📸 : the Marble Platform, Jim Dublinsky
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Dear {{ FirstName | default: ‘Friend of WildAZ’ }},
In a historic event last Tuesday, the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition announced a campaign calling on President Biden to establish the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument using his Executive authority under the Antiquities Act. Baaj Nwaavjo means “where tribes roam” to the Havasupai, and I’tah Kukveni means “our footprints” for the Hopi.
Today you have an opportunity to stand in support of the 12 Tribal Nations, and sign our petition urging the Biden Administration and the President to swiftly advance their proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukvani Grand Canyon National Monument.
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Tribal leaders have been fighting to protect the rimlands of Grand Canyon region from uranium mining threats for over a decade. The proposal for national monument designation would include 1,102,501 acres around and adjoining Grand Canyon National Park.
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These rimlands form an integral part of the Colorado River’s Grand Canyon watershed and are where traditional practices, cultural knowledge and spiritual ceremonies have taken place for millennia.
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The national monument designation would honor the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition Members’ deep cultural ties to the Grand Canyon and protect the area by making the temporary 20-year moratorium permanent, while also securing the cultural, natural, recreational, and scientific resources of the region. (photo by Kristen Caldon)
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Through the prevention of further uranium mining development and improved management of waters and forests, the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument designation would have the capacity to increase climate resilience by safeguarding the waters of the Colorado River in the context of acidification, reducing wildfire severity, limiting groundwater loss and disruption associated with uranium mining activities, and protecting unique biodiversity, including endangered California Condor and endemic and culturally important plants, from threats such as habitat loss and toxic pollution.
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Please join Wild Arizona and stand firmly as a supporter of the 12 Tribal Nations and their proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. In addition, we want to show our deepest and sincerest appreciation to all 12 Tribes for their courage, strength, and dedication as they continue the proud work of stewarding these lands, not just for themselves, but for all people and for generations to come.
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For the love of wildness,
Kelly and the Wild Arizona crew
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Wild Stew | Grand Canyon Wildlands Council
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