Former vice president could become next assistant secretary for Indian Affairs

By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times

WINDOW ROCK – Former Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer is being considered for a high-profile position in the federal government, potentially as assistant secretary for Indian Affairs.

In an in-depth interview on Sunday, Lizer reflected on the challenges and opportunities this role would entail, as well as his vision for advancing the needs of tribal nations and the Navajo Nation.

“My name is on a shortlist for consideration,” Lizer confirmed.

He described the assistant secretary for Indian Affairs role as part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, a position responsible for oversight of all federally recognized tribes and numerous tribal-related agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Interior’s legacy

The U.S. Department of the Interior established in 1849, has long been at the center of policies shaping the lives of Indigenous tribes, forging a legacy marked by both harm and reform. Known historically as the “Department of Everything Else,” the Interior assumed responsibility for Indian affairs, including tribal lands and governance – a role that has sparked controversy and challenges since its inception.

The Interior’s website acknowledges this fraught history, describing the agency’s oversight of policies like the Dawes Act of 1887, which forcibly redistributed tribal lands into individual allotments and opened “surplus” land to non-Native settlers. This policy alone resulted in the loss of millions of acres of tribal lands and dismantled communal landholding practices central to Indigenous cultures. Simultaneously, the BIA, operating under the Interior, oversaw the administration of boarding schools that sought to assimilate Indigenous children by erasing their cultural identities and languages. These initiatives caused profound, intergenerational trauma, the effects of which are still felt today.

In the mid-20th century, the Interior played a key role in the termination era, a policy movement that sought to dissolve federal recognition of tribes and their governments. This effectively dismantled tribal sovereignty for many communities, displacing Indigenous people and undermining their economic stability. Such policies, coupled with allegations of mismanagement of tribal trust funds and resources, have solidified the department’s complex and contentious relationship with Indigenous communities.

Sovereignty, self-determination

Despite this legacy, the Interior’s website highlights significant shifts toward supporting tribal sovereignty and self-determination in the latter half of the 20th century. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, for example, ended the allotment policy and encouraged tribes to establish self-governing constitutions. The 1975 Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act allowed tribes to directly contract with the federal government to administer their programs, marking a pivotal step toward empowering Indigenous governance.

Addressing historical injustices

Recent years have seen the Interior attempting to reckon with its past. Under the leadership of Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to lead the department, the Interior has initiated efforts to address historical injustices, including investigating the legacy of boarding schools and restoring tribal lands. Haaland’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing nation-to-nation relationships, emphasizing consultation with tribes on federal projects and land management decisions.

In a year marked by significant progress for Indian Country, the Biden Administration has emphasized its commitment to tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and addressing long-standing inequities. At the same time, tribal leaders continue to advocate for a balanced approach to the energy transition and sustainable development, ensuring the federal government upholds its trust responsibilities.

Speaking at the fourth White House Tribal Nations Summit in early December, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland outlined the administration’s strides in strengthening nation-to-nation relationships. Haaland celebrated the historic investments in Indian Country through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, emphasizing the enduring impact on tribal communities.

“This administration has made transformational investments in Indian Country through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” Haaland said. “We are not only building a better future for Indigenous communities but ensuring this progress endures for generations.”

Key among these efforts is the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, which confronts the legacy of assimilation policies that forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families. Since its 2021 launch, the initiative has revealed over 50 marked or unmarked burial sites at federal boarding schools, underscoring the generational trauma caused by these policies.

“This initiative is about truth, accountability, and healing,” Haaland said. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, who led the investigation, added, “Acknowledging these past harms allows us to rebuild trust and renew our nation-to-nation relationships.”

Tribes managing public lands, waters

The Interior has also championed tribal self-determination through 400 co-stewardship agreements, allowing tribes to collaboratively manage public lands and waters. Haaland highlighted the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge into federal conservation efforts.

“These partnerships demonstrate our enduring commitment to honoring nation-to-nation relationships,” Haaland stated.

Meanwhile, through the Investing in America agenda, the Interior has allocated billions of dollars to modernize infrastructure in Indian Country. These investments aim to close gaps in high-speed internet, clean water, and energy access, which are critical to fostering economic growth and improving quality of life. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren praised these efforts, noting the persistent water crisis faced by many Navajo households.

“No one in America should be denied access to water because of where they live,” Nygren said in September while providing testimony.

At the same testimony, Newland advocated for bills addressing decades-old tribal water rights claims, including the $5 billion Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act. This agreement would ensure safe, reliable water for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe while enabling the Navajo Nation to lease water to urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson.

“Water is essential to meeting our trust obligations,” Newland told lawmakers, describing the settlement as a historic milestone.

The Interior has also supported other agreements, such as the Fort Belknap Indian Community and Yavapai Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Acts, which aim to secure water access and promote economic development. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez lauded the collaborative spirit behind these efforts.

“These settlements demonstrate what people with widely different backgrounds, histories, and circumstances can accomplish when they choose to work together toward a common goal,” she said.

As the Biden administration prioritizes clean energy, tribal leaders, including Lizer, have called for a balanced approach to the energy transition.

Protecting tribal investments

In a 2021 virtual energy forum, Lizer highlighted the Navajo Nation’s historical reliance on coal, oil, and gas, stressing the need for careful planning to protect tribal investments.

