President Joe Biden is set to designate the fifth national monument of his presidency during a visit to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The designation, called Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, will protect approximately 917,000 acres of public land from potential uranium mining. It will also safeguard existing grazing permits and leases, existing mining claims, and support area hunting and fishing.
The move comes in response to longstanding calls from tribal leaders, environmental activists, and Arizona lawmakers to protect the lands surrounding the Grand Canyon. Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva and independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema have been among the advocates for this protection.
The designation is significant for tribal nations and indigenous peoples, as the land is considered sacred. It shares many features with the Grand Canyon, including sweeping plateaus, deep canyons, and biodiverse habitats that provide refuge for wildlife such as bighorn sheep, bison, bald eagles, and songbirds. The area’s creeks and streams also flow into the Colorado River, a critical water supply for millions of people in the Southwest.
Carletta Tilousi, coordinator of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, expressed gratitude for the permanent protection of these lands, which have been threatened by extractive operations like uranium mining. The Biden administration has been gathering public input on the designation for months, and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet secretary, visited the area in May to meet with tribal leaders.
Haaland described the visit as one of the most meaningful trips of her life, emphasizing the importance of the lands that make up the designated monument. She highlighted the shared history of tribes in the Southwest, who trace their origins to the Grand Canyon and its surrounding plateaus and tributaries. Many tribes have continued their longstanding practices on sacred homelands just outside the boundaries of the national park.
The designation will not only ensure the lands can be used by indigenous peoples for religious ceremonies, hunting, and gathering but also sends an important signal to native people. Haaland emphasized that Native American history is American history and that the administration recognizes and appreciates the original stewards of the shared lands and waters.
In addition to the monument designation, President Biden will announce a $44 million investment to strengthen climate resilience across the national park system. This funding, paid for with Inflation Reduction Act funding, aims to address the impacts of extreme heat in the Southwest. Heat-related deaths, burn victims in emergency rooms, and heat-related illnesses in animals have been on the rise in the region.
President Biden’s visit to the Grand Canyon and the designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni highlight his commitment to protecting natural landscapes, supporting indigenous communities, and addressing climate change. The monument designation and climate resilience funding demonstrate the administration’s dedication to preserving the environment and ensuring the well-being of both people and wildlife.
How does the designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument honor the cultural and spiritual significance of tribal nations and indigenous peoples?
Nistration’s decision will honor the cultural and spiritual significance of the area to tribal nations and indigenous peoples.
The protection of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument has been a long-awaited victory for tribal leaders, environmental activists, and Arizona lawmakers. Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva and independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema have been instrumental in advocating for the preservation of these lands.
The designation encompasses approximately 917,000 acres of public land surrounding the Grand Canyon and aims to prevent potential uranium mining, safeguard existing grazing permits and leases, protect existing mining claims, and preserve the area’s potential for hunting and fishing activities.
In addition to its ecological significance, the protected area shares many geological features with the Grand Canyon, including breathtaking plateaus and deep canyons. It also provides a home for a diverse range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, bison, bald eagles, and songbirds. The creeks and streams within the region serve as crucial water sources for the Colorado River, which supplies water to millions of people in the Southwest.
The decision to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument demonstrates President Joe Biden’s commitment to environmental conservation and respect for indigenous rights. Carletta Tilousi, coordinator of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, expressed deep gratitude for the permanent protection of these lands, which have faced threats from extractive operations like uranium mining.
The designation of this national monument not only preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the area but also ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to experience and appreciate the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon and its surroundings.
