Apache Resistance

Apaches, Mt. Graham, and the telescope project

Apaches at University of Arizona ProtestApaches at University of Arizona ProtestThe Mountain Spirits known to the Western Apaches as Gaahn have profound religious significance. The Gaahn reside at special mountains such as Dzil Nchaa Si' An (Mt. Graham) and provide spiritual guidance, health, and direction in the Apache lifeway. Among many other powers, during the Sunrise Ceremony the Gaahn provide to the young Apache changing women health, wisdom, and a spiritual connection to guide them throughout their adult lives.

Record of Apache Opposition to the Desecration of Mt. Graham by the University of Arizona and their Astronomer Collaborators

Extensive documentation of Apache opposition to the telescope from 1989 to 2001. Compiled by Apaches for Cultural Preservation, the Apache Survival Coalition, and the Mt. Graham Coalition.

Ola Cassadore Davis' July 28, 1999 Testimony to the United Nations' Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, Working Group on Indingenous Peoples.

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Making a Mountain into a Starbase: The Long, Bitter Battle over Mount Graham

by John Dougherty

The University of Arizona needed an Indian. Any Indian would do. Just so long as the
university could show its partners from Italy, Germany and the Vatican, plus astronomers
from across the globe, that not all Native Americans opposed construction of telescopes. Read more »

Untruthful assertions by University Arizona's LBT website about the Apache people

U. of Arizona (UA) Claim: "…the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council has adopted a neutral stance on the Mount Graham facility." Read more »

Ola Cassadore Davis' July 28, 1999 Testimony to the United Nations' Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, Working Group on Indingenous Peoples.

United Nations - Commission on Human Rights
Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities
Working Group on Indingenous Peoples
Seventeenth Session July 26-30, 1999
July 28, 1999

Item 5: Principle Theme: Indigenous Peoples' and their Relationship to Land

Madam Daes, Chairperson:
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The Heart of Genuine Sadness - Astronomers, politicians, and federal employees desecrate the holiest mountain of the San Carlos Apache

The Heart of Genuine Sadness - Astronomers, politicians, and federal employees desecrate the holiest mountain of the San Carlos Apache

By Peter Warshall

Reprinted with permission from Whole Earth No. 91, Winter 1997.
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Have you got your permit to pray?

News Release, August 13, 1998

UA demands Native Americans obtain prayer permits 48 hrs. prior to praying on Mt. Graham Read more »

1998 Statement of Ola Cassadore Davis to the United Nations

United Nations, Indigenous Project Team
High Commissioner/Center for Human Rights
Attn: Julian Burger, Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

December 14, 1998 Read more »

Scarlet Letters - Public Relations Sleazeballs Go Too Far in Defense of the Latest Mount Graham Telescope Project

THE TUCSON WEEKLY, MAY 22, 1997 - Scarlet Letters - Public Relations Sleazeballs Go Too Far in Defense of the Latest Mount Graham Telescope Project
By Tim Vanderpool

(READ THE ACTUAL FORGED LETTER!) Read more »

Regents Face Tests on Mount Graham

The regents’ divided and contentious decision now begs a transparent and inclusive review.

By Dwight Metzger

Just as good science requires more than a litmus test, good policy at the University should be accountable to review by many factors. In the wake of the Board of Regents’ approval of closing General College, we would be wise to take a look at another controversial policy that has failed to pass such tests. Read more »

Star Struck: The Astronomical Abuse Of Indigenous Sacred Sites

Unedited text of an article published as "Native Tribes Struggle to Reclaim Sacred Sites" in Pulse of the Twin Cities newspaper, June 1, 2005

BY JOEL HELFRICH, DWIGHT METZGER, & MICHAEL NIXON

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