June 24, 2022
Chief Lynn Malerba, Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts), from the Mohegan Tribe has been confirmed as the first Indigenous person to be appointed as the next U.S. Treasurer. Malerba was quoted in an article by Indian Country Today saying:
“I am honored and humbled by Secretary (Janet) Yellen and the Biden Administration’s commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard by Treasury as we work together to create an equitable and just society,” Marlerba stated in a press release. “It is especially important that our Native Voices are respected. This appointment underscores this Administration’s commitment to doing just that. I am excited to serve our communities as Treasurer and for the work ahead.”
This is just one of the many amazing achievements in Malerba’s life so far. She comes from a long line of leaders; her mother is the Tribal Nonner, an elder of female of respect, and her great-grandfather was Chief Matagha. Malerba continued the legacy in 2010 when she was the first woman in her tribe’s modern history to be appointed as the Lifelong Chief of the Mohegan Tribe. Some of her other accomplishments include serving as the chairwoman of her tribal council, the executive director of her tribe’s Health and Human Services, chair of the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee of Indian Health Service, a member of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tribal Nations Leadership Council, and more.
As the new Treasurer, one of the many important functions she will be responsible for is overseeing the newly established Office of Tribal and Native Affairs. The purpose of this new office is to be the hub for tribal policy, and to have staff who are dedicated to communicating with tribe nations and other important Indian stakeholders.
To read more about this amazing development for Indian Country visit Indian Country Today and U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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