Biden creates new national monument near Grand Canyon, citing tribal heritage, climate concerns

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President Joe Biden has established a new national monument near the Grand Canyon, citing its significance to tribal heritage and concerns about climate change. The designation, signed during his Western trip, fulfills the long-held aspirations of Native American tribes and environmental activists. Covering approximately 1,562 square miles (4,046 square kilometers) north and south of the Grand Canyon National Park, the monument includes canyons, plateaus, and tributaries that sustain various plant and animal species. This marks the fifth monument designation under Biden’s administration.

Tribal communities in Arizona had urged the President to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 to establish the monument, named Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, meaning “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai tribe and “our footprints” for the Hopi tribe. Biden framed the designation as not just beneficial for Arizona but also for the global environment and economy.

Biden linked the move to his administration’s broader efforts against climate change, emphasizing the severe heatwaves experienced during the summer, particularly in places like Phoenix. He criticized those who oppose green energy and federal environmental safeguards, indirectly referring to the “Make America Great Again” movement associated with former President Donald Trump.

By designating this area, Biden aimed to honor treaty obligations to Native American tribes that were displaced from their ancestral lands during the creation of the national park. The move holds political significance due to Arizona’s status as a closely contested state that Biden narrowly won in the previous election.

The event featured tribal representatives and dignitaries, reflecting the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Though opposed by some Republicans and the uranium mining industry for economic reasons, the Interior Department had already established a 20-year moratorium on new mining claims around the Grand Canyon National Park in 2012. The monument area encompasses only a small portion of the nation’s uranium reserves, leaving significant resources accessible elsewhere.

This action builds upon former President Barack Obama’s partial proposal for a monument in the area and reflects changing dynamics in Arizona’s political landscape. Key figures such as Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, and independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema endorsed the monument establishment.

Biden’s trip will proceed to New Mexico and Utah, with subsequent stops focusing on climate change and veterans’ benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Monument establishment

More about Monument establishment

• National Monument Designation – The White House
• Antiquities Act of 1906 – National Park Service
• Havasupai Tribe – Official Website
• Hopi Tribe – Official Website
• Climate Change Initiatives – The White House
• Grand Canyon National Park – National Park Service
• Arizona Politics – Politico
• Uranium Mining – U.S. Energy Information Administration