Resolution on the Protection of Dzil Nchaa Si An(Mt. Graham)
Knowing
from testimonies by medicine people of the San Carlos Apache Reservation
and from various anthropological sources that the mountain range known as
Mt. Graham is regarded as sacred by theSan Carlos Apache people;
Knowing
that the San Carlos Apache are threatened by the loss of their cultural
identity and their traditional values if the practise of their traditional
religion is prevented by the construction of the Mt.Graham International
Observatory (MGIO);
Knowing
that the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council, the elected government of the
San Carlos Apache, has expressed its strong oppositon against the
telescopes by passing four resolutions, the last one from June 13, 1995.
Knowing
that occupying the site results in a profound desecration of another
people's sacred place;
We are convinced
that the right to religious practice and the respect for the beliefs of
ahuman being or a group of people is a fundamental human right (and to be
regarded higher then possible scientific gain of knowledge).
Knowing
that the University of Arizona has been joined by the Max Planck Institute
for Radio Astronomy, the Astrophysical Institute of Arcetrif Florence, the
Vatican and is being considered by the Council of German Observatories;
Knowing
that the construction of the MGIO represents the first peacetime exemption
by Congress from all U.S. cultural and environmental laws and that this
fact is well known to the European partners;
Knowing
that several studies show that superior or equivalent sites for
astronomical research exist elsewhere
We are convinced
that especially scientists should consider the consequences of
theiractions for all creation.
We therefore demand of all institutions involved
- the immediate and complete withdrawal from dzil nchaa sm an
(Mount Graham),
- the de-construction / tearing down of the already installed
facilities,
- and an apology to the San Carlos Apache people, who have
been treated most disrespectfully.
moved by
Nys Eggert, INFOE Institute for Ecology and Action Anthropology, Germany
seconded by
Pierrette Hurni, INCOMINDIOS Switzerland
passed unanimously by the plenary of the10th Euromeeting of Support Groups
of North American Indigenous PeopleS
Dionys Zink, Chairperson
August 1, 1995
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// Oliver Kluge
// Big Mountain Action Group
// kluge@ibm.net or 100303.703@compuserve.com