New National Monument encompasses nearly 1 million acres of land surrounding the Grand Canyon to preserve Arizona’s stunning natural wonder
Designation follows Sinema’s legislation establishing the new monument
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema championed and celebrated the designation of a new Grand Canyon National Monument – the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument – with U.S. President Joe Biden, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), and Tribal and local leaders from across Arizona.
Earlier this year, Sinema and Grijalva introduced the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument Act – legislation establishing over 1 million acres of federal lands as a new National Monument in Northern Arizona. The Senator’s legislation directs the specifics of the formation of the new Grand Canyon National Monument, which will be authorized by the Administration’s authority under the Antiquities Act.
The monument is named after the Tribes surrounding the new National Monument – Baaj Nwaavjo meaning “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai Tribe and I’tah Kukveni meaning “our ancestral footprints” for the Hopi Tribe.
“Today’s designation is the product of hard work and relentless determination of thousands of Arizonans from diverse backgrounds and interests, including Arizona tribal communities, local leaders, conservationists, sportsmen, and many more — all with a shared passion for protecting Arizona’s air, land, and water for future generations. I’m honored to help make the Grand Canyon National Monument a reality so Arizonans and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the beauty of Arizona’s national treasure,” said Sinema, lead sponsor of the Grand Canyon National Monument Act.
A recent survey found overwhelming bipartisan support among Arizonans for the new National Monument.
The formal proclamation designates approximately 917,618 acres of federal lands as the new Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. The designation follows Sinema’s bill, also supported by Senator Mark Kelly, establishing federal lands currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service in Arizona as a new Grand Canyon National Monument to protect and enhance the area.
The legislation sets standards for the monument, including the formation of a Tribal commission composed of one representative from each of the 12 federally recognized members of the Grand Canyon Associated Tribes to help oversee the development of the monument. The legislation served as a framework for the Administration’s formal proclamation of the monument under the Antiquities Act.
The Antiquities Act authorizes the President to proclaim national monuments on federal lands that contain historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, or other objects of historic or scientific interest.