The Coalition of Large Tribes applauds Arlando Teller’s appointment as the first-ever assistant secretary for Tribal Affairs within the Department of Transportation.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established structures within the Department of Transportation to support Tribal communities through technical assistance, established an Office of Tribal Affairs, and changed the Tribal Affairs leadership in DOT.
These changes included moving the Tribal Affairs Program from the Government Affairs Office and allowing the Tribal Affairs Program to stand independently within the Office of the Secretary (OST) at the Department of Transportation.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also changed the Tribal Affairs leadership in DOT by elevating the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs to the position of Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs.
Teller joined the Department of Transportation in 2021 as deputy assistant secretary for tribal affairs, and will fill the newly created post. Teller will also have a ceremonial swearing in at a later date.