NEWS RELEASE

ORGANIZATION CONTACT
Valerie J. Grussing, Ph.D. NATHPO, Executive Director
Valerie@nathpo.org
202-628-8476

MEDIA CONTACT
Media@nathpo.org
202-643-0839

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) took the next step towards the destruction of Oak Flat by issuing a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Resolution Copper's proposed copper mine. The EIS had been rescinded previously because Tribal Nations for whom Oak Flat is a sacred religious and cultural site were not sufficiently consulted. Following the Supreme Court's decision not to hear the Apache Stronghold's latest appeal, USDA and USFS have decided to move forward on the mining project, which will destroy a sacred site still used by the Western Apache people today for religious ceremonies.

The National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) has stood with the Apache Stronghold in their effort to stop Resolution Copper from building a mine that will destroy Oak Flat and deprive the San Carlos Apache Tribe and others of a space they have spent centuries using for religious ceremonies. NATHPO submitted an amicus brief in their court case and continues to support their efforts.

"This latest step toward approving a mine in Oak Flat strikes a blow against religious freedom and Tribal sovereignty," said NATHPO Executive Director Dr. Valerie Grussing. "Indigenous peoples have used Oak Flat for religious ceremonies since time immemorial, and it is still used by the San Carlos Apache today. Approving a copper mine will infringe on their ability to freely practice their religion. There is still time for the U.S. government to reverse course, and NATHPO will continue to stand with the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Apache Stronghold as they work to stop this mine and save Oak Flat."

In his dissent in the Supreme Court's decision not to hear the Apache Stronghold's appeal, Justice Gorsuch wrote, "For centuries, Western Apaches have worshipped at Chí’chil Biłdagoteel, or Oak Flat.  They consider the site a sacred and 'direct corridor to the Creator' ... It is a place where tribal members conduct 'religious ceremonies that cannot take place elsewhere' ... Recognizing Oak Flat’s significance, the government has long protected both the land and the Apaches’ access to it. No more. Now, the government and a mining conglomerate want to turn Oak Flat into a massive hole in the ground ... They may live far from Washington, D.C., and their history and religious practices may be unfamiliar to many.  But that should make no difference. 'Popular religious views are easy enough to defend. It is in protecting unpopular religious beliefs that we prove this country’s commitment to religious freedom.'"

Who we are – NATHPO is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization, founded in 1998, of Tribal preservation leaders protecting culturally important places that perpetuate Native identity, resilience, and cultural endurance. Connections to cultural heritage sustain the health and vitality of Native peoples. We provide guidance to preservation officials, elected representatives, and the public about national historic preservation legislation, policies, and regulations. We promote Tribal sovereignty, develop partnerships, and advocate for Tribes in governmental activities on preservation issues. For more information visit our website at www.nathpo.org.