Nominee Billy Kirkland pledges to uphold federal trust responsibility if confirmed

WASHINGTON — William H. “Billy” Kirkland told the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs he would work to uphold the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities if confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. "My name is Billy Kirkland. I'm a proud member of the Navajo Nation," Kirkland said during his opening statement. Kirkland described his upbringing on Navajo land, his White House service and his stated approach to the job: consult with tribal governments, support self-determination and steward trust assets. Kirkland told senators he views the assistant…