Local Community and Conservation Advocates Welcome Interior Secretary Haaland’s Visit to proposed Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, NV: Today, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited the proposed Avi Kwa Ame (Ah-VEE kwa-meh) National Monument in Southern Nevada. Haaland was joined by Conservation Lands Foundation Senior Conservation Director Jocelyn Torres, local elected officials, and community groups leading the effort to permanently protect the Avi Kwa Ame landscape.
Highway View of Spirit Mountain
“We thank Secretary Haaland for her visit and interest to experience first-hand the important role the Avi Kwa Ame landscape has in protecting sites of sacred, cultural and historic significance; connecting together other protected landscapes; and preserving the backcountry character so many locals and visitors enjoy,” said Jocelyn Torres, Senior Conservation Director for Conservation Lands Foundation.
“Avi Kwa Ame, the Mojave name for Spirit Mountain and the surrounding area, is the point of creation for ten Yuman-speaking tribes and sacred to the Chemehuevi Paiute and Hopi tribes. You can hear about the importance of Avi Kwa Ame from members of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe at AviKwaAme.com.
“The effort to designate Avi Kwa Ame a National Monument is supported by Tribes and Indigenous organizations, including the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, the Inter-Tribal Councils of Nevada and Arizona and Native Voters Alliance Nevada. It’s also supported by local and regional governments, including the three surrounding communities of Boulder City, Searchlight, and Laughlin, as well as many conservation and recreation groups in Nevada.
“We truly appreciate Secretary Haaland’s visit. We hope she leaves the landscape inspired and carries forward the message that Tribes and local communities share - Avi Kwa Ame is worthy and in need of permanent protection.” said Torres.
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