Apache Stronghold Sacred Sites Summit 2022 was held Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 in Tucson AZ. It brought Indigenous sacred site protectors and spiritual leaders from around the world. Chiricahua Apache Nation members met with Native scholars, experts, Elders and warriors of our Earth and made it known that Chiricahua Apache Nation aligns with defense of the sacred.
In 2014 a rider bill in the National Defense Authorization Act transferred sacred Apache homeland to Resolution Copper, violating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The mine will be nearly two miles wide and 1,100 feet deep to strip copper from Oak Flat. It will contaminate the land and water, forever ending Apache ceremony and even life there.
Former Council Chairman of San Carlos Apache and Apache Stronghold protector of Chi’chil Bildagoteel. Dr. Wendsler Nosie, Sr. has firmly defended Oak Flat, holding the U.S. to the promise of the 1852 treaty law to protect Apache land. Apache Stronghold leaders call upon each of us to action in defense of our homelands. From prayers to volunteering and letters to donations, every CAN citizen may support Apache Stronghold in preparation for oral argument on March 20, 2023 in Apache Stronghold v. United States.
Dr. Nosie Sr., Chiricahua Apache told attendees, “My grandmother said, ‘It’s a battle, you’re going to get tired…if you really want to save more people, you have to go to the children. They will bring the gap closer.’ That’s sustainability.”
Bobby Cruz emphasized a responsibility to children, “We have the responsibility to bring up the ancestors of tomorrow.”
To support Apache Stronghold in the protection of Religious Freedom at/on sacred sites for all people, please go to http://apache-stronghold.com/take-action.html..