Interior Department Congratulates Tribal Graduates of the Class of 2021

As a challenging school year comes to a close, the Department of the Interior and Secretary Deb Haaland are proud to congratulate Tribal graduates of the Class of 2021 in a new 30-minute program for students and their families.

“The gift of education is so precious. It not only opens the doors of opportunity to each individual student, but also has the power to end cycles of poverty and turn the page for Native communities everywhere,” Secretary Haaland tells graduates in the new video message. “I want to challenge each of you to use your education to build a better world for those who will come after you.”

In addition to remarks by the Secretary, the Department’s 2021 program includes:

• A welcome message by Bureau of Indian Education Director Tony Dearman

• An opening prayer by Tina Abrams of the Seneca Nation

• A poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo

• Remarks by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs Bryan Newland

• An Honor Song from Dale Old Horn of MSU-Billings/Little Bighorn College, Clement Other Medicine of the Black Lodge District, and Robert 'Corky' Old Horn of the Black Lodge District

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About the U.S. Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.