Please watch and share the Multi-faith Vigil at Oak Flat:
Monday October 13 at 1:00 pm AZ / 2:00 pm NM & El Paso
Livestream can be viewed on Facebook here.
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Dear Prayerful Supporters of Oak Flat,
We write you with heavy yet hopeful hearts, calling upon people of all faiths to join in prayerful solidarity with the Western Apache at a perilous moment.
Chichil Biłdagoteel, Oak Flat, a sacred site for the Apache people in Arizona, is in grave danger of being turned over from the U.S. Forest Service to Resolution Copper, the subsidiary of two international copper-mining corporations. They will turn Oak Flat into a massive crater, contaminating groundwater, polluting the air, and destroying the wildlife. Oak Flat is the site for the Sunrise or coming-of-age ceremonies for young Apache women. It is considered the holiest site for the Apache people, similar in significance to Mount Sinai for Jews and Christians.
For many years, the Apache and their allies have been resisting this handover. Even as we see the Supreme Court turning their back, we pray for the three other legal cases in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Their courage and persistence is a reminder that the defense of the sacred is ongoing collective work.
Will you join the livestream of the delegation of multi-denominational Faith Leaders, including Apache Stronghold, from across Turtle Island for a vigil at Oak Flat on Monday, Oct. 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, at 1pm Pacific time / 4pm Eastern time?
In solidarity, alongside joining the livestream, we are requesting “echo” vigils across the country between Oct. 11 and Oct. 20 to weave a web of prayer throughout time and space. There are many ways to protect Oak Flat: perhaps you and a couple friends come together to hold a vigil and watch the livestream recording, or maybe you offer a prayer as a part of a pre-existing gathering, or maybe you invite your community over in Presence for Oak Flat and sacred land. See our echo vigil toolkit for guidance/support, and register your gathering here.
Together, we will offer our prayers and spiritual energy to stop this tragic turnover. Let’s embody our spiritual practice and faith in action, across traditions and communities, affirming that our compassion includes all beings and the Earth herself.
Other ways to support:
Write a Letter to the Editor or an Op-ed about protecting Oak Flat.
Consider donating to support faith leaders’ travel and lodging costs:
Click here to donate online, and select “Oak Flat Accompaniment Training” option in the drop down menu. If you are paying by check, please put ‘Coalition - Oak Flat Faith Leader Delegation” in the memo. Our goal is $2000 to help cover the cost of travel and accommodations.
Learn More About Oak Flat: Oak Flat - Support Toolkit
with love and gratitude,
Doe Hoyer
Organizing Director
Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery
Living and working on Dakota homelands