NCAI commends President Biden’s designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument

Published on Aug 10, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, President Biden designated the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, which will conserve nearly one million acres of homelands sacred to Tribal Nations and protect numerous locations of religious and cultural importance from uranium mining.

This action comes as a direct response to tribal leaders who played a pivotal role in sharing their intricate historical ties to the lands that can now be recognized and celebrated. Fawn Sharp, President of the National Congress of American Indians, praised the Administration for this designation:

“For generations, the land within the United States has served as a realm of deep spiritual and cultural meaning for Tribal Nations,” said President Sharp. “President Biden’s designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument – is a profound recognition of the historical and contemporary significance of these lands. This monumental decision honors our integral role in the conservation process, amplifies Native voices, and protects these sacred homelands for generations yet to experience them.”

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