A Critical Look at Deb Haaland’s Push to Protect Indigenous Communities

As Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation, we strive to hold our leaders accountable while championing tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The recent NPR article, “Deb Haaland’s push to protect Indigenous people disappoints some Native leaders,” discusses Secretary Deb Haaland’s slow efforts to address violent crime in Indigenous communities and reveals her shortcomings in these initiatives.

Gaps in Responsiveness

The murder rate in Indigenous communities is more than twice the national average, a grim statistic that underscores the urgency of the issue. Former U.S. Representative Deb Haaland, now serving as the nation’s first Indigenous Cabinet secretary, passed the Not Invisible Act in 2020. This legislation aimed to bring accountability to the federal government regarding the staggering numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous people.

Despite these noble intentions, the recent findings of the Not Invisible Act Commission reveal significant gaps in implementation and responsiveness. Indigenous communities, from remote areas in Alaska to the Navajo Nation in the Southwest, continue to face an alarming prevalence of violent crime, compounded by inadequate resources and systemic neglect.

Missing Deadlines

The commission’s report highlights critical issues, such as substance abuse and a severe lack of funding for tribal courts, victim services, and domestic violence shelters. In places like Aniak, Alaska, the absence of emergency shelters and insufficient police presence leave communities vulnerable and underserved.

The Navajo Nation’s shortage of law enforcement personnel and resources further exacerbates the crisis. Despite the commission’s 300 recommendations, the Departments of Justice and Interior have only addressed a fraction of these suggestions. Both agencies missed the legally required deadline to respond by over a month. This response, or lack thereof, has left many Native leaders feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Less Symbolism, More Action

While Secretary Haaland’s historic appointment as the first Indigenous cabinet secretary was a moment of pride for many, there is growing concern over her ability to deliver tangible results for Indigenous communities. Commissioners like Tami Jerue have expressed dissatisfaction with the process, noting the need for actionable solutions rather than symbolic gestures.

“Secretary Haaland’s historic role is commendable, but her efforts must now translate into urgent, concrete action. Implementing the Not Invisible Act has been inadequate, with federal agencies failing to act on critical recommendations. Our communities continue to suffer from violence and systemic neglect. It is unacceptable for these issues to persist while reports gather dust. We demand immediate accountability and decisive action to ensure the safety and sovereignty of Indigenous nations. The time for symbolic victories is over; we need real change now.” – Director of NASP.

Federal agencies must move beyond rhetoric and commit to meaningful action. The commission’s report must not become another document collecting dust on the shelf. Real change requires a comprehensive approach that includes resource allocation, legislative reform, and community engagement.

The Path Forward

We advocate for policies that empower tribal communities to govern themselves and protect their people. This means holding leaders like Secretary Haaland accountable for delivering on promises and ensuring federal resources reach the communities most in need.

Indigenous communities deserve recognition of their struggles and the tools and support necessary to build a safer and more secure future.

In this critical moment, it is essential to maintain a vigilant eye on the actions of our leaders, ensuring that they fulfill their commitments to the communities they serve. Only through genuine accountability and collaboration can we hope to address the complex challenges facing Indigenous people today and move toward a brighter, more sovereign future.