The Interior Department swore in two of its new top leaders this morning in Washington, D.C.

Larry EchoHawk, a member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, was sworn in as assistant secretary for Indian affairs. He will oversee the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education.

"I want to thank President Obama and Secretary Salazar for this opportunity to be a part of their efforts to bring positive change to Indian Country," EchoHawk said. "I also want to thank the Congress and tribal leaders for their confidence and support. To the Indian Affairs employees, I want to express my appreciation for their dedication to serving the American Indian and Alaska Native people. We will continue to honor the federal trust responsibility, to support tribal self-determination and to make a positive difference in the tribal communities we serve."

Also this morning, David Hayes was sworn in as deputy secretary at Interior. He has vowed to make Indian issues a top priority as second-in-command at the department.

EchoHawk and Hayes are among the six Interior nominees that have been confirmed by the Senate. Just yesterday, Michael Connor was confirmed as commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation.

Still awaiting approval is Hilary Tompkins, a member of the Navajo Nation, as Solicitor.

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