The land around the Grand Canyon became a national monument Aug. 8. The area is referred to as the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni- Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon, according to an Aug. 8 U.S. Department of the Interior news release.
"Today’s action by President Biden makes clear that Native American history is American history," Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said in the release. "This land is sacred to the many Tribal Nations who have long advocated for its protection, and establishing a national monument demonstrates the importance of recognizing the original stewards of our public lands. Indigenous Knowledge is a core piece of what we mean when we talk about collaborative conservation. Today, I am honored to stand with the president, Tribal leaders and local communities and coalitions that made it possible."
The Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona is the fifth national monument President Joe Biden has created since he took office in 2020. A fact sheet from the White House said this national monument will conserve nearly 1 million acres of public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.
The new monument protects thousands of cultural and sacred sites that are precious to Tribal Nations in the Southwest – including the Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Pueblo of Zuni and the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the fact sheet reported. Sites include Gray Mountain, called Dziłbeeh by the Navajo, which is a part of Navajo ceremonial songs, stories and rituals.
Biden is expected to sign the proclamation at Red Butte, a sacred site called Wii’i Gdwiisa by the Havasupai, which towers above the southern portion of the monument, the fact sheet noted.
Secretary Haaland visited the area in May as part of her efforts to learn about the visions of Tribal leaders, local elected officials and community members when it comes to conserving the resources in the Grand Canyon watershed, a May news release reported.
"Today’s designation safeguards a treasured piece of our national heritage for this generation and generations to come," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the August release. "President Biden’s action honors the commitment of the Indigenous peoples that have long held this place sacred and preserves the area’s important historic, scientific, natural and recreational benefits for all Americans.”
The proposal for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument was created by the Grand Canyon Trust, according to their website. Visit the website to learn more about the plants and animals of the area, as well as the geology and water.
