Tolusi said her people found out about plans for the Canyon Uranium Mine only after a permit had been granted by the U.S. Forest Service to Denver-based Energy Fuels Nuclear in 1986. The mine site not only threatens their watershed, it is near Red Butte, an important religious site that figures prominently in the Havasupai creation story.
Uranium mining threatens the existence of all creation.
Her uncle, Rex Tolusi, former Havasupai Vice Chairman and member of the Tribal Council, echoed her concerns. To the Indian people, the Canyon itself is very sacred. We were to be the protectors of the Grand Canyon and we are not supposed to allow any destruction, including uranium mining. The fenced mine site is within the boundaries of the Kaibab National Forest. The Havasupai wrestled with the federal government and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality over the issuance of a water quality permit for the mine.