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Reston, Virginia. — New USGS reportModels produced in conjunction with the Havasupai Tribe identify exposure pathways from uranium mining in the Grand Canyon watershed that stem from traditional uses and cultural values placed on the resource. Previous models did not take into account tribal perspectives or traditional uses.
“To truly understand the impacts of environmental pollutants on communities, it is vital to understand how all local communities use the land and its natural resources. This can only be understood if these communities are invited to share their knowledge and cultural perspectives so they can be involved in the work,” he said Dave Applegate, Director of the United States Geological Survey“This report is an excellent example of how the USGS strives to integrate diverse perspectives and value systems to provide relevant science to all Americans.”
Newly discovered exposure pathways for the Havasupai include inhalation, ingestion, and absorption of traditional foods and medicines and ceremonial activities. Incorporating these exposure pathways into future research and risk analyses will produce results that are more inclusive of tribal resources and culture. Presenting the expanded risk framework in both English and the Havasupai language will help tribal members understand how the research findings relate to their community and help preserve language and historical cultural practices for future generations.
“Any risk model analyzing the Grand Canyon watershed must consider the Havasupai Tribe’s perspective. Excluding it will produce inaccurate results. We have lived on this land since the beginning of time. Our traditions and culture teach us about the land, water, plants, animals and how they interact. The Havasupai Tribe supports research conducted under this new model and is honored to share our knowledge and traditions to obtain accurate results,” he said Armando Marshall, Vice Chairman of the Havasupai Tribe.
In 2012, the Department of the Interior imposed a 20-year moratorium on mineral mining on public lands in the Grand Canyon watershed, citing, among other reasons, the impacts it could have on tribal resources and culture. With the establishment of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument on August 8, 2023, most of these lands have been formally protected from new mineral mining. However, uranium mining can continue in areas within the monument and outside the monument where permits have been granted. As a result, Interior agencies can use this report to inform future studies on the risks of uranium mining.
“This report serves as a model for other tribal and federal managers who want to collaborate on similar efforts,” said the lead author of the USGS report. Joe Ellen Hinck“This work is the culmination of eight years of building relationships and trust, and we are proud of the end result.”
Read the report“An Expanded Conceptual Risk Framework for Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Basin—Incorporating the Havasupai Tribe’s Perspective“”.
learn more: Science informs uranium mining decisions in Arizona.
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