Mining and Monuments: A Conversation about Tribal Lands

NCAI The Sentinel

The current drive towards independence from fossil fuels and to a clean energy economy presents distinct challenges to Tribal communities. Many of the minerals that are needed, such as lithium, cobalt, and copper, rest on or near Tribal Lands, putting both the resources of Tribal Nations and the well-being of their citizens at risk. In this episode of The Sentinel, we examine the issue of mining on native lands, and the consequences that it has for Tribal communities.

We will take a look back at NCAI’s historical advocacy on this subject, and how the organization’s position and advocacy on behalf of Tribal Nations has evolved over time. The Sentinel also discusses the recent 2023 designations of two national monuments to safeguard sacred lands from future energy development. Ashley Hemmers, Tribal Administrator of the Fort Mojave Tribe, joins The Sentinel to speak about the designation of AviKwaAme, also known as Spirit Mountain and how a coalition of Tribal Nations, residents and environmental groups advocated for this status. We also look at the more recent designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument, which protects this land in perpetuity from future uranium mining.

Lastly, we hear from NCAI Policy Manager CC Wright (Klamath Tribes) to examine NCAI’s current advocacy on the issue, and to lay out the key issues that Tribal Nations are currently facing. She provides key insights from a recent report by the Department of the Interior on needed improvements to mining on public lands and also suggests ways to become involved and engaged in this issue.