Sally Jewell vowed to make Indian issues a top priority if she is confirmed as the next Secretary of the Interior Department.

Jewell, the top executive at Recreational Equipment Inc., doesn't have much direct experience with tribes. But in her opening statement to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, said she will continue the Obama administration's record of progress on American Indian and Alaska Native issues.

"If confirmed, one of my top priorities will be to build upon the historic strides made by this Administration in upholding our sacred trust responsibilities to the Native American and Alaska Native communities. President Obama has helped to restore a nation-to-nation relationship with Indian Country – one rooted in consultation with tribal communities – and I pledge to continue this forward progress," Jewell said in her written statement.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the top Republican on the committee, brought up one issue affecting an Alaska Native village. She criticized the Obama administration for failing to approve a road through a national refuge that would provide a safe travel route for residents of King Cove.

"Respect for the Aleuts must be balanced with respect for the refuge," Murwkoski said in her opening statement.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), who serves as chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, brought up the Bureau of Indian Affairs, treaty rights, tribal consultation and Indian energy development. Jewell said she looked forward to learning more about Indian issues.

"I'm fully committed to upholding the sacred trust responsibilities that we have to Indian tribes and Indian nations and building and strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship," Jewell said.

Jewell said tribes should be able to develop their own lands and specifically brought up renewable energy. She promised to look into reforms of leasing regulations.

"Leaning into those resources to help the tribes economically, as well as help the country by helping find sources of energy development, is very important," Jewell told the committee.

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota), who sits on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, brought up cuts to rural water system development, an issue that affects tribes in his state, and Indian education. Jewell said she would discuss funding with the White House and said she would work with the Department of Education to improve educational opportunities in Indian Country.

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minnesota), another member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, urged Jewell to visit tribes across the country to learn more about energy development and other issues.

Get the Story:
Sally Jewell’s links to conservationists draw GOP questions during confirmation hearing (The Seattle Times 3/8)
Interior Dept. Nominee Is Questioned on Public Land Use (The New York Times 3/8)
Obama choice of outdoor CEO for interior secretary highlights clout of recreation industry (AP 3/8)
Interior nominee Sally Jewell pledges to take a balanced approach on energy and climate issues (AP 3/7)

Committee Notice:
FULL COMMITTEE HEARING: To consider the nomination of Sally Jewell to be the Secretary of the Interior (March 7, 2013)

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