Navajo Nation Sues Over Chaco Canyon Protections

Above, ancient pueblo Indian ruins at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Navajo Nation is taking advantage of the change in presidential administrations by filing a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior in federal court over Chaco Canyon.

According to E & E News:

The Navajo Nation is heading to federal court to challenge a long-standing freeze on fossil fuel and mineral development within New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon.

The lawsuit filed last week in federal court in New Mexico challenges the Biden administration’s 2023 decision to withdraw federal lands within a 10-mile radius of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to thousands of historical and spiritual artifacts. The move received strong support from the Pueblo and Hopi tribes.

The Navajo Nation alleged the Interior Department made its decision without properly consulting with its members about the economic consequences for tribal communities that are already facing financial hardship. 

To read more, go here.