Reston, Va. — A new USGS report, co-produced with the Havasupai Tribe, identifies exposure pathways posed by uranium mining in the Grand Canyon watershed that arise from traditional uses and cultural values placed on resources. Previous models did not take into account Tribal perspectives or traditional uses.

“To get a true picture of how environmental contaminants impact communities, it is critical to understand how all local communities use the land and its natural resources. This understanding is only possible by inviting those communities to share their knowledge and cultural perspectives so they can be incorporated into the work,” said Dave Applegate, director of the U.S. Geological Survey. “This report is an excellent example of how the USGS is striving to incorporate diverse perspectives and value systems to provide science relevant to all Americans.”

Newly identified exposure pathways for the Havasupai include inhalation, ingestion and absorption from traditional food and medicines as well as ceremonial practices. Incorporating these exposure pathways into future research and risk analyses will lead to results that are more inclusive of Tribal resources and culture. Presenting the expanded risk framework in English and Havasupai aids Tribal members in understanding how the findings relate to their community and helps to preserve the language and historical cultural practices for future generations.

“The Havasupai Tribe’s perspective must be included in any risk models analyzing the Grand Canyon watershed. To keep it out would produce results that are not accurate. We have been on this land since the beginning of time. Our traditions and culture teach us about the land, the water, the plants, the animals and how they all interact with each other. The Havasupai Tribe supports this research conducted under this new model and is honored to share our knowledge and traditions in order to achieve accurate results,” said Armando Marshall, Vice Chairman of the Havasupai Tribe. 

The Department of the Interior placed a 20-year moratorium on mineral extraction from public lands in the Grand Canyon watershed in 2012 citing potential impacts to Tribal resources and culture as one reason for the decision. Much of these lands was formally protected from new mineral extraction when the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument was created on August 8, 2023. However, uranium mining can continue within the monument where permitted claims already exist and in areas outside the monument. As such, this report can be used by Interior agencies to inform future studies on exposure to risk from uranium mining. 

“This report serves as an example for other Tribal and federal managers who want to co-produce similar work,” said lead USGS report co-author Jo Ellen Hinck. “This work is the culmination of eight years of relationship- and trust building, and we are proud of the final product.” 

Read the report, “Expanded Conceptual Risk Framework for Uranium Mining in Grand Canyon Watershed—Inclusion of the Havasupai Tribe Perspective."

Learn more: Science to inform decision-making on uranium mining in Arizona.