06.21.22

Chair Grijalva Cheers the Appointment of Chief Lynn Malerba as U.S. Treasurer

Washington D.C. – Natural Resources Committee Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) today issued the following statement on President Biden’s appointment of Chief Lynn Malerba of the Mohegan Tribe as Treasurer of the United States. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen made the announcement during a visit with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. Secretary Yellen’s visit, which is focused on the Tribe’s economic recovery since the pandemic and use of American Rescue Plan funds, marks the first time a Treasury secretary has ever travelled to a tribal nation.

“Chief Malerba is no stranger to breaking barriers and making history, and I’m so proud to see her doing it again,” Chair Grijalva said. “For the first time, we will be able to pick up a dollar bill and see the signature of a Native American representing the oldest office of our federal government’s financial institution. Chief Malerba encapsulates the ideals of leadership and is known throughout Indian Country for her advocacy in the advancement of federal trust obligations. She has at least 20 years of expertise in Indian Country, and I know she will proudly serve this country with both skill and compassion. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Malerba, and I look forward to seeing her career of excellence continue as Treasurer.

“I also want to commend the Biden administration for showing us yet again that their commitment to Indian Country is more than just lip service. By elevating Native American leaders to the highest levels of our federal government, they are taking the right steps to put our history of ignoring, silencing, and denying the rights of Indigenous Peoples to rest. Representation matters, but representation in leadership matters even more.” 

Chief Malerba is the first female Chief in the Mohegan Tribe’s modern history and will be the first Native American to head the U.S. Treasury. She previously served as a member of the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee. In her role as Treasurer, she will oversee the newly established Office of Tribal and Native Affairs.

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