Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument protects Tribal lands and waters
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President Biden deepens commitment to cultural preservation and safeguarding clean air and water
SOUTH RIM, GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA – Today, President Biden honors the longstanding efforts of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition (Tribal Coalition) and officially designated Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon as a National Monument. Baaj Nwaavjo translates to “where Indigenous peoples roam” in Havasupai and I’tah Kukveni translates to “our ancestral footprints” in Hopi - thus "where Indigenous peoples roam, our ancestral footprints.”
The new monument encompasses just over 917,000 acres of federal public lands adjacent to the Grand Canyon and protects cultural heritage, incredible biodiversity, precious waters, and the vital economic engine of the Grand Canyon region for generations to come.
Following the designation President of The Wilderness Society, Jamie Williams, said:
“President Biden's designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument underscores his administration's commitment to cultural preservation and safeguarding the greater Grand Canyon region’s clean air and water sources. It also connects these larger landscapes that provide critical habitat for wildlife like California condors, black bears, elk, and mule deer, as they navigate the increasing challenges of climate change and habitat impacts. The extraordinary beauty and ecological importance of the ancient and storied landscapes surrounding this natural wonder will now be permanently protected, ensuring that its legacy will live on for future generations.”
President Biden emphasized the cultural significance of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon to members of the Tribal Coalition, whose ancestors have lived in the Canyon and across the landscape since time immemorial. The monument designation not only preserves the greater Grand Canyon region and watershed, among other benefits, this designation prevents new mining claims from being issued, thereby protecting land and water.
Contact:
Kate Mackay, Communications Director - Landscape Connectivity, The Wilderness Society
kate_mackay@tws.org / 602-571-2603
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