Petition: Stand with the Apache: No mining on sacred land

From Avaaz.org:

Dear friends,

The US government is about to handover a beautiful stretch of national forest held sacred by the local Apache tribe — to a giant foreign mining company. It’s a national disgrace, but if we come together now we have a real chance to block the mine.

Our country’s shameful, criminal mistreatment of Native Americans is no secret. And when Arizona lawmakers snuck this mining proposal into a critical national defense bill last year, Apache leaders and activists vowed to fight back. That pressure is working and right now Congress is considering whether to stop the mining project. If we back the Apache’s call with tens of thousands of voices nationwide, we can help protect this land for good.

Next month, tribal leaders are planning a cross-country trip to DC to defend the land that’s hosted important ceremonies for generations. If enough of us stand with the Apache, we can meet them on arrival and build a huge groundswell of support for their courageous fight on Capitol Hill. Sign now:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_the_apache_loc/?bwyKtdb&v=61248

The Oak Flat area of the Tonto National Forest in Arizona has had protected status since the Eisenhower Administration, out of recognition of its natural beauty and cultural significance. The local San Carlos Apache use if for coming of age ceremonies and other rituals. And repeated attempts to open the land up to mining have failed to pass Congress. That’s why Arizona’s Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake’s decision to tie the provision to a critical national defense vote last year was so cynical.

Supporters of the mining plan say it will bring jobs to the area, but local leaders question the benefits and highlight the cost. And that cost is clear: A massive 2 mile-long copper mine at Oak Flat would destroy a holy site that Apache have used since time immemorial. It boggles the mind that in 2015 the US government is still stomping on Native American rights like this, at the behest of foreign mining interests to boot.

Let’s join the fight to protect this sacred land. When enough of us have signed to get Congress’s attention, we’ll deliver our call to leaders in Congress and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Apache to defend against this attack on their heritage. Sign now and spread the word:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_the_apache_loc/?bwyKtdb&v=61248

From the Brazil to Tanzania, our community has stood behind local communities protecting their natural and cultural heritage. Now we have a critical opportunity to make sure our own government honors its commitments and moral responsibility to the Apache.

With hope and determination,

Nick, Joseph, Rewan, Emma and the rest of the Avaaz team

More Information:

Selling Off Apache Holy Land (New York Times)

Tribe’s protest of mine plan near Superior is in 3rd week (Arizona Daily Star)
http://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/tribe-s-protest-of-mine-plan-near-superior-is-in/article_f551fab1-853b-5826-9037-9ddb3739e5fc.html

Apache tribe distressed by privatization of sacred land (Arizona Daily Star)
http://tucson.com/news/apache-tribe-distressed-by-privatization-of-sacred-land/article_c8f9f32c-80c0-11e4-a781-a7334409bcc3.html

Save Oak Flat
http://www.apache-stronghold.com

Opponents renew fight against Superior copper mine
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2015/06/17/superior-copper-mine-congress-bill-stop/28894741/