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Contact Kathy Gallagher at (928) 774-0653, ext. 4806 or kathyg@dnalegalservices.org

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Prevent Snowmaking on Sacred Peaks!
Respect Native Beliefs – Honor Native Rights
DNA People’s Legal Services filed a lawsuit to protect Native Americans’ religious freedom rights and stop a controversial plan that would allow a ski area on the San Francisco Peaks to make artificial machine-made snow using 100% reclaimed sewage effluent. If allowed, it would become the first and only ski area in the world to do so. For Native Americans the Peaks represent a spiritual center that is integral to the sacred, ancestral ceremonies of traditional worship, AND integral to the harmony of all mankind. They are host to ceremonies practiced by spiritual leaders for untold centuries to bless and heal tribal members. Sewage effluent on the Peaks violates traditional beliefs and desecrates sacred land.

DNA’s Clients – Seeking Free Exercise of Religion
DNA is representing a Navajo Medicine Man, a Hopi Spiritual Leader and the Hualapai Nation. Our clients wish to preserve their spiritual integrity of their traditional beliefs and observe the customs of their ancestors. To worship with integrity they must keep sewage off sacred ceremonial sites.

Others Are Affected
The San Francisco Peaks are sacred to numerous Native American tribes in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, in addition to the Navajo, Hopi and Hualapai. The U.S. Forest Service failed to consult most of these tribes before approving the snowmaking plan.

Environmental Impact of Reclaimed Waste Water
DNA’s case involves the right to worship, but others are opposed to snowmaking with reclaimed sewage water because of its potentially harmful affects on the environment. Not only will it permeate the sacred mountain land, but it will also come in contact with people using the ski area.

Economics vs. Religion?
The right of Religious Freedom for Native Americans should not be compromised so businesses and corporations can make money. Corporate welfare is not the same as community welfare. The right to worship as our conscience directs is one of the bedrock American rights. We don’t make communion wafers with reclaimed water. By the same token, the Sacred Peaks must not be so desecrated. Native Americans are a significant part of our community.

Significant Impact For Years To Come
Our clients’ case is a case of first impression and the rulings will create legal precedents. The outcome of this case not only impacts the lives of our clients for years to come, but will impact case law for years.