Tribal Resources News

TRIBAL RESOURCES

Native American tribes around the West are making critical decisions regarding the management of their resources — land, water, fossil fuels and renewable resources. The Tribal Resources Desk aims to produce objective reporting to tell stories of tribes empowering themselves through stewardship and decision-making around their resources.
Mohave official speaks against national monument
The Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument has been proposed by Tribal leaders to protect native land and Colorado River water.
How Havasupai Tribe Has Kept COVID-19 Out Of Their Community
More than a year into the pandemic, it’s hard to find anywhere that has escaped the coronavirus. But one Arizona community near the Grand Canyon has been able to utilize its isolated location as a defense. That has meant sacrificing the tourism business the community relies on.
Get The Latest News On COVID-19 In Arizona
Comcaac Nation Demands Water With Historic Gathering
In neighboring Sonora, Mexico, members of the Indigenous Comcaac Nation, often called the Seris, have long struggled for access to clean water in their two towns on the Sea of Cortez. Last Saturday, they walked miles to a sacred site for their people to demand the Mexican government provide them with potable water and other basic services.
More News From The Fronteras Desk
Nez: How Navajo Nation Is Handling Renewed Concerns Over COVID-19
The Navajo Nation was one of the hottest spots for transmission of COVID-19 in the world. So it was good news last week when the Nation had its first day in more than six months without a new reported COVID-19 case. But this week there have been renewed concerns as the Nation saw its first confirmed case of the U.K. variant of the virus.
Interior Department Gets Input On Oil And Gas Policy
The Department of Interior received input on its oil and gas policy last week in a virtual meeting where it heard from a variety of sources. One participant recalled that in 2016, an exploding oil well in New Mexico forced about 50 residents in the Chaco Canyon area to evacuate.
Author Discusses MacArthur Genius Grant, New Book On Oak Flat
Receiving a MacArthur Foundation Genius grant immediately puts the recipient on a new creative track, with opportunities to expand upon previous ideas or utilize the support to innovate. Lauren Redniss was given her grant in 2016 and has gone on to write several books — including her most recent one, "Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West."
Navajo Nation Reports No New COVID-19 Cases, Deaths
The Navajo Nation has managed a dramatic turnaround after a widespread COVID-19 outbreak on the reservation this winter. On Tuesday, the tribe reported zero new cases and no deaths.
The Navajo Nation Took A Hard Stance Against COVID-19 — And The Experts Say It Worked
COVID-19 has wrought unfathomable devastation on the Navajo Nation. The reservation has seen one of the highest rates of death from the virus in the world. But a year into the pandemic, the Navajo Nation has managed a dramatic turnaround in its outbreak and is now outpacing Arizona in administering vaccines.
Resolution Copper Mine Still On The Table After Forest Service Decision
The Forest Service has rolled back a decision that would have cleared the way for one of the largest copper mines in the U.S., but the project is still on the table.
Biden Administration Pauses Massive Copper Mine Near Superior
The Biden administration this week put a pause on a land transfer that would have allowed an international mining company to build a massive copper mine near Superior.
Forest Service Rescinds Oak Flat Environmental Impact Statement
The U.S. Forest Service issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement in January that cleared the way for one of the largest copper mines in the U.S. in the Tonto National Forest. The agency has now rescinded that decision.
Judge Rules Against Apaches In Oak Flat Copper Mine Case
A federal judge has rejected a request by the grassroots group Apache Stronghold to keep the U.S. Forest Service from transferring a parcel of land to a copper mining company.
Ajo Group Provides Food For Those In Need During Pandemic
The Ajo Farmers Market & Cafe stands near the town square. Before the pandemic, it sold food and art from local farmers and artists. Back in October, every surface was filled with boxes and bags of produce and dry foods, all of which was given away to families in need.
How The Pandemic Made It Harder To Stay Warm On The Navajo Nation
With many of us spending much more time at home over the last year, the common things we’d do most days have become much less common. For those who can work from home or order groceries via an app, the overall effect on our lives hasn’t been extremely dramatic. But many residents of the Navajo Nation and members of the Hopi Tribe have much greater challenges.
Judge Hears Oral Arguments In Oak Flat Mine Case
A judge heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case involving Oak Flat, a section of the Tonto National Forest that could become one of the largest copper mines in the United States. A coalition of tribes and conservation groups has tried to block a land swap that would give part of the forest to a London-based mining company.
Cooperative Effort Helps Keep Navajo Families Supplied With Firewood
Winter storms have finally arrived in Arizona, bringing cold temperatures up north, but a new program helps keep members of the Navajo Nation supplied in firewood. In the winter, temperatures on the Navajo Nation can get down to single digits. Most homes on the reservation are heated with wood stoves, but wood can be hard to come by.
Mural Project Spotlights Arizona Indigenous, Latino Artists
Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation and partner arts organizations have selected Indigenous and Latino artists in Arizona to create art on a shipping container in downtown Phoenix. The project is called "UNCONTAINED," and the first of four artist’s work is now on display.
Coalition Files Suit Over Proposed Oak Flat Copper Mine
A coalition of tribes and conservation groups have filed suit against the U.S. Forest Service to block a land swap that would give part of Tonto National Forest to a London-based mining company.
Why Renewable Energy Projects Could Threaten Tribal Lands
President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn into office tomorrow in Washington, D.C. With that comes a lot of expectations from interested parties around the country — including tribes.
Biden Expected To Reverse Course On Public Lands
President-elect Joe Biden's choice of Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior is an indication of how public lands — including Bears Ears National Monument and Chaco Canyon — will be managed in the new administration.
Apaches Object To Forest Service Review Of Copper Mine
Attorney Michael Nixon said the Forest Service has pledged not to transfer Oak Flat to a copper mining company until the very end of a 60-day window that began Friday with the release of an environmental review.

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