By Sister Amy Westphal, RSM
This was the message declared by nine sisters from seven congregations as we gathered from July 18–20 at Oak Flat (Chí’chil Bildagoteel) alongside Indigenous leaders, hundreds of allies and Apache tribal members near Superior, Arizona. This sacred land is under threat of destruction if it is transferred to Resolution Copper on August 19, making way for a copper mine. Resolution Copper is a joint venture owned by the global companies Rio Tinto and BHP. The proposed mine would span two miles wide and 1.3 miles deep, extracting 40 billion pounds of copper ore over the next 40 years. Such a violation would endanger the land, wildlife, water and people for generations to come.
As drums echoed and feet moved rhythmically, allies and Apache tribal members prayed for a miracle to prevent the devastation. Wendsler Nosie Sr., leader of Apache Stronghold, a coalition of Western Apache and other allies, spoke to the ongoing struggle to confront the violence of colonization and its enduring impacts on Indigenous peoples and Earth. He challenged us to examine ourselves, white supremacy, the greed of capitalism and how ‘re-membering’ can help restore our sacred connections and relationality.
Pat McCabe (Woman Stands Shining), a Diné elder, accompanied the delegation of sisters, which was organized by Land Justice Futures. She spoke powerfully about how the 15th century Doctrine of Discovery continues to distort Christianity and harm Indigenous people. Deeply moved, she offered gratitude to the sisters who have now chosen to withdraw their consent to this harmful narrative.
As the world’s largest landowner, the Church’s legacy demands reckoning. Eighteen communities of women religious have been engaging with the Church’s historical complicity in the Doctrine of Discovery through Land Justice Futures’ Focus Communities. These communities are discerning new paths to embody land justice and to live into a different, more just narrative at a time when many religious orders are selling property.
Apache Stronghold continues its fight to save Oak Flat and has sued the United States government on the grounds of religious freedom. However, on May 27, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear the case in a 7–2 decision. Another tribal hearing was set for Wednesday, August 6, in Phoenix to consider the injunction bids by the San Carlos Apache and environmental groups seeking to block Resolution Copper. Our ancestors call us to resist the violence of empire—and to trust that God will renew the face of Earth
The Sisters of Mercy have walked with Oak Flat for more than 20 years, ever since our sisters lived and ministered among the people of San Carlos, Arizona. We have stood as advocates and steadfast in our prayers throughout this legal battle. Let us continue to pray, create ritual, find awe in God’s creation and ‘re-member’ our connection with all living beings.
Click here for the Oak Flat Action and Letter Writing Toolkit, which includes articles, podcasts, videos, a prayer and other ways to learn more and get involved (English only).