In a historic first a Native American is being appointed U.S. treasurer.
On Tuesday, 21st June, the White House announced President Joe Biden’s intent to appoint Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba as his administration establishes an Office of Tribal and Native Affairs at the Treasury Department, which will be overseen by the U.S. treasurer.
The treasurer’s responsibilities include overseeing the U.S Mint, serving as a liaison with the Federal Reserve, and supervising the Treasury’s Office of Consumer Policy. The treasurer’s signature also appears on the U.S currency.
Malerba has served in various tribal government roles– she is the lifetime chief of the Mohegan Indian Tribe, and has worked as a registered nurse according to the website of the tribe. The tribe’s reservation is located on the Thames River in Uncasville, Connecticut.
“For the first time in history, a Tribal leader and a Native woman’s name will be the signature on our currency,” said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, ahead of the announcement.
“Chief Malerba will expand our unique relationship with Tribal nations, continuing our joint efforts to support the development of Tribal economies and economic opportunities for Tribal citizens,” continued Yellen.
On Tuesday (21st June), Yellen was scheduled to visit the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, making her the first Treasury Secretary to visit a tribal nation. She is expected to focus on how the American Rescue Plan has affected tribal communities.
Tribal governments received more than $30 billion as a part of the relief package
Tribal governments which oversee some of the poorest communities in the nation received more than $30 billion as a part of the relief package.
According to US government figures, 59 percent of Rosebud Sioux Tribal households live in poverty. COVID-19-related deaths and drug overdoses have also wreaked havoc on Native communities.
Joe Biden has taken several steps to uplift the Tribal communities including making Deb Haaland the first Native American to lead the Interior Department. Haaland is leading a reckoning with the U.S. government’s role in Native American boarding schools, which stripped children of their cultures and identities.
On Wednesday, 22nd June, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the Interior Department’s inquiry into the federal government’s historical oversight of the Native American boarding schools.
Biden also signed the first presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, refocusing the official holiday traditionally devoted to the explorer Christopher Columbus. It was to show his appreciation of the Native people.
“It is especially important that our native voices are respected,” Malerba stated. “This appointment underscores the Administration’s commitment to doing just that. I am excited to serve our communities as Treasurer and for work ahead. (Xanax) ”
