Deb Haaland Discusses Her Memoir, ‘A Voice Like Mine’

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, whose Pueblo Indian roots extend back before the founding of the United States, reflects on her journey in her new memoir, ‘A Voice Like Mine’. Through her ancestors, who originally inhabited New Mexico and the Southwest, Haaland’s connection to her heritage is profound.

Haaland made history in 2018 by becoming one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. Her achievements continued as President Joe Biden nominated her to lead the Department of the Interior, marking her as the first Native American cabinet secretary in U.S. history. She’s now setting her sights on becoming the first Native American woman elected governor of a U.S. state.

In ‘A Voice Like Mine’, Haaland narrates her journey from working in a bakery to influencing policy. Her parents, both civil servants, shaped her values; her father was a Marine, and her mother worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Deciding to run for public office was a personal choice, separate from her upbringing.

In an interview with Morning Edition, Haaland emphasized her dedication to public service. Her goal is to empower individuals to realize their potential in leadership roles. “We have more of a voice than we’ve ever had, but the struggle is real,” said Haaland. “We need more voices at the decision-making table.”

She also commented on how citizenship involves a collective duty to care for each other and the environment, noting a regression in how Americans treat one another. In conversation with host A Martínez, Haaland also touched on how policy changes between administrations can impact communities.

The interview was produced by Adriana Gallardo and Ava Pukatch, with digital editing by Suzanne Nuyen.