Washington, D.C. – In response to the recent public meeting held to seek public input on the importance of protecting the greater Grand Canyon region through designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa Arizona released the following statements:

“We proudly stand with the local coalition of Tribes and advocates who are calling on President Biden to designate the sacred lands of the Grand Canyon region as the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument,” said America Fitzpatrick, LCV’s Conservation Program Director. “This Indigenous-led proposal will ensure that the Grand Canyon is protected from new uranium mining and other harmful development, and ensure that Indigenous communities continue to steward the lands they’ve been rooted in since time immemorial.”

“The Grand Canyon is tied to the place of origin of the Navajo, Hopi, Paiute and Zuni peoples and holds sacred significance for at least 12 Tribes and Nations,” said DJ Portugal, Chispa Arizona’s Federal Organizer. “Like many public lands, the Grand Canyon is a beautiful place full of wonder, sacredness and inspiration but also a reminder of displacement, denial of heritage rights and political oppression for Indigenous peoples. Chispa Arizona holds this balance in mind as our Latinx community joins the local coalition of Tribes in calling on President Biden to designate a national monument and safeguard the landscape in protection of the Grand Canyon, water and Indigenous access to lands they’ve stewarded since time immemorial.”

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