Peabody Coal Seeking to Expand Operations; Resistance to Forced Relocation Continues

On behalf of their peoples, their ancestral lands, and future generations, more than 350 Dineh residents of Black Mesa continue their staunch resistance to the efforts of the US Government-- acting in the interests of the Peabody Coal Company—to relocate the Dineh and destroy their homelands. This land is the basis for the Black Mesa peoples’ traditions, livelihoods, and spirituality.

At this moment the decision makers in Washington D.C. are planning ways to seize tribal lands to extract mineral resources. The coal companies are funding both the Republican and Democratic parties because they have huge interests at stake. Presidential candidate John McCain recently sponsored forced-relocation legislation targeting these Dineh families. Peabody Coal, the world's largest coal company, currently has plans to expand its strip mine operations and to seize more deep aquifers beneath these indigenous lands. Peabody Coal Company has completely dug up burials, sacred sites, and shrines designated specifically for offerings, preventing religious practices. Not only were the principal concerns of the communities directly affected by the legislation never addressed, those communities were not even notified.

On April 19 a benefit will be held in Flagstaff to support native resisters at Black Mesa. Other upcoming events include the Annual Spring Planting Project, to help elders plant fields that would otherwise remain fallow. Help is especially needed this year due to the heavy rains. In addition, a Fall 2008 Support Caravan is currently being planned... read more>>>

Click here to see a list of upcoming events in support of Black Mesa.

For more information visit Black Mesa Indigenous Support at: www.blackmesais.org