Poarch Band of Creek Indians Chairwoman Stephanie A. Bryan on Saturday congratulated U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM), after President-elect Joe Biden officially announced his intent to nominate her to lead the Department of the Interior.

Haaland, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, would become the first Native American nominated to become a cabinet secretary in American history.

“My friend Deb has been a great advocate for Tribes during her time in the House of Representatives, and for that I want to thank her,” Bryan said in a statement. “It has been a pleasure to get to know her and see her passion for tribal priorities, and the Poarch Creek Indians have no doubt she will ably lead the Interior Department.”

The Department of Interior’s jurisdiction includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Haaland has represented New Mexico’s First Congressional District since 2018, making her one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn