NEWS RELEASE

ORGANIZATION CONTACT
Valerie J. Grussing, Ph.D. NATHPO, Executive Director
Valerie@nathpo.org
202-628-8476

MEDIA CONTACT
Media@nathpo.org
202-643-0839

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Today, the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) responded to the US Supreme Court's decision to turn away the Apache Stronghold's appeal in their efforts to save Oak Flat, a site sacred to the Western Apache people. The U.S. Government is seeking to transfer the land to Resolution Copper for the purposes of developing a mine there, which would destroy Oak Flat and eradicate a site Indigenous peoples have used for religious ceremonies since time immemorial and still use today. NATHPO joined in an amicus brief in support of the Apache Stronghold's case.

"Allowing a mining development on Oak Flat is government-sanctioned religious desecration," said NATHPO Executive Director Dr. Valerie Grussing. " As Justice Gorsuch wrote in his dissent, this ruling has 'consequences that threaten to reverberate for generations.' We hope the US Government and Resolution Copper will see the error of their ways and not demolish this centuries-old and still active religious site, and we will continue to stand with the Apache Stronghold and the Western Apache people in their continued efforts to save Oak Flat."

Who we are – NATHPO is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization, founded in 1998, of Tribal preservation leaders protecting culturally important places that perpetuate Native identity, resilience, and cultural endurance. Connections to cultural heritage sustain the health and vitality of Native peoples. We provide guidance to preservation officials, elected representatives, and the public about national historic preservation legislation, policies, and regulations. We promote Tribal sovereignty, develop partnerships, and advocate for Tribes in governmental activities on preservation issues. For more information visit our website at www.nathpo.org.