English: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) delivered the commencement address at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) and answered questions during a government class at Del Norte High School.
“Our young people are engaged and deserve to be heard,” said Congresswoman Deb Haaland. “I was honored to be part of the SIPI students’ next steps in life and can’t wait to see all they accomplish. On top of that, answering questions from a government class a Del Norte High School was a way for me to connect with young people and ensure they have a voice in our democracy as well.”
At SIPI the Congresswoman shared her story and encouraged students to get involved in their communities. SIPI is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) serving Alaskan Native Communities and American Indian tribes from across the country. The full commencement ceremony video is available here.
While at Del Norte High School, Congresswoman Haaland answered questions the government class students prepared for her. Their questions led to discussions on climate change, the border wall, the government shutdown, college affordability sports teams taking a knee, and the transgender military ban.
Today’s events with students are part of the Congresswoman’s priority to be accessible when she’s in the district.