


Read entire letter to US Forest Service (PDF; 113 KB)
Public Hearing Comments Transcripts Available - Comments from each of the six public hearings are available for viewing. Note that the public comment period is now closed. Read what the people of Arizona had to say at the public hearings. The opposition to the land exchange and the proposed Resolution Copper mine is clearly evident. The religious, human and environmental impact will be devistating on every level. Please contact your congressional people. Ask them to cosign and support the Save Oak Flat Act. Visit the TAKE ACTION page for more information and other ways you can help repeal the Southeastern Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act and support Wendsler Nosie Sr. and the Apache Stronghold in the 15-year battle to protect Sacred Chi'chil Bildagoteel (Oak Flat) and Apache freedom of religion.
I'm Going Home

As Christian ministers who are committed to the freedom of religion for all people, we call on all people of faith to stand with Wendsler Nosie Sr. and the Apache Stronghold before it is too late. To preach the resurrection of Jesus is to proclaim that no one and no one’s tradition must be crucified for the greater good. We can protect the waters, protect Oak Flat, and still have enough resources for every family in this land to flourish. The history of terrible violence this nation has committed against indigenous people from the Trail of Tears to Standing Rock is a reminder that the apocalypse Nosie goes home to face is a real possibility. But it is not a necessity. We pray Americans will act to show genuine gratitude for the original stewards of this land and their religious freedom. We join our brother, Wendsler Nosie, in the call to save Oak Flat and in his journey as he goes home to Oak Flat. -Rev. Dr. William Barber II and Rev. Liz Theoharis
Wendsler Nosie: "Rightfully Ours" - Watch Now "Our voices as NativeAmericans have been quiet since the 1400's. Today brings us our voice back into this country that is rightfully ours."
Spiritual leaders from around the country are coming to join Wendsler on this path, in solidarity. Reverands Dr. William Barber II, John Mendez and a delegation of the Poor People's Campaign will be there in prayer and support. He hopes to arrive at Oak Flat on Saturday, November 30, 2019. All are welcome to join in spiritual support as he makes this return home. Please send prayers to Wendsler and his whole family. If you are a journalist or with a media outlet, please contact Vanessa Nosie (vnosie11@gmail.com) to schedule an interview.
Watch Wendsler Nosie Sr. inform Neil Bosworth, supervisor of the Tonto National Forest, that he is going home for his people.
