Uranium mining at Grand Canyon

Arizona approves uranium mining permits in Grand Canyon 2011

Sacred place of prayer for the well-being of the world approved for uranium mining in Arizona--as disaster reveals danger of nuclear power in Japan

By Brenda Norrell"My people have lived in the canyon since time immemorial. The canyons contain power points and vortexes. If there is tampering or pillaging, the earth will not be the same. There are places where we guard. These sacred places have to do with the weather, the wind, the sun, the celestial movements. That is why we are here protecting it," Supai Waters said.

Matthew Putesoy, vice chairman of the Havasupai Nation, said the Grand Canyon is a national treasure, inviting 5 million people every year to explore and be inspired by its beauty. "To the Havasuw 'Baaja, who have lived in the region for many hundreds of years, it is sacred. As the 'guardians of the Grand Canyon,' we strenuously object to mining for uranium here. It is a threat to the health of our environment and tribe, our tourism-based economy, and our religion."

American Indian Nations joined local residents to oppose this threat to their water and air.

However, Arizona regulators caved in to the pressure from the corporation--Denison Mines based in Toronto, Canada--and the coopted US government.Comment:  I think the mining is supposed to occur a mile or so from the Grand Canyon. In other words, it's in the Grand Canyon area, not in the Grand Canyon itself.

Nevertheless, this shows the difference between mainstream and Native values. The mainstream sees the land as something to use, whereas Natives see it as something to protect and cherish.

For more on the Grand Canyon, see Santa Visits Havasupai by Helicopter and Native Landmark at Grand Canyon.