Native America Calling: Arizona tribes fight fast-tracked copper mine plan

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Native America Calling: Arizona tribes fight fast-tracked copper mine plan

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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Arizona tribes fight fast-tracked copper mine plan

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is fighting to stop the planned June 16, 2025, transfer to the sacred Oak Flat land in Arizona to the companies that intend to turn it into a copper mine.

There’s a flurry of activity around the ongoing fight over the land, known to the Apache as Chi’chil Biłdagoteel. The Trump Administration announced its intention to rush the land swap involving 2,400 acres of land to hasten the two mile wide open pit mine.

A federal judge this month halted the transfer, saying the tribes have a prevailing interest. San Carlos Apache just requested an injunction to stop any movement until the legal issues are settled.

Also, tune in to get perspectives on what needs to be considered if, as President Donald Trump suggests, the federal government moves ahead with re-opening the prison on Alcatraz Island in California.

Oak Flat in Arizona. Photo by Russ McSpadden / Courtesy Center for Biological Diversity[/caption]

Guests on Native America Calling

Naelyn Pike (enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache), spokesperson of the Apache stronghold

Su:k Chu:vak Fulwilder (Onk Akimel O’odham, Xalchidom Piipaash, Tlingit, Aleut and Little Lake Pomo), council member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, a federally recognized tribe in Arizona

Morning Star Gali (Pit River Tribe), executive director of Indigenous Justice