This monument marks a historic step toward honoring the rights of Indigenous peoples in protecting their ancestral lands. The monument’s establishment was driven by collaboration between tribal leaders, with the support of conservationists, and local communities, reflecting a recognition of the need for tribally led environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the Biden Administration initiated the Grand Canyon Tribal Commission, which is composed of appointed Tribal leaders and is intended to co-manage the monument.
The Grand Canyon Trust is poised to take decisive action in safeguarding the newly designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument from any potential threats, working in support of the goals of local tribes to amplify their messages and advocate for their conservation priorities. At the heart of this effort is a collaborative approach providing resources to tribal communities where invited by tribes to do so and ensuring their perspectives shape the monument’s future.
