Full Breakdown
Pueblo Governors Unite to Defend Chaco Canyon Amid Federal Review of Protections
11/23/2025, 2:16:29 AM
Unified Opposition to Potential Rollbacks
On a recent Friday in Albuquerque, all 19 Pueblo governors convened to express their collective opposition to the potential rollback of federal protections for Chaco Canyon, a site of significant cultural and historical importance. This gathering was prompted by a letter from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which indicated that the Trump administration is considering changes to the current protections under the "Unleashing American Energy" executive order. The letter outlined three options: maintaining the status quo, removing all protections, or reducing the existing 10-mile buffer zone that currently prohibits new oil and gas projects for 20 years.
Concerns Over Expedited Review Process
The urgency of the situation was underscored by the governors' concerns regarding the expedited timeline for the review process. Representative Melanie Stansbury highlighted the challenges faced by tribal leaders during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, stating, "Imagine that during the longest shutdown... tribal leaders could not even get a phone call returned." This sentiment was echoed by Senator Ben Ray Luján, who expressed fears that the administration might attempt to implement changes rapidly, stating, "Many of us are very concerned that the pace that this administration carries things out, they'll try to do this overnight."
Calls for Consultation and Engagement
The governors emphasized the need for proper consultation, which they argue has been lacking. Picuris Lieutenant Governor Craig Quenchello remarked, "You cannot understand Chaco from behind a desk in Washington," urging Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to visit the site to gain a deeper understanding of its significance. Santa Ana Pueblo Governor Myron Armijo expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from Burgum, stating, "I have not. I'm very disappointed."
Broader Implications and Cultural Significance
The potential changes to Chaco Canyon's protections are not merely administrative; they carry significant implications for the cultural heritage of the Pueblo peoples. Stansbury noted that even indigenous groups in Mexico, thousands of miles away, have stories about Chaco Canyon, which was historically a hub for trade across North America. This highlights the site's importance beyond local boundaries and underscores the need for careful consideration in any decision-making process.
Official Statements & Responses
Senator Luján expressed hope that Secretary Burgum would recognize the importance of protecting sacred sites, stating, "I know that's in his heart, and I'm certainly hopeful that that leadership will come through as these conversations continue." As of now, the timeline for the Interior Department's actions remains unclear, leaving stakeholders anxious about the future of Chaco Canyon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Imagine that during the longest shutdown in American history, as the tribal leaders behind me could not even get a phone call returned from the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Department of Interior, that this administration had the gall to send a letter to tribal leaders and tell them that they had two weeks to respond of their most sacred land being taken out of federal protection.” — Rep. Melanie Stansbury
- “MANY OF US ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT THE PACE THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION CARRIES THINGS OUT, THEY’LL TRY TO DO THIS OVERNIGHT.” — Sen. Ben Ray Luján
- “You cannot understand Chaco from behind a desk in Washington,” — Picuris Lt. Gov. Craig Quenchello
- “Any of the governors, maybe the congressional delegation, have you all heard from Secretary Burgum? I have not. I'm very disappointed.” — Santa Ana Pueblo Gov. Myron Armijo
- “I KNOW THAT’S IN HIS HEART, AND I’M CERTAINLY HOPEFUL THAT THAT LEADERSHIP WILL COME THROUGH AS THESE CONVERSATIONS CONTINUE.” — Sen. Ben Ray Luján
