Titus Welcomes Secretary Harland to Avi Kwa Ame

Statement

Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), the author of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Establishment Act of 2022, welcomed the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to Southern Nevada to tour the proposed national monument site at Avi Kwa Ame. The Mojave name for Spirit Mountain, Avi Kwa Ame is considered the sacred center of creation by ten Yuman-speaking tribes as well as the Hopi and Chemehuevi Paiute. In February, Congresswoman Titus introduced legislation to permanently protect these nearly 450,000 acres of biologically diverse and culturally significant lands within the Mojave Desert by designating it as a national monument.

"I was honored to welcome Secretary Haaland to Southern Nevada to meet with stakeholders, including indigenous leaders and environmentalists, to discuss the importance of protecting sacred spaces like Avi Kwa Ame," said Rep. Titus.

"Preserving treasured spaces has always been important to me, and I am grateful for the many grassroots organizations and community leaders who have been instrumental over the years in protecting these sloping bajadas, scenic canyons, and ancient cultural sites for future generations to enjoy. I look forward to my continuing partnership with Secretary Haaland and stand ready to assist in any way I can. I am confident that after visiting the site, the Secretary will agree that it must be protected."

Background

Congresswoman Titus has been a long-time champion for conserving public lands. From leading the charge to protect Gold Butte and Basin & Range to conserving Tule Springs, she believes that everyone has a responsibility to be good stewards of our nation's unique landscapes.

In February, Congresswoman Titus introduced the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Establishment Act of 2022, legislation to protect nearly 450,000 acres of biologically diverse and culturally significant lands within the Mojave Desert.

The proposed lands for the monument feature dramatic scenic peaks and canyons, sloping bajadas home to some of the oldest and largest Joshua trees in the world, bighorn migration routes, unique grasslands, and a rich history of petroglyphs and other ancient cultural sites sacred to a dozen Yuman-speaking Tribes in the Mountain West.

Tribal leaders and conservationists have been working for over 20 years to permanently protect Avi Kwa Ame and have coordinated with elected officials, government agencies, outdoor recreation businesses, and environmental organizations to establish the proposed monument's boundary lines.

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