Outgoing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar ushered in a "new era of tribal relations," the National Congress of Americans Indians said in a statement.

Salazar made Indian issues a top priority when he took over the Interior Department. He spoke frankly of the "dark chapters of the past" and the need to restore the government-to-government relationship.

"Salazar’s leadership was crucial in settling historic trust cases, supporting and implementing landmark legislation, improving consultation with tribal governments and communities, and working with tribes to protect our land, cultures, and resources," NCAI said.

Salazar intends to leave by the end of March. He is expected to return home to Colorado, where he served as a U.S. Senator.

Speculation about Salazar's replacement has included former Sen. Byron Dorgan, a former chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, former Washington governor Chris Gregoire (D), Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry and David Hayes, the current deputy Interior secretary who has also played a big role in Indian affairs.

"NCAI looks forward to working with the President and Congress to ensure a qualified Secretary of the Interior is appointed, who from day one will carry on the work of Secretary Salazar and include tribal nations as central stakeholders and governments in conserving and managing our natural resources and lands that are so vital not only to the first Americans, but all Americans," the statement read.

Get the Story:
NCAI Statement on Scheduled Departure of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar (NCAI 1/16)
Salazar departure leaves ‘green’ posts vacant (The Washington Post 1/17)
Interior Secretary to Step Down in March (The New York Times 1/17)
Ken Salazar's return to Colorado likely includes politics, friends say (The Denver Post 1/17)

An Opinion::
Editorial: Successful stint for Interior Secretary Ken Salazar (The Denver Post 1/17)

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