DENVER — New legislation will help protect some Indigenous sites and wildlife habitat in Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, also known as Oak Flat, from the negative impacts of copper mining. The proposal, which follows the transfer of 2,422 acres of land in the region to a private mining company, would ban mining, pipeline construction, and any other infrastructure development on the public lands surrounding the mine. The Preserve the Traditional Cultural Place Chi’chil Biłdagoteel Act was introduced by Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.).

 

“It is a travesty that the public lands transfer was made, against the wishes of Indigenous communities and stakeholders in the area. This new legislation, however, will ban any activities that adversely impact the landscape or wildlife that surround the mine,” said Garrit Voggesser, senior director of Tribal partnerships and policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “In addition, the legislation calls on the administration to engage in government-to-government consultations with any Tribes that have ties to Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, to preserve sacred and cultural areas and ensure access for traditional Indigenous activities.”