History is being made at Ward Valley in California's East Mojave desert. Since February 12, a strong and diverse coalition of American Indians, EF!ers and anti-nuclear activists has occupied this sacred land, which is also critical habitat for the threatened desert tortoise. Led by the five tribes of the Colorado River Native Nations Alliance (CRNNA), a committed band of between 50-200 activists has maintained an occupation at "Ground Zero" to stop a dangerous radioactive waste dump project.
On Friday, February 13, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) ordered Ward Valley closed to the public. In response, tribal elders held a ceremony in the middle of the road leading to Ground Zero while members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and supporters blockaded the entrance. The next morning, after negotiations between representatives of the CRNNA, peacekeepers and the BLM, area manager Molly Brady and BLM special agent David Burns were allowed to pass through the blockade. Following terms of the negotiations, the BLM reps left their vehicle, were frisked and escorted into the area by AIM. They then walked past Earth First! activists locked down in the road. After listening to the concerns of tribal representatives face-to-face, the BLM presented a five-day notice of eviction from the permanent encampment at Ground Zero. The encampment has been occupied by activists since October 1995.
To turn things around, Mojave EF! held a rally in Needles at the headquarters of US Ecology, the company selected by the state of California to build the dump. Protesters brought an eviction order "from the people," ordering US Ecology off sacred land and out of Ward Valley. To solidify the eviction order, the coalition stationed posts at three gates guarding the Ward Valley site. Twice in recent weeks US Ecology has been blocked from entering Ward Valley to service monitoring equipment. Law enforcement officers and other pro-nuke types have also been denied access.
As in any village, daily life continues. To keep us well connected with the land and strengthen our commitment to its protection, ceremonies led by the tribes have been constant. Just prior to the eviction notice, a spirit run from the Fort Mojave Reservation to Ground Zero was held. It began with a sunrise prayer circle, followed by a 22-mile-long relay run along I-40 to Ward Valley. Runners carried three sacred staffs from the reservation to the site, where they were joyously greeted by supporters.
BLM California State Director Ed Hastey made a visit to Ground Zero on February 18. He has been a long-time foe of efforts to stop the Ward Valley dump. About 300 people were there that night, including at least 50 elders. Hastey personally witnessed the spiritual ceremonies taking place and was told of the sacred nature of Ward Valley by CRNNA spokesman Wally Antone and several elders. Hastey was clearly uncomfortable with the overwhelming show of power and unity between the tribes and activists.
On Friday, February 20, the whole village attended the wedding of long-time Ward Valley activists Molly Johnson and Rick Beaumont. Just a few days later, one of the founders of the Save Ward Valley Coalition, Stormy Williams, was given a traditional burial ceremony. She is the first non-native honored in this way by any of the five Lower Colorado River Nations. Some of her ashes were placed in the ground at Ward Valley, adding further protection to the land. A Mojave spirit runner who had recently passed on was also honored.
On February 25, in a surprise move, the BLM removed all of its law enforcement personnel from Ward Valley. However, they say they remain committed to conducting tritium testing that would further desecrate the land. With this small victory for the coalition, tensions at the Ward Valley village have eased as BLM cops have pulled back. The "no compromise" position remains strong.
Tribal leaders and elders of the CRNNA have expressed solidarity on the following points; President Clinton and Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt must reject the land transfer and stop the dump now. Bruce Babbitt must also meet with CRNNA as soon as possible. The federal and state governments must acknowledge and respect the tribe's position that Ward Valley is sacred and can't be desecrated any further. The CRNNA will continue to occupy Ward Valley and conduct religious ceremonies until there is serious and respectful government relationship established and a just resolution to the crisis.
The Ward Valley occupation is a very positive and powerful experience. It is a great example of cross-cultural activism that, while challenging at times, is working. We are all learning from each other as we live out in the desert. Barriers are broken every day and our momentum and strength is growing. We are winning! But your direct support is still needed.
The CRNNA and Save Ward Valley Coalition will continue to peacefully occupy these sacred grounds until they are safe from destruction. Tribal elders have asked that we maintain our resistance in a spiritual manner, free of human-made blockade tools. We strongly encourage all who are willing to abide the code of nonviolence and follow the guidance of the elders to come join the Ward Valley Village. The Ward Valley occupation is located 22 miles west of Needles, CA, off the Water Rd. exit, south of I-40.
Contact Save Ward Valley at: 107 F Street, Needles, CA 92363; (760) 326-6267, (760) 326-6268 fax, email: swv1@ctaz.com.