On Monday, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve in that position, to the Atmore Reservation.

Stephanie A. Bryan, president and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, praised Ms. Haaland's efforts to connect Native American tribes with the federal government and said she was honored to work with her. He said he was honored.

“Secretary Haaland has been a tireless advocate for our tribes for many years.
I look forward to serving our country both as Secretary of the Interior and as a member of Congress,” Bryan said. “She truly understands how vitally important it is for India, as an independent and sovereign nation, to maintain a strong government-to-government relationship with the United States.”

“She is a true public servant and our country is lucky to have her in this important role.”

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During her trip to the reservation, Haaland kept busy. She met with the Tribal Council to hear first-hand about their unique journeys and challenges. She was also briefed on the tribe's recent multi-million dollar investment in high-speed internet service for the reservation and surrounding areas.

Haaland also experienced the tribe's culture when she stopped at the Poarch Creek Museum and received an in-depth guided tour about the tribe's history.

Ms. Haaland will be responsible for creating the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Council (STAC) in 2021. STAC is part of the White House's Tribal Nation Summit, and PBCI says its goal is to “further strengthen the relationship between the Department of the Interior and India.” and to ensure that members of tribal leadership have direct and consistent communication with department leadership and staff. ”

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.