The Battle for Tuvogatudu: A Sacred Land at Risk

Over 7,000 years ago, the Great Basin faced a devastatingly hot and arid spell, leading to the drying up of lakes and halting rivers. Native peoples, dependent on the land for sustenance, found themselves in a dire situation as traditional sources of food dwindled. Many sought refuge in more hospitable regions, but not all were so fortunate.

For some Indigenous communities residing in what are now Mineral County, Nevada, and Mono County, California, a hidden sanctuary existed—the high volcanic plateau at the northern end of the Bodie Hills. Nestled just east of the Sierra crest, this plateau captured the rain and snow that swept over the mountains, creating a lush oasis amidst the desolation.

A Haven for Wildlife and Culture

During the prolonged drought, this highland became a refuge for various wildlife, including:

• Sage grouse
• Bighorn sheep
• Pronghorn
• Deer
• Small mammals

Indigenous peoples thrived here, relying on the rich plant life to sustain their communities. This relationship with the land is embodied in the Numu language, where the four surrounding tribes refer to this sacred area as Tuvogatudu, meaning “where the teachings abide.”

The Importance of Tuvogatudu

Tuvogatudu is not just a physical space; it represents a vital cultural landscape. Its significance is deeply intertwined with Indigenous identity, spirituality, and practices related to food and material gathering. As the Native community continues to utilize this land, the urgent need for its protection has never been more pressing.

Threats from Mining Development

However, a Canadian minerals development company has received permission to drill exploratory holes up to 1,500 feet deep in search of gold and silver ore. Due to the geological conditions of Tuvogatudu, this could lead to the creation of a massive open-pit mine, which poses severe risks to the region’s ecology and the cultural heritage of its Indigenous inhabitants.

Plans are already in motion to clear land for drilling platforms and to transport water from the Aurora mine pit during the critical summer and fall fire seasons. But what could possibly go wrong?

The Broader Impact

Who should be concerned about these developments? Perhaps the local hunters who rely on the plateau as a seasonal pathway for pronghorn and mule deer migrations. The exploration will coincide with the 2024 deer hunting season, potentially driving these animals away from their traditional routes.

Furthermore, the fate of the bi-state sage-grouse, whose populations are dwindling, is also at stake. The Bodie Hills are among the last safe havens for these birds, making the conservation of Tuvogatudu even more critical.

Calls for Action

These lands, once taken from Indigenous peoples, are now managed under United States law, raising questions about how foreign companies can operate in such sacred areas. Tuvogatudu deserves better management from federal land agencies, which currently operate under differing policies that fail to recognize the cultural significance of this plateau.

In response, a coalition of tribal governments, including the Bridgeport Indian Colony, the Mono Lake Kutzadika’a, the Yerington Paiute Tribe, and the Walker River Paiute Tribe, has formally requested that federal agencies cease ground-disturbing activities in Tuvogatudu. They are advocating for a coordinated management plan that incorporates Indigenous perspectives and wisdom.

A Call to Action for Legislators

The coalition urges U.S. senators and congressional representatives from California and Nevada to advocate for the preservation of this land, crucial to Indigenous cultural survival and teachings. The time for action is now.

What Do You Think?

• Should foreign companies be allowed to mine on sacred Indigenous lands?
• How can the government better incorporate Indigenous voices in environmental management decisions?
• What are the potential consequences of mining on local wildlife populations?
• Is it time for a reevaluation of land use policies to protect culturally significant areas?
• What role should local communities play in decisions about land development?

Your thoughts are invaluable—join the conversation and let your voice be heard!