Navajo Nation and Energy Fuels Agreement Sparks Concerns Over Uranium Transport
The recent agreement between Navajo Nation government and Energy Fuels regarding the transport of uranium from a mine located south of the Grand Canyon has raised significant concerns among local Navajo communities. These communities feel excluded from the decision-making process, despite the transportation route passing through their lands.
Treina Jones, co-founder of community organization Bidí Roots, is actively protesting the agreement. A walk is planned later this month to express opposition to the deal. Jones voiced concerns about the lack of information on how potential radioactive spills would be managed.
“We are encouraging folks to check in with their local chapters,” Jones stated. “Especially communities that are along this haul route starting from the Grand Canyon and all the way up through Mesa and Utah.” Her organization, in collaboration with Diné C.A.R.E, has already gathered community concerns about the route, which traverses tribal lands in northern Arizona.
Jones reflected on the feedback from the community, saying, “Like, ‘Why is the Navajo Nation doing this? Aren’t they aware of so many people having cancer from all the abandoned uranium mines, that was the main issue?’”
She emphasized the ongoing health impacts of uranium exposure, noting, “There will be health consequences, because a lot of the reservation communities are impacted by uranium – and a lot of people do get cancer.” Such concerns are a painful echo of history for the Diné people, who are still dealing with the repercussions of past uranium mining activities.
Jones hopes for a substantial turnout at the protest walk scheduled for Saturday, February 22, in Tuba City. She encourages participation from communities along the uranium transport route, particularly from elders and veterans, to voice their concerns and questions.
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