Saving Sacred Apache Land in Arizona
Photo Credit: SinaguaWiki/Wikipedia
The San Carlos Apache Tribe has been advocating to protect the sacred Oak Flat area from copper mining, but the land may soon be owned by a foreign mining company. Copper mining has been a key industry in Arizona since the 19th century, but it can negatively impact the environment. On January 15, 2021, with the publication of the final environmental impact statement, the U.S. government started the 60-day period in which the land can transfer to Resolution Copper. There's limited time left to protect Oak Flat. How did this happen?
Resolution Copper in AZ.
After failed attempts to pass the bill on its own, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange was tucked into the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act as an additional provision known as a "rider." That rider made it possible for 2,500 acres of land, including Oak Flat, to be transferred to Resolution Copper, a joint venture of Rio Tinto and BHP. In return for the land, Resolution Copper must hand over 5,000 acres of land they own elsewhere in Arizona to the U.S. government.
Everything shiny is not gold.
Rio Tinto is an Anglo-Australian company that mines everything from aluminum to diamonds, making them well-known figures across agriculture, technology, and luxury industries. In September 2020, the CEO and two top executives announced plans to resign following international outrage over the destruction of an Aboriginal heritage site and artifacts in Australia. Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona believes that Rio Tinto's promises to protect Oak Flat are empty and will yield similar results.
First Nation. First Amendment.
Founded by Wendsler Nosie Sr., a former Chairman and Councilman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Apache Stronghold connects Apaches, other Native American tribes, and non-Native allies to protect Oak Flat. For the Apache people, Oak Flat is a sacred site known as Chich'il Bildagoteel that serves as a place to pray and honor ancestors. Nosie said “Giving away our sacred land by the U.S. Government for destruction by a foreign mining company destroys our ability to practice our religion. It violates our First Amendment right to the free exercise of our religion protected by the Constitution.”
Amplify Apache Stronghold. The Apaches have notable supporters, like Rev. William J. Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign. When Apache Stronghold advocated before Congress, the House Natural Resources Committee Democrats said, "building a copper mine in the middle of Native sacred land is a profound environmental injustice." You can boost Apache Stronghold's social media campaign by using the hashtag #SaveOakFlat, and sharing content from @ProtectOakFlat, and Save Oak Flat Arizona.
Update from July 4, 2022
A federal appeals court has denied Apache Stronghold's attempt to stop plans for a copper mine in this sacred space. It is our belief that the U.S. cannot claim to respect religious freedom while dismissing non-Christian religious experiences.