{"id":18869,"date":"2021-12-06T13:05:24","date_gmt":"2021-12-06T18:05:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianz.com\/News\/?p=18869"},"modified":"2021-12-12T17:51:46","modified_gmt":"2021-12-12T22:51:46","slug":"cronkite-news-protesters-seek-support-for-bill-to-protect-sacred-apache-site","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2021\/12\/06\/cronkite-news-protesters-seek-support-for-bill-to-protect-sacred-apache-site\/","title":{"rendered":"Cronkite News: Protesters seek support for bill to protect sacred Apache site"},"content":{"rendered":" \"Oak<\/a>
Protesters hold signs for Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) to support the Save Oak Flat Act. The act would protect the sacred site from being destroyed by the mine by overturning the approval of a land exchange that traded away Oak Flat, known to the Apache as Chi’Chil’Ba’Goteel. Photo by Kevin Hurley \/ Cronkite News<\/figcaption>\r\n
Protesters urge Sen. Kelly to support bill to protect sacred Oak Flat<\/div>\r\n
Monday, December 6, 2021<\/div>\r\n
By Brenda Rivas<\/div>\r\n
Cronkite News<\/DIV>\r\n
cronkitenews.azpbs.org<\/A><\/DIV>\r\n

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\r\nCORRECTION
\r\nA December 2 Cronkite News story about a protest urging Sen. Mark Kelly to support legislation protecting Oak Flat misrepresented outreach to Kelly\u2019s office for comment. The story has been updated to include a statement from Kelly.\r\n<\/strong>
\r\n

<\/p>\r\nPHOENIX, Arizona — Members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and students from Brophy and Xavier high schools protested outside Sen. Mark Kelly\u2019s office Thursday, urging the Arizona Democrat to support legislation protecting a sacred site<\/a> threatened by a proposed copper mine near Superior.\r\n

<\/P>\r\nThe group of about 20 demonstrators held up signs saying, \u201cSave Oak Flat\u201d and \u201cSenator Mark Kelly \u2013 Protect Our Religion.\u201d\r\n

<\/P>\r\nProtesters want Kelly to support the Save Oak Flat Act, sponsored in the Senate by Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and in the House by Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson. Neither bill has moved forward since the spring. [S.915<\/a> | H.R.1884<\/a>]\r\n

<\/P>\r\n\u201cMining is an important part of Arizona\u2019s history and a major contributor to our economy,\u201d Kelly said in a statement. \u201cI\u2019m continuing to evaluate the environmental impacts of this and any project like it. I have met with and heard from leaders of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, local elected officials, and folks on both sides of the issue. As this is considered by the courts and the Forest Service, I will continue to hear from stakeholders and remain committed to respecting tribal sovereignty and ensuring our state has the infrastructure and water supply needed to prosper.\u201dKelly\u2019s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/span>\r\n

<\/P>\r\n

We are watching. It is time for @SenMarkKelly<\/a> & @SenatorSinema<\/a> to speak up in support for Oak Flat. We must protect Mother Earth, our religions and holy places.

Please call\/tweet at Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema to stop the Resolution Mine & #ProtectOakFlat<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4oAuhdU8F7<\/a><\/p>— Apache Stronghold (@ProtectOakFlat) October 26, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>