Defending Holy Sites
A spiritual journey of healing to confront the deception of the birth of America
Protect Chi'chil Biłdagoteel
Protect Dził Nchaa Si'an
"We remember those who sacrificed and defended our people. We recognize our great leaders and their respect for those who know freedom. We must guide our people to, once again, hold our destiny in our own hands. I challenge each of us to overcome the oppression and begin the process of believing in ourselves. This must be the first step... Usen, we ask for your blessing to guide our current and future leadership so that our children and the unborn will inherit our Apache Way of Life." - Wendsler Nosie Sr.
Apache Stronghold v. United States
Case Snapshot:
Oak Flat (known in Apache as Chi'chil Biłdagoteel) is a sacred site in Arizona’s vibrant Tonto National Forest where Native Americans have gone to worship, pray, and conduct religious ceremonies since time immemorial. Recognizing its responsibility to Native peoples, the federal government protected the sacred site for years—until a 2014 rider in a must-pass defense bill ordered the land’s transfer to Resolution Copper, a Chinese-owned mining company that plans to obliterate the sacred site, ending Apache religious practices forever. Now Becket is fighting to stop the destruction of Oak Flat. (Becket)
Status:
In May 2025, the Supreme Court refused to hear Apache Stronghold’s case. Justice Gorsuch wrote a dissent joined by Justice Thomas, calling the decision “a grievous mistake.” This is not the end for Oak Flat—Apache Stronghold will continue the fight to save their sacred land. They filed a motion for rehearing at the Supreme Court on June 23, 2025.
For More Information:
Becket Law | Case Detail | Case Media | Legal Documents Media Contact: Ryan Colby, 202-349-7219, media@becketlaw.org
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