Aftermath
In the long-proclaimed “trust” relationship, the Diné conferred a duty to protect their well-being upon the U.S. government. Instead, the government prioritized achieving global hegemony over fulfilling their ethical and legal obligations.
How the US poisoned Navajo Nation, 2020, Vox
Navajo uranium miners dumping tailings over the side of a mesa, 1952, Navajo Nation Museum
Navajo uranium miners in the southwestern United States, 1950s, Utah Historical Society
Between 1970 and 1990, despite falling cancer rates nationwide, cancer incidence among the Diné doubled. Beyond adverse health effects, the destruction of their homeland was more than an environmental violation for the Diné—it was an assault on their cultural rights, severing their physical and spiritual connection with the land. Mining desecrated sacred landmarks. Lack of clean water disrupted traditional ceremonies. The death of elders severed younger generations’ connection to Diné traditions.
Mortality in Navajo Uranium Miners vs Non-Whites in New Mexico and Arizona, 1995, American Journal of Public Health
How the US poisoned Navajo Nation, 2020, Vox
A Navajo family living on a reservation, 1948, Leonard McCombe
Old man Gray Mountain, 91, telling his small grandchildren legends about the early days of the Navajo people, 1948, Leonard McCombe
An embodiment of government negligence, the Church Rock uranium mill spill in 1979 further exacerbated the Diné’s devoid state. The dam near Church Rock flooded the Puerco River with 95 million gallons of radioactive waste. Formerly a source of drinking water and a place for cultural recreation, the loss of the Puerco River was yet another blow to the Diné. Despite being the largest radioactive spill in U.S. history, it received little national attention, and miners were kept uninformed by the government.
Signs warning residents in three languages to avoid the water in Church Rock, 1979, Associated Press
A sign with a skull and crossbones that translates as ‘No uranium’ in the Diné language warning visitors near the Church Rock mining site in Navajo Nation, n.d., Eli Cahan
How the US poisoned Navajo Nation, 2020, Vox
An abandoned uranium mine on the Navajo reservation in Cameron, Ariz., 2012, New York Times
Abandoned Uranium Mines On and Near Navajo Nation, March 30, 2016, Environmental Protection Agency
A lack of governmental responsibility persisted in the form of abandoned mines, inadequate compensation to the Diné, and inaccessible healthcare.