integrated into the existing article.
New Mexico lawmakers and tribal leaders are coming together to protect Chaco Canyon, an Indigenous archaeological and historical site in the state, as Republicans push to repeal federal land protections surrounding the area. The Bureau of Land Management, under the US Department of the Interior, has initiated the process of revoking a federal land order that had previously halted new oil and gas leases for 20 years around the archaeological site. This move has sparked concern among Indigenous and conservation groups, who have written a letter to DOI Secretary Doug Burgum urging the department not to abandon its protections of Chaco Canyon.
In a letter addressed to Burgum, 38 local New Mexican politicians expressed their worries about opening the land to drilling, citing potential desecration of cultural sites and public health risks to Indigenous communities. Governor Charles Riley of the Pueblo of Acoma emphasized the significance of Chaco Canyon as the ancestral homeland of Pueblo ancestors, urging the preservation of this sacred site.
Tribal leaders were given only 19 days’ notice to consult regarding Chaco Canyon, a shorter timeframe than the 30 days stipulated in the DOI procedural code, as mentioned in Senator Heinrich’s letter. The lack of information shared during the consultation meeting made it challenging for tribal leaders to respond effectively to the DOI’s efforts to revoke protections.
Under the Biden Administration, DOI Secretary Deb Haaland established a 336,404-acre buffer zone of federal lands within a 10-mile radius of Chaco Canyon to safeguard the area from new oil and gas leases. This action was supported by representatives from 19 pueblos in New Mexico, highlighting the cultural significance of protecting Chaco Canyon.
House Republicans introduced a bill seeking to overturn the withdrawal of land protections around Chaco Canyon, raising concerns about the future of the area under the current administration. The DOI has remained silent on whether they plan to revoke the Biden-era land protection for Chaco Canyon.
Chaco Culture, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, showcases the remarkable achievements of the Chacoan culture between 850 and 1250. Despite the existing leases on 90% of federal lands surrounding the historic site, the Biden-era protections aim to prevent new developments that could jeopardize the area’s cultural and historical value.
The National Congress of American Indians has called for Congress to pass a bill that would permanently enforce the current withdrawal around Chaco Canyon, emphasizing the profound spiritual significance of the site for Pueblo people. Tribal leaders and conservation groups are committed to fighting for the preservation of Chaco Canyon, highlighting the importance of protecting sacred sites for future generations. The Importance of Regular Exercise for Overall Health
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