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Merge pull request #947 from OpenSourceFellows/hakamwe_letter_update
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@DietBepis1
DietBepis1 authored Sep 18, 2024
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</v-card-title>

<v-card-text class="text-left">
<p class="text-left">
Hello,
</p>
<p class="text-left">
Hello, We, the undersigned members of the Hualapai Nation and allies, respectfully request
an urgent meeting with representatives of the Navajo Nation to discuss our grave concerns
regarding the ongoing drilling activities in Sandy Valley, northern Arizona.
</p>
<p class="text-left">
From the Hualapai Nation Perspective:
</p>
<p class="text-left">
Ha'Kamwe' is part of the ancient Salt Song Trail and features prominently in tribal
songs and stories about the Hualapai people’s history, traditions, and deep connection
to the natural world. The ongoing drilling threatens to irrevocably damage this sacred land
for how the Hualapai and other tribes have used the spring for centuries for healing,
prayer, and rites of passage, including childbirth and coming-of-age ceremonies for young
women.
</p>
<p class="text-left">
We are particularly concerned about the potential impacts of drilling on the region's water
resources, air quality, and wildlife habitats. the drilling will irreversibly damage the
spiritual integrity of the area, causing trauma to the land, that will impact the connection
and experience people/tribal members have with the area and our animal relatives.
Importantly a threatened species of desert tortoise's burrowing and foraging grounds
are being destroyed in the area. The drilling further endangers the ecology of the saguaro
cactus whose roots are easily damaged and are a keystone plant for birds and insects in the
region.
</p>
<p class="text-left">
Call for Collaboration and Respect:
</p>
<p class="text-left">
We appeal to the shared values of environmental stewardship and respect for Indigenous
knowledge that both the Hualapai and Navajo Nations hold dear. We believe that by
working together, we can find solutions that honor the cultural heritage of both our peoples
while ensuring sustainable economic development. I urge you to take immediate action to
withdraw NTEC from partnership with Arizona Lithium.
</p>
<p class="text-left">
We recognize and respect the Navajo Nation's sovereignty and economic interests, as well
as NTEC's role in contributing to the Navajo economy. However, we firmly believe that
responsible resource development must prioritize the protection of Indigenous lands,
cultures, and communities
</p>
<p class="text-left">
We believe that by working together, we can find solutions that honor the cultural heritage
of both our peoples while ensuring sustainable economic development.
</p>
<p class="text-left">
On August 22, a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order to pause drilling
activities until a court hearing scheduled for September 17. The Hualapai Tribe is seeking a
preliminary injunction to pause all drilling activities in Sandy Valley until the case with the
BLM is settled and meaningful consultation with the Hualapai Nation can take place.
We await your prompt response and look forward to scheduling a meeting at your earliest
convenience.
</p>
<p class="text-left">Hello,</p>
<p class="text-left"> am an Arizona constituent writing in to discuss my grave concerns regarding the ongoing drilling activities in Sandy Valley, northern Arizona.</p>
<p class="text-left"><strong>1. Threats to Hualapai Cultural Heritage and Religious Freedoms</strong></p>
<p class="text-left">The mining exploration, authorized by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), directly impacts Ha’Kamwe’ (Cofer Hot Spring), a sacred site that holds profound spiritual significance for the Hualapai Tribe and other Indigenous communities.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Religious Freedom Restoration Act (42 U.S.C. § 2000bb et seq.):</strong> The ongoing drilling undermines how the Hualapai and other tribes have used the spring for centuries for healing, prayer, and rites of passage, including childbirth and coming-of-age ceremonies for young women. Ha’Kamwe’ is integral to the spiritual practices of the Hualapai people.</li>
<li><strong>National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. § 300101 et seq.):</strong> Ha’Kamwe’ is part of the ancient Salt Song Trail and features prominently in tribal songs and stories about the Hualapai people’s history and connection to their land. BLM’s approval of exploratory drilling without fully considering the cultural importance of Ha’Kamwe’ disregards this statute and disrespects the rights of the Hualapai Tribe.</li>
</ul>
<br>
<p class="text-left"><strong>2. Environmental Violations and the Rights of Nature</strong></p>
<p class="text-left">The drilling project threatens to cause irreversible damage to the local ecosystem, including the depletion of water sources that sustain Ha’Kamwe’. The proposed 131 exploration holes, reaching depths of up to 360 feet, could alter the temperature and flow of the aquifer feeding the spring, endangering the surrounding plants and wildlife.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.)</strong> The drilling activities risk contaminating the aquifer, which could lead to ecological degradation, violating federal regulations designed to protect water quality.</li>
<li><strong>Rights of Nature Doctrine:</strong> The concept of the Rights of Nature recognizes natural entities, such as springs, as rights-bearing entities with the right to exist, thrive, and regenerate. The drilling endangers Ha’Kamwe’, infringing on its right to exist and maintain its natural state.</li>
</ul>
<br>
<p><strong>Call for Collaboration and Respect:</strong></p>
<p class="text-left">We request a precautionary pause as an injunction on all drilling activities in Sandy Valley until a thorough assessment of the environmental and cultural impacts can be conducted, and meaningful consultation with the Hualapai Nation can take place.</p>
<p class="text-left">We await your prompt response and look forward to scheduling a meeting at your earliest convenience.</p>
<p class="text-left">
Sincerely,
</p>
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