On Monday, July 18, the Apache Stronghold held a forum to update the Tucson community on the fight to save Oak Flat. Dr. Wendsler Nosie Sr. and other speakers shared stories illustrating the importance of this fight not only for the Apache people but for all, as the fight is part of the struggle for the survival of the earth.
Members of the San Carlos Apache will appeal to the Supreme Court the decision of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco which held that the land swap and operation of the mine would not violate the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act because the Apache could still practice their religion. This decision came even as the court recognized that the Apache may not be able to gather materials, hold ceremonies, nor use the landscape they hold as sacred.
The Apache Stronghold requests support in contacting senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema with the message to “Save Oak Flat” between now and September 22, 2022 (the time remaining before the case would go before the Supreme Court). They also are grateful for support through purchases of their merchandise.