her mother, Mary Toya, a Navy veteran who worked in Indian education, and her grandparents, instilling in her a strong connection to her roots.

After working in a bakery for a few years, Haaland took a significant step in her life by enrolling at the University of New Mexico at the age of 28. In 1994, she earned her bachelor’s degree, just days before welcoming her daughter, Somáh. Facing the challenges of single parenthood, Haaland navigated financial difficulties while pursuing higher education. She attended law school at the University of New Mexico School of Law, graduating in 2006. During this period, she started a salsa business to support herself and her daughter while accommodating her studies. This blend of personal and professional resilience laid the groundwork for her future political career.

Political Career Beginnings

Deb Haaland's journey into politics was motivated by a desire to increase Native American voter participation and representation. Her political involvement began with volunteering for presidential campaigns, including John Kerry in 2004 and Barack Obama in 2008. Recognizing the importance of advocacy, she served as the Native American Vote Director for Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. This experience solidified her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices in the political landscape.

In 2014, Haaland made her first bid for public office by running for New Mexico's lieutenant governor. Although she did not win, her efforts in this race led to her becoming the first Native American woman to chair the New Mexico Democratic Party the following year. This milestone highlighted her influence in state politics and paved the way for her future endeavors. Her engagement with issues such as environmental justice and Indigenous rights would later play a significant role in her congressional career.

Achieving Congressional Success

Deb Haaland's journey to the U.S. Congress was marked by resilience and a commitment to representing Indigenous voices. Elected in 2018 to New Mexico's 1st Congressional District, she became one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress alongside Sharice Davids. During her tenure, Haaland swiftly made her mark as a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, advocating for significant environmental legislation such as the Green New Deal. Her dedication to social causes was evident in her efforts to address the pressing issues of murdered and missing Indigenous women and expand outdoor recreation access.

Haaland's re-election in 2020 further solidified her position as a progressive leader. Through her advocacy, she brought much-needed attention to the unique struggles and needs of Native American communities. Her congressional career laid the foundation for her historic nomination as Secretary of the Interior by President Joe Biden in December 2020. This significant appointment underscored the importance of Indigenous representation in leadership roles and allowed Haaland to continue her mission of addressing long-standing issues facing Indigenous peoples while overseeing public lands and environmental policies at the national level.

Role as Secretary of the Interior

As the first Native American to serve as Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland's role encompasses a significant range of responsibilities. This position is crucial for overseeing the management of public lands, natural resources, and crucially, safeguarding the U.S. government's treaties and legal obligations to 574 federally recognized tribes. Haaland's tenure reflects her commitment to prioritizing Indigenous rights and environmental conservation, demonstrating a dedication to addressing long-standing issues within these areas. Her leadership also includes initiatives aimed at combating climate change, which has become an urgent issue during her time in office.

Haaland has been instrumental in setting up key initiatives, such as the Missing & Murdered Unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is dedicated to addressing the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women. This initiative is particularly personal for her, as it connects to her own family's history with American Indian boarding schools. Additionally, she has announced an investigation into these schools, underscoring her commitment to ensuring justice and healing for those affected. Her transformative approach aims to reshape the relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, fostering a more inclusive dialogue about their rights and resources.

Personal Life: Married Life

Deb Haaland, the groundbreaking Secretary of the Interior, has a personal life that reflects both commitment and resilience. In August 2021, she married her longtime partner, Skip Sayre, in a ceremony held in New Mexico. This union marked a significant milestone in Haaland's life, as she balances the responsibilities of her public office with her personal relationships. The couple shares a love for outdoor activities, which complements Haaland’s dedication to environmental issues and Indigenous rights, allowing them to connect on a deeper level beyond her political commitments.

Haaland, who has been sober for over 30 years, emphasizes the importance of health and well-being in her life. Her journey reflects a strong sense of dedication not only to her work but also to her family. As a single mother to her daughter Somáh, whom she raised during her time in law school, Haaland brings personal experiences that enrich her role in public service. Her marriage to Sayre further intertwines her family-oriented values with her mission to advocate for Indigenous communities and protect the environment.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Deb Haaland, as the Secretary of the Interior and a prominent figure in American politics, has been closely scrutinized regarding her net worth and earnings. With a long career in public service and a track record that includes her time in Congress, Haaland's salary as a Cabinet member is publicly available. As of 2021, the Secretary of the Interior earns a salary of approximately $158,000, which is standard for all Cabinet-level positions in the U.S. government. This figure reflects her commitment to public service rather than private financial gain, as her focus has primarily been on advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental issues.

Over the years, Haaland has also held various roles that have contributed to her overall net worth, including her time as the chair of the Laguna Development Corporation. While the exact calculations of her net worth are difficult to pin down, they likely reflect her earnings from her law practice, her early business ventures, and her political career. Nonetheless, Haaland's dedication to her constituents and issues affecting Native Americans remains her top priority, overshadowing financial considerations in her public life.