DOI Secretary Deb Haaland Breaks New Ground The head of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) shares her insights on racial equity, climate justice and transcending the national-local divide to create access to parks and recreation for all By Kristine Stratton, NRPA President and CEO " N RPA has been part of the backbone of the work that we do at Interior, and I couldn't be prouder to call this organization a partner, " U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in her virtual remarks during an opening general session at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference this past September. " Your work to make public lands more accessible to more people no matter their background, their income or where they live is something that I hold dear to my heart. " PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | DECEMBER 2 0 2 1 | Parks & Recreation 35