VVF Statement on Secretary Haaland’s visit to Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni

Washington, D.C. — Earlier today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, a proposed national monument in Arizona of 1.1 million acres with cultural connections to at least twelve Tribes and Nations. In reaction to the secretary’s visit, Vet Voice Foundation CEO, Janessa Goldbeck, released the following statement:

“Day in and day out, we’re reminded of what an absolute all-star Secretary Haaland is – and how thankful we are that she leads our Interior Department. Today just adds to it. With her visit to Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, Secretary Haaland continued highlighting the Biden Administration’s commitment to our nation’s public lands and the goals laid out with their America the Beautiful agenda. 

“As the first Native person to serve as Interior Secretary, she truly understands the importance of protecting places special to all, but sacred to Native communities. As a public lands advocate, she fully recognizes that the Biden Administration’s agenda for our public lands is supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans. And as the daughter of two military veterans, Secretary Haaland appreciates the connection between veterans and military families and our public lands.”