This piece originally appeared as an op-ed in the Arizona Daily Sun on October 28, 2021. By Viviana Reyes 10/28/2021
I was born and raised in Arizona. I grew up in Phoenix, and like many Arizonans, my family visited the Grand Canyon time and time again. The first time I saw it, it took my breath away. The contrasting shades of vermillion and coral — I felt as if I was standing in a picture-perfect postcard. When I took my daughter for the first time, she became enamored with the starry night skies. The Grand Canyon is a magical place, but if not properly protected, it could be destroyed beyond repair.
Read More
This piece originally appeared as a press release for the National Wildlife Federation on August 30, 2021
By Mary Jo Brooks | 08/30/2021
PHOENIX —The House Natural Resources Committee’s Build Back Better Act provisions will right an egregious wrong by protecting Chi'Chil Biłdagoteel, also known as Oak Flat, from a destructive proposed copper mine and help safeguard the Grand Canyon from uranium mining for future generations. The proposals keep faith with the arguments the San Carlos Apache and other Indigenous communities have made to Congress to protect sacred landscapes, cultural artifacts, important wildlife habitat, and clean drinking water.
Read More
Like many Arizonans, I love to travel with my daughter to the Grand Canyon to take in its natural glory and reignite our connection to this special place. As a child, my family couldn’t afford to take expensive vacations, but visits to the Grand Canyon were accessible to us. Continuing this family tradition with my daughter, I experience great joy watching her eyes light up with the night sky full of bright stars. But as we adjust to the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, I worry about public health. As a parent and community member, now more than ever there is a responsibility to engage in issues that threaten the health of future generations.
Read More
This piece originally appeared as an op-ed in the Arizona Daily Sun on October 23, 2020.
By HECHO National Advisory Board Member, and Coconino County Treasurer, Elizabeth Archuleta — 10/23/2020 12:00 AM MDT
Arizona has been home to five generations of my family. I am the fourth generation and am proud of our long history of protecting public lands and natural treasures.
As a six term Coconino County Supervisor, I have worked to continue that tradition as an elected leader. I have consistently supported and fought for protection of Northern Arizona’s lands, so that future generations can enjoy and benefit from them as we have. When it comes to banning uranium mining at the Grand Canyon, we need our federally elected leaders in Washington D.C. to join hands to protect our state’s most iconic and cherished natural landmark. Protection of the Grand Canyon is not a partisan issue, it is a “bread and butter” issue.
Read More
For generations, Hispanics have enjoyed a unique relationship with nature that connects us to our ancestors and fortifies the bond that we have with our community. Being able to practice these cultural traditions that depend on open spaces, is more critical than ever, and policy that includes Hispanic and Latinx values is especially urgent. For all of these reasons, Hispanic and Latinx leadership is invaluable in conservation legislation that is implemented and passed.
Read More
Washington, D.C. (September 25, 2020) — Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), stands by the decision of the federal court ruling that William Perry Pendley has been illegally serving the Department of the Interior. HECHO is a strong proponent for the protection of our nation’s public lands, lands that Pendley fought to sell-off and dispose of by prioritizing mining in special places like the Grand Canyon National Park.
Read More
After outrage from communities and leaders across the country, the Trump administration finally withdrew their nomination of William Perry Pendley to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). While this is a win for our communities and public lands, the fight is not over yet. Pendley is still serving – likely illegally – as acting director, and his power poses a direct threat to the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities. The recent release of a report from a Trump administration task force that recommends a handout to the uranium industry left many people fearful for the future of our nation’s crown jewel. With Pendley, who formerly sued the federal government on behalf of a mining company attempting to mine near the Grand Canyon, still serving, the future of this National Park looks even bleaker.
Read More
HECHO spoke with Victor Silva of Tempe, Arizona to learn about his personal connection to the Grand Canyon, his favorite memories there, and why he believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.
HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?
Victor Silva (VS): My personal connection to the Grand Canyon is... it's served as sort of a window to the idea of national parks in general, and what they entail, what they represent, what their potential is -- in terms of enrichment….
Read More
HECHO spoke with Coconino County Treasurer, Sarah Benatar, about her personal connection to the Grand Canyon, her favorite memories there, and why she believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.
HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?
Sarah Benatar (SB): My personal connection to Grand Canyon is, it's in my backyard, so to speak. Living in Coconino County, we have the Grand Canyon here, and it’s one of the most amazing things.
I personally think the best parts in the Canyon are the North rim and the South rim. The Grand Canyon is something I find a lot of pride and joy in, especially in that it’s a part of our County. We really get to enjoy it whenever we want….
Read More
HECHO spoke with Representative Raquel Terán of Arizona to learn about her personal connection to the Grand Canyon, her favorite memories there, and why she believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.
HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?
Representative Raquel Terán (RT): I had never been to the Grand Canyon growing up. I finally went to visit in my early thirties. It was so easy to just get in the car and go visit the Canyon. It was amazing, and the colors were striking. It was so peaceful, and I remember thinking to myself, how is it possible that we had never driven here before? This wonder is in our backyard and it was just so gorgeous. The Grand Canyon holds the colours of Arizona….
Read More
HECHO spoke with Dennis Chavez of Flagstaff, Arizona to learn about his personal connection to the Grand Canyon, his favorite memories there, and why he believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.
HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?
Dennis Chavez (DC): My personal connection to the Grand Canyon is I was born and raised here in Flagstaff. I was born 65 years ago and I've lived here ever since, never left. My connection to the Grand Canyon started back in the1960s. My uncle worked on the Glen Canyon Dam. That was our first exposure to the Grand Canyon was when the dam was just being built. So, we saw a glimpse of the Grand Canyon before it was dammed up. It started there.
Read More
HECHO spoke with Theresa Huereña of Phoenix, Arizona to learn about her personal connection to the Grand Canyon, her favorite memories there, and why she believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.
HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?
Theresa Huereña (TH): My personal connection to the Grand Canyon is that it is in my backyard. I've experienced it through visiting with school groups or work, and it's just a beautiful place to visit…
Read More
HECHO spoke with Isabel Chavez of Phoenix, Arizona to learn about her personal connection to the Grand Canyon, her favorite memories there, and why she believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.
HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?
Isabel Chavez (IC): As an Arizona native, my connection to the Grand Canyon is exactly that. It's one of the wonders of the world and it's here in my home state. I think a common thread that I used to share with a lot of native Arizonans is that they had never been there. It wasn't a preferred destination, maybe because of the social economics of my neighborhood, that wasn't an option. When I finally went to the Grand Canyon, I was already older…..
Read More
HECHO spoke with Morgan Moore of Phoenix, Arizona to learn about her personal connection to the Grand Canyon, her favorite memories there, and why she believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.
HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?
Morgan Moore (MM): My personal connection to the Grand Canyon is rooted both in its place, as well as the people that connect me to it. I grew up in Arizona. I was born and raised here, so I have been to the Grand Canyon plenty of times, mostly with family. I have gone there since I was a toddler. My parents took me, even though my dad was afraid of falling from it…….
Read More