05/19/2026
More desecration of sacred sites.
Chi’chil Bildagoteel, known in English as Oak Flat, is a sacred, integral site of worship, prayer, and traditional ceremonies for the San Carlos Apache. On March 13, the 9th Circuit Court denied the Apache Stronghold’s motion to prevent the land transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper, a foreign-owned mining company. Resolution plans to use block cave mining to access the copper deposit beneath Oak Flat, leaving a 1.8-mile crater in its place. This form of mining would destroy one of the most sacred sites to the San Carlos Apache, cause harm to the surrounding ecosystem, and use scarce water resources in a region facing extreme drought.
The Episcopal Church stands with the San Carlos Apache in trying to protect Oak Flat from copper mining and preserve their sacred land as a matter of environmental justice and religious freedom. Representative Adelita Grijalva introduced legislation (H.R.7957) to protect the public lands surrounding Oak Flat from further mining exploration and harmful mining infrastructure. The legislation would require the secretary of agriculture to engage in government consultations with tribes in the region and ensure that they have continued access to their lands for traditional practices and the preservation of sacred and cultural sites.
Please contact your representative and urge them to cosponsor H.R.7957
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