Friends of the Earth Applauds National Monument Designation for Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon

WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden Administration designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, or Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon, as a national monument. The monument is home to over 3,000 cultural and historic resources and provides water to at least 40 million people. With this designation, nearly 1 million acres of land will be permanently protected from extractive industry projects. Led by the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, conservation and Indigenous rights groups have advocated for Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni’s designation for decades. 

Raena Garcia, Senior Fossil Fuels and Lands Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement: 

This designation is a victory for Indigenous groups whose land and livelihoods are often disrupted for the sake of industry profit. In the wake of unpopular mineral lease sales that put our planet in jeopardy, it’s crucial that we continue the fight for federal protections for our public lands and waters. We commend tribal leaders for their tireless work in ensuring the Grand Canyon and the communities within get the recognition they deserve. 

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