It was a historic day for the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians on Monday, January 12 as United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland made a personal visit to properties and facilities owned by the tribe, including their Tribal headquarters in Trout. To the knowledge of current Tribal leadership and staff, she was the first government official of the highest office to ever visit the Jena Tribe. “Having the U.S. Secretary of the Interior visit the Jena Band of Choctaw’s headquarters was not only historic but an honor and a privilege for the Tribe,” Chief Libby Rogers said. “Our employees and Tribal Youth Council members who were able to interact with Secretary Haaland were ecstatic to have someone of her caliber visit us.” Secretary Haaland met with Chief Rogers and other Tribal leaders to tour their headquarters and businesses as well as speak about land rights, natural resources and other needs and concerns of the Tribe. Trout was a stop on her multi-day trip through Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama where she met with several federally recognized Tribes to highlight how historic resources from the current administration are supporting Indigenous communities. She also reinforced the Interior Department’s ongoing work to advance equity and social justice, including efforts to help tell a more complete story of America. Secretary Haaland is the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. She is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna located in New Mexico.