This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Event to Highlight Navajo & Hopi Tribes' Fight Against L.A.'s Dirty Power
Tomorrow, the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign and Power Paths Productions are hosting a screening of Power Paths, a documentary film that follows the Navajo (Dine) and Hopi tribes as they fight against polluting companies and work to bring renewable energy projects into their communities. Following the documentary screening will be a panel featuring leaders from the Navajo Green Economy Coalition. Discussion will also include strategies for making Los Angeles coal-free in the future.
In 1985, a film called Broken Rainbow documented the struggles of more than 12,000 Hopi and Navajo (Dine) Native Americans as they fought against their forced relocation by the US government in the 1960's, and the pollution of their air and water by coal-mining and uranium-mining companies. The products of these mining activities in the Arizona and New Mexico areas have provided power to lands west of the Navajo Nation, including Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Power Paths is a follow up to that story, chronicling a grassroots coalition of indigenous, Native American, and allied groups as they unite against these environmentally destructive companies whose work has had detrimental consequences for their livelihoods and health. Immense successes have been gained, such as the formation of the Navajo Green Economy Coalition by groups like the Black Mesa Water Coalition.
The struggle is ongoing to this very day. This month, the EPA will finish taking public comments on a proposed extension of a lease for Peabody Coal, one of the largest offending mining companies. Just last week, Black Mesa Water Coalition and others organized a horseback ride to the Navajo Nation Council to voice their thoughts about health concerns, environmental concerns, and reparations regarding the lease renewal.
The event will be held at the Autry National Center. Spanish translation will be provided, parking is free, carpools can be coordinated and reservations can be made at the RSVP link. Our contact at the Sierra Club noted to contact her (information provided in the RSVP link) if it states the event is full, she would try to accommodate a few more people.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
