The Havasupai Tribe and the US Geological Survey previously identified indigenous exposure pathways at a uranium mine that are not generally considered in typical risk assessments. The resulting conceptual risk framework revealed important exposure pathways for the Havasupai through their traditional uses of plants. A new effort is underway to document the cultural significance of >100 plant species at an active uranium mine site. Results can be used to refine future risk analyses near the mine site. This presentation will cover the process undertaken to synthesize the Tribal information while respecting sovereignty.
Many indigenous Tribes live around the Grand Canyon and consider it a sacred place. The Grand Canyon region consist of many cultural and sacred sites now identified and managed by Federal agencies. Tribes have lost connection to many sacred sites, oral stories, medicinal plants, animals and songs due to Tribes being forced onto reservations by the Federal government, which displaced many families from their original homelands. This displacement has caused the Havasupai and other tribes to no longer have access to their sacred places where traditional medicines and natural foods sustained their lifestyle for many centuries and for traditional knowledge and ancient teachings to be lost. For this reason, a leadership project is being developed to research and document ancient uses of medicinal plants and animals that live near sacred areas. The project will select two legacy leaders who have inspiration and commitment to conduct research and document ancient knowledge surrounding the Grand Canyon by working directly with tribal elders. They will also develop environmental educational material to share with family and tribal communities.
