Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni

Our newest National Monument! Earlier this month, President Biden designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni as a National Monument to reflect the significance of the Grand Canyon area to many Tribal Nations, including the Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Yavapai Prescott, Pueblo of Zuni and the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Baaj Nwaavjo means “where Indigenous peoples roam” in Havasupai, and I’tah Kukveni means “our ancestral footprints” in Hopi. The monument covers almost 1 million acres of the greater Grand Canyon landscape and is home to many animals and plants such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, bison, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and owls. In addition to the natural wonders, the area holds over 3,000 known cultural and historic sites, including 12 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni as a new National Monument represents a partnership between the United States and the area’s tribal nations to protect this precious area and its history.