I stand behind the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition; federal, state, and local elected leaders; business owners; recreationists; hunters and anglers; veterans; conservation advocates and community members in supporting Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. 

At least 13 Tribes and Nations have cultural connections to the monument. The designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni national monument in 2023 marked the culmination of decades to Indigenous-led efforts to permanently protect the Grand Canyon region from new uranium mining and other harmful development.

The monument protects important cultural sites for Indigenous communities and habitat for endangered species like California condors, Mexican spotted owls, and the Fickeisen plains cactus. The monument also protect hundreds of seeps and springs and important habitat for endangered wildlife from the toxic impacts of uranium mining. These seeps and springs feed tributary streams that support flows in the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon region provides opportunities for outdoor experiences and traditional uses of all types — from hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping to grazing and Tribal uses like plant and firewood gathering. The national monument maintains these uses while protecting the region’s clean air, land, and water.

More than half of Arizonans participate in some kind of outdoor recreation. In 2023, outdoor activities in Arizona such as hiking, bicycling, boating, birdwatching, and rafting in places like the Grand Canyon region generated $3.3 billion in wages and salaries, $787 million in state and local revenues, and created 104,000 jobs. 

I urge President Trump recognize the importance of continuing to protect the cultural heritage, incredible biodiversity, precious waters, and vital economic engine of the Grand Canyon region by keeping Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument protected.