In the remaining days of December 2014, Arizona Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake bypassed the will of Congress in order to satisfy the world’s biggest mining monsters. After years of failing to pass a bill, exchanging public land for the construction of one of the largest copper mines in North America, the senators attached a “rider” to another bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, which would ensure its success.
Every day since then, the oaks continue to stand at Chi’chil Bildagoteel and our prayers, organizing, and actions are working to protect Oak Flat for future generations.
Oak Flat will continue to be a sacred place of congregation if we continue to uphold the obligation of the U.S. Government to protect places of worship, Indigenous rights, and the water. Right now, there are two ways you can join the Apache Stronghold in this movement:
ADD YOUR NAME TO THE PETITION!
In February 2021, the Apache Stronghold filed a lawsuit to defend the right to pray at Oak Flat. We are expecting a key decision in this journey any day now and want to be ready to show the expansive support to protect Oak Flat, however the court decides.
Please sign this petition to add your support!
We are particularly interested to show the diverse religious and spiritual support to protect sacred lands. If you are part of a spiritual tradition, please spread this petition to your community and prayer leaders, asking to add their names, as well.
You can read more about Apache Stronghold v. U.S.
JOIN THE 10th ANNUAL
OAK FLAT MARCH AND RUN
Just weeks after the land exchange bill passed in 2014, hundreds of Indigenous people from tribes all over the country, congregated in a walk from the San Carlos Apache Reservation to the heights of Oak Flat. And every year since, we have marked this historic moment by returning to this same 45-mile, three day walk.
Please join us for the 10th Annual Oak Flat March and Run, February 15-18th!
There will be more details coming in the weeks ahead. All are welcome. If you are not physically able to join the walk, you are welcome to travel along with the march and be part of the prayerful days leading to our annual gathering under the oak trees and surrounded by the astounding beauty of Oak Flat.
