US President Joe Biden to announce Grand Canyon as a historic monument

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

During his visit to Arizona, President Joe Biden is set to make a significant announcement by officially designating a national monument for the greater Grand Canyon, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of Native American tribes and environmental advocates.

The monument will encompass approximately 1,562 square miles (4,046 square kilometers) outside Grand Canyon National Park, and it marks Biden’s fifth monument designation.

The designation is in response to the persistent efforts of tribes in Arizona, urging Biden to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 to create a new national monument called Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni. This move aims to protect the land north and south of the Grand Canyon National Park, a cause that tribes and environmentalists have championed for decades. However, Republican lawmakers and the mining industry have emphasized economic benefits and national security in their opposition to the measure.

The initiative reflects a new era of collaboration and stewardship with indigenous tribes, according to U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to hold the position. The designation seeks to ensure the preservation of culturally significant areas for religious ceremonies and traditional practices, as well as the protection of historic and scientific assets.

The introduction of entry limits and other protective measures for the Grand Canyon aligns with a broader global effort to balance tourism and conservation. Biden’s visit to the Grand Canyon National Park Airport was met with anticipation, and he was welcomed by Democratic congressmen Raúl Grijalva and Ruben Gallego, both advocates for the monument. The visit also highlights the changing political landscape in Arizona, with key political figures supporting the monument designation.

The monument announcement comes against the backdrop of a changing climate and heightened environmental concerns. After his visit to Arizona, Biden’s itinerary includes stops in Albuquerque and Salt Lake City, where he will discuss climate change-related job creation and veterans’ benefits, respectively, while also engaging in reelection fundraising activities.

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