President Joe Biden made a significant move during his visit to the Grand Canyon by designating the Baaj Nwaavjo I’Tah Kukveni National Monument, the fifth national monument of his presidency. This designation ensures the protection of the area from potential uranium mining and safeguards existing grazing permits and leases, mining claims, and supports hunting and fishing activities. Spanning approximately 917,000 acres of public land, the monument’s creation fulfills the longstanding requests of tribal leaders, environmental activists, and Arizona lawmakers, including Rep. Raùl Grijalva and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.
Biden’s trip to Arizona, a battleground state, is part of a larger three-stop Western swing, aimed at highlighting his economic agenda and major legislative achievements ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. This landmark legislation encompasses climate, tax, and healthcare measures.
The Baaj Nwaavjo I’Tah Kukveni National Monument preserves nearly 1 million acres of the greater Grand Canyon landscape. It holds a sacred significance to tribal nations and indigenous peoples, with its majestic plateaus, deep canyons, and diverse habitats that provide a refuge for various wildlife, including bighorn sheep, bison, bald eagles, and songbirds. The area’s creeks and streams also contribute to the vital water supply of the Colorado River, benefiting millions of people in the Southwest.
Carletta Tilousi, coordinator of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, expressed her gratitude for the permanent protection of these lands, stating that many individuals have dedicated decades to safeguarding the Grand Canyon homelands from harmful activities like uranium mining.
The designation process involved extensive public input, with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet secretary, personally visiting the area and meeting with tribal leaders. Haaland emphasized the significance of the lands surrounding the Grand Canyon, highlighting the ancestral connection of tribes like the Havasupai and their historical displacement after the establishment of the national park in 1919.
In addition to preserving cultural practices and providing spaces for religious ceremonies, the designation sends a vital message to native peoples. It recognizes their invaluable contributions as the original stewards of the land and acknowledges the importance of tribally led conservation and co-stewardship.
Furthermore, Biden announced a $44 million investment to enhance climate resilience across the national park system. This funding, derived from the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to address the escalating impact of extreme heat in the Southwest, which has led to increasing heat-related deaths, burn victims, and harm to animals. The president’s focus on climate provisions reflects the urgent need to combat climate change and protect vulnerable regions.
President Biden’s actions at the Grand Canyon underscore his commitment to environmental preservation, indigenous rights, and combating climate change. By designating the Baaj Nwaavjo I’Tah Kukveni National Monument and investing in climate resilience, he ensures a sustainable future for both the natural wonders and the communities that rely on them.
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