Salem, Oregon — The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the nomination of Charles "Chuck" Sams III as Director of the National Park Service, which will make him the first Native American to lead the agency.

Some environmentalists praised Sams’ confirmation on Thursday night as a commitment to a fair partnership with the tribe (the original manager of the land).

"I am deeply honored," Sams told Federal Umatilla Magazine on Friday. "I am also very grateful to my tribal elders and friends for their support, guidance and advice throughout my career."

The National Park Service oversees more than 131,000 square miles (339,000 square kilometers) of parks, monuments, battlefields, and other landmarks. According to its website, it employs approximately 20,000 employees in long-term, temporary and seasonal jobs.

Sams is the agency's first park manager to be confirmed by the Senate in the past five years. It was led by the acting head of the Trump administration for many years and Biden's first 10 months as president. Jonathan Jarvis was confirmed as the Park Service Supervisor in 2009 and left the agency in January 2017.

According to “India Today”, during the confirmation hearing, Sam mentioned his experience in non-profit work, including promoting land transfers and working with volunteers to protect and manage invasive species.

He also stated that in addition to incorporating indigenous views and knowledge into decision-making, he will also work to ensure that the indigenous history of the National Park Service’s land is widely reflected. He said that it is important to work with Native Americans to develop traditional ecological knowledge, “based on the management of these spaces for more than 10,000 years to ensure that they are here for future generations to enjoy.”

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Harland was the first Native American cabinet secretary. He said when President Joe Biden nominated Sams in August that he brought a wealth of experience. The National Park Service is under the Ministry of the Interior.

Sams are Cayuse and Walla Walla, a federal tribe living on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon. There, he is known for his composure. He has worked in state and tribal governments and non-profit natural resources and conservation management for more than 25 years.

"He is known for his steady helm and calm response to challenges," said Bobby Conner, director of the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute on a 270-square-mile (700-square-kilometer) reserve.

Kat Brigham, chairman of the Federal Tribes Board, recalled that according to tradition, Sams fished salmon in the Columbia River when he was young, standing on scaffolding and using nets.

Brigham said: "I'm proud. I think we have a tribe member who is the first in history to take charge of our National Park Service. It's very exciting." "He knows how important our land is. He Knowing that we need to protect our land, not only for today, but also for our children’s children."

Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, who had asked the Senate to unanimously approve the nomination, described Sams as "a role model for managing American land and waters, wildlife, and history."

Democrats say that Sams’ confirmation means that Congress and park visitors will have a stable and experienced leader to rely on in the next few years.

Joel Dunn, President and CEO of the Chesapeake Conservation Area, headquartered in Maryland, celebrated the news. His organization is dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural resources of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in North America, and the National Park Service manages some of the locations here.

"This year is a historic year for the U.S. Department of the Interior. Secretary Deb Haaland was recognized as the first Native American Cabinet Secretary in the United States, and Chuck Sams is now recognized as the first Native American National Park Service to serve as director ," Dunn said. Harland officially announced on Friday that "squaw" is a derogatory term and said she is taking steps to remove it from the federal government and replace other derogatory place names.

Dunn pointed out that the forced relocation of natives led to the establishment of public lands in the United States, including national parks.

Dunn said: "As our country is working to resolve past tragedies, it is appropriate for the leadership of the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to reflect the new direction and commitment to a fair partnership with the Native American people."

Sams is a member of the Northwest Power and Conservation Commission, appointed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown. Previously, he held various positions in the federal tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, including executive and deputy executive director. He also led organizations such as the Indian Rural Conservation Association.

He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Concordia University, Portland and a master's degree in law studies in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma. Sams is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

He is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and Whitman College.

Associated Press writer Matthew Daley in Washington contributed to this report.

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