By Tom Molloy
President Biden designated a new national monument near the Grand Canyon on August 8th, 2023. The move protects lands that are sacred to hikers, conservationists, and indigenous peoples. It permanently bans new uranium mining claims in the area. It covers nearly 1 million acres.
In his comments at the new monument, named Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, he said. “Our nation’s history is etched in our people and in our lands.” “Today’s action is going to protect and preserve that history, along with these high plateaus and deep canyons.”
In the Grand Canyon, tribal nations and conservationists have been calling for additional protections in the area for years. A recent statewide poll showed broad support for the proposal. To appease local ranchers the national monument designation upholds private property rights; it also does not affect existing uranium mining claims.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said “It will help protect lands that many tribes referred to as their eternal home, a place of healing and a source of spiritual sustenance.” “It will help ensure that indigenous peoples can continue to use these areas for religious ceremonies, hunting and gathering of plants, medicines and other materials, including some found nowhere else on earth. It will protect objects of historic and scientific importance for the benefit of tribes, the public and for future generations.”
The Monuments name, “Baaj Nwaavjo” means “where tribes roam” in Havasupai, and “I’tah Kukveni” translates to “our ancestral footprints” in Hopi.
Thankfully, Biden has created four other national monuments during his presidency. Let’s support Biden’s conservation and climate initiatives and do all we can to avert a return to the disastrous policies of the past administration next year.
