Volume 2, No. 4 (Winter 1999) -- Native American Issue

Last summer there were several fires on both the South and North rims of Grand Canyon. The fires were immediately perceived by some as something threatening and bad. Many park visitors and individuals working within the canyon voiced their concerns. I was amazed to learn that many people felt the Park Service was committing an act of injustice to the environment by not suppressing the fires. Fire is a color of life.

We continue to fear what and those we don't understand. Often times we fail to look directly before us and acknowledge various ways to nurture the environment and cultivate relationships. We cannot save the environment without saving our culture. They are connected as we are to one another and to mother earth. Connecting is an element of life.

Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona, surrounded by small communities, active cities and American Indian tribes. The park encompasses 1.2 million acres of land. I arrived at the Grand Canyon in early August. As I become familiar with the daily operations, encountering diverse visitors and exploring various techniques to reach major audiences, I know that I am blessed.

Mine eyes have witnessed birds of prey as they migrate through the canyon. Mine ears note the call of the coyote in the night. There is nothing, however, that can compare to seeing the size and the beauty of Grand Canyon. The mere essence of the colors, shapes and sizes are enough to take your breath away and contribute to your spiritual elevation. Opportunities are a gift of life.

Grand Canyon receives visitors from diverse populations. In order to provide programs that reflect the needs of the audience, the park has initiated inclusive consultation agreements with several neighboring Indian tribes. Eight years ago park archeologist Jan Balsom became park liaison to tribes in the area: Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Havasupai, Hualapai, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Kaibab Paiute, and San Juan Southern Paiute.

This relationship affords opportunities for tribal concerns and interests to be incorporated into park management. Various meetings are held each year with different tribes, ranging from very formal to casual. The number of meetings could be up to 20 a year or more. Anytime new plans are initiated within the park, be it the Wilderness Plan, Colorado River Management Plan, or General Management plan, the tribes are consulted.

Tribal elders participate in annual Colorado river trips to examine resources along the river. They look at the ecological effects of the Glen Canyon Dam, from a traditional perspective, and evaluate specific concerns such as the salt and hematite mines, other natural features, ethno-botany and archeological sites. Diverse culture represents all that there is to life as we evolve.

Years ago I learned a saying by Chief Seattle Washington. It went something like this: The earth is rich with the lives of our kin. This I know. We must teach our children that the grounds beneath their feet are the ashes of their ancestors. We are connected to the earth and what one does to the environment impacts all of us. It is good to be part of a team that seeks and embraces the voices of those that are many times unheard. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most amazing geological formations in the world. I say: Let us not forget that this was the home of many who came before us and the home of many to this day. This is not just a geological site; it is a thriving cultural community embedded with the cultural richness of many people.