GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ — On Saturday, May 20, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited the Grand Canyon region to meet with tribal leaders, local elected officials, and community members.
Secretary Haaland viewed areas the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition has proposed for inclusion in Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. Haaland also heard from members of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition about their efforts to permanently protect this area. According the U.S. Department of the Interior, "the secretary’s visit is part of the federal government’s ongoing engagement and public dialogue related to this proposal."
"Secretary Haaland's visit is so important," said Ethan Aumack, executive director, Grand Canyon Trust. "The tribes of the Grand Canyon have long sought permanent protection for their homelands, and the secretary's visit honors their work to see Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument designated in a profound way: by listening. We congratulate the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition on this historic step and follow their lead in urging the secretary to recommend to President Biden that he use his Antiquities Act authority to protect this cultural landscape for future generations."