“The Navajo Nation has a storied past when it comes to energy development,” Lizer said. “We still own three coal mines, and while the global trend is moving away from coal, we need to look at new opportunities, including international markets.”
Lizer suggested partnerships with countries like Japan and Mexico to explore newer, cleaner coal-fired power plants. At the same time, he emphasized the Navajo Nation’s commitment to renewable energy, positioning the tribe as a leader in solar, wind, and hydrogen development.

“We wish to be the leaders in renewable energy development across not only North America but perhaps even globally,” Lizer said at the time in 2021.

However, challenges remain. The Interior continues to face criticism from tribal leaders over resource extraction projects on or near tribal lands, which many argue undermine sacred sites and environmental protections. The department also struggles to resolve decades-long disputes over land rights, water access, and trust mismanagement.

While acknowledging the complexity of the position, Lizer said the role would be extensive and would require deep engagement with tribal leaders.

“It involves federal consultations and managing layers of oversight. As someone who has worked closely with these offices, I’m preparing myself for the possibility,” he said.

Pushing for Native representation

Beyond his potential federal appointment, Lizer is pushing for greater Native representation in the national spotlight, including at the inauguration of the next presidential administration.

“I’ve been in touch with the planning committee for the inauguration and recommended Native performers, singers, dancers, and drum groups,” he revealed. “What better way to say thank you to First Nations and tribal nations than by including them in such a historic event?”

Lizer emphasized that Native Americans played a significant role in the 2024 presidential election.

“It’s well-documented that 65% of Native Americans who voted supported President Trump,” he said. “This is a chance to acknowledge and celebrate that contribution.”

He hopes Native performers will be included in events such as the inauguration day parade and various gala celebrations.

“I’ve been following up with the committee, encouraging them to put these incredible performers on the agenda. This would be a powerful way to include Indian Country in the festivities,” Lizer said.

Lizer believes his leadership experience and business-oriented approach position him uniquely for the role.

“I understand the need for advocacy—from tribes to the federal government and vice versa,” he said. “There’s a stronger need for government-to-government relationships that go beyond politics and focus on empathy for the struggles tribal nations face.”

Tenure as Navajo Nation’s leader

Reflecting on his tenure as Navajo Nation vice president, Lizer highlighted the ongoing challenges in federal-tribal relations, such as insufficient funding and bureaucratic obstacles.

“Tribal leaders often encounter red tape when seeking solutions to problems. I think it’s important to prioritize issues and communicate them effectively to federal leaders, even the White House,” he said. “Solutions come from partnerships and understanding, not from dictation by the government.”

Though the assistant secretary role involves all 574 federally recognized tribes, Lizer noted his connection to the Navajo Nation.

“I was born, raised, and served as a leader here. It’s my home,” he said.

However, he emphasized the importance of treating all tribes equitably.

“When serving at this level, favoritism isn’t an option. The goal is to create opportunities for all tribal nations,” said Lizer.

The former vice president also discussed the diverse needs of tribal nations, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.

“Large land-based tribes like Navajo have unique resources and opportunities. These differences must be considered when crafting federal policies,” he said.

Energy development is a major focus for Lizer, who supports tribal energy independence but insists on accountability for past actions. On the controversial topic of uranium mining and transportation on Navajo land, he said the Navajo Nation lost many elders and family members to the legacy of radiation.

“Before any new mining takes place, the mess left behind must be cleaned up,” he said.

Lizer also pointed to the economic potential of energy projects, advocating for tribal nations to be included in national discussions.

“Energy development can be transformative for tribes, but it must be balanced with respect for their concerns,” he said.

Frontier for economic growth

Beyond energy, Lizer sees Indian Country as an untapped frontier for economic growth.

“The pandemic shifted the way society operates. Tribal nations should seize this moment to attract businesses and create jobs,” he said. “We can’t always rely on federal support. It’s time to build self-reliance.”

Lizer acknowledged the partisan challenges of working in tribal affairs, particularly as a Republican in a field often dominated by Democrats.

“For decades, tribal nations leaned heavily on Democratic leadership, but little has changed. It’s time to explore different approaches,” he said.

Despite criticism of his support for former President Trump, Lizer remains steadfast.

“When I meet opposition, it strengthens my resolve. I believe we’re on the cusp of a new era of opportunity for Indian Country,” he said.

Lizer said that if selected for the federal role, he would face significant challenges.

“You can’t please everyone all the time, but you can listen to all sides and find common ground,” he said, stressing the importance of tribal consultations and partnerships in addressing contentious issues like Bears Ears and Chaco Canyon. “It’s about bringing all parties to the table and advancing considerations for Indian Country.”

Even if not selected, Lizer remains committed to tribal advocacy.

“I will continue using my network and skills to collaborate with partners and bring solutions to tribal issues,” he said. “This work doesn’t stop at a title.”

Looking ahead, Lizer is optimistic about the potential for tribal nations to thrive.

“Indian Country has been overlooked for too long. People who visit often compare it to a Third World country, amazed that such conditions exist in the U.S.,” he said. “We need to change that narrative and showcase the potential of tribal nations.”

Lizer hopes to leverage opportunities for partnerships with figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who he believes could help address challenges in tribal health and infrastructure.

“These conversations are about elevating Indian Country to its rightful place,” he said.

Ultimately, Lizer’s vision is one of progress, unity, and resilience.

“The ceiling is high for Indian Country,” he said. “Whether or not I step into this federal role, I’ll continue working to help tribes rise to new heights.”

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