Arizona land – a new attraction for building the nation’s symbols. A huge part of the state’s soil, all across The Grand Canyon, will serve as a location for building public monuments. Biden’s administration already established four monuments with its start in 2021. This act will not only bring a new symbolic to citizens, but will also protect the region from mining.
Biden on Preserving Arizona Land and Region
President Biden gave a statement on his decision. “Preserving these lands is good not only for Arizona but for the planet. It’s good for the economy. It’s good for the soul of the nation”, Biden said today. He also signed a proclamation establishing what will henceforth be called the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of The Grand Canyon National Monument.
Although the name is long and hard to remember, it indicates the full importance of this cultural area. Also, to its historical value. In the Havasupai language, Baaj nwaavjo means “where Indigenous peoples roam”. In the Hopi language, i’tah kukveni translates to “our ancestral footprints”, according to a White House announcement.
The region also comprises sacred sites for the Hualapai Tribe, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, the Moapa Band of Paiutes, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, the Navajo Nation, the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the Pueblo of Zuni, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
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Why is This Land So Important?
However, the area holds another significance for those opposed to the current action: undeveloped uranium reserves. “This administration’s lack of reason knows no bounds, and their actions suggest that President Biden and his radical advisors won’t be satisfied until the entire federal estate is off limits and America is mired in dependency on our adversaries for our natural resources”, said Republican representative Bruce Westerman.
Westerman is the head of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources. “This land belongs to the American people, not any administration or bureaucrats who think they make the laws”, the congressman added. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland also had a few words to say: “Today’s action by President Biden makes clear that Native American history is American history”.
“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. I am honored to stand with the President, Tribal leaders, and local communities and coalitions that made it possible”, she added.
