Southwestern Tribes Unite to Protect Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, known for its remarkable geological formations and biodiversity, is also a site of profound cultural importance for several Southwestern Tribes. In response to recent threats, including former administrative efforts to downsize the monument, six tribes have united to preserve its boundaries and significance.

Tribal Coalition Members

This newly formed coalition comprises the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Ute Mountain Ute, the Hopi Nation, the Zuni Tribe, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, and the Navajo Nation. These tribes share ancestral connections to the monument area, which holds a deep historical and cultural resonance for their communities.

Cultural Significance

For the Southern Paiute, the Grand Staircase is more than just a monument; it’s part of their ancestral homeland, referred to as Yahnowant, meaning Holy Land. According to Autumn Gillard from the Paiute Indian Tribe, “When you look at some of the geological names or the geographic location names within the monument, like you have Kaiparowits, those are Southern Paiute words.” This land is filled with historical evidence of the tribes’ presence, such as petroglyph panels and pilgrimage trails, highlighting its importance as a cultural and spiritual site.

Coalition’s Mission

The coalition aims to amplify Indigenous voices and ensure the monument’s resources are protected for future generations. Their goal is not only to preserve the monument for native peoples but to allow all people to connect with its natural beauty. “We’re going to do our best to make sure that the resources are protected in that monument boundary so that future generations can visit,” Gillard emphasizes.

Concerns and Advocacy

One of the coalition’s primary concerns is the potential reduction of the monument’s size, which previously resulted in the loss of critical protections for its landscapes. The group is advocating for maintaining the current boundaries and seeks to have a direct role in the land’s management. Gillard stresses the importance of tribal input, stating, “We would also like to be able as Tribes to have a seat at the table in the vocalization of how this monument is managed.”

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