Please join the international opposition to the proposed Escalade Project, which seeks Navajo Nation funding to build a tram from the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon down to the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers.

The map above shows the locations where petition signers reside. It will be updated as more signatures arrive. All signatures are delivered to the Navajo Nation Council’s official e-mail address reserved for public comment on this proposal.

Here are our reasons for opposing this development:

The Proposed Escalade Project is Dishonest, Unclear, and Full of Flaws

There has been no Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed Escalade Project.

Neither the source of water, nor sewage waste has been addressed by the Escalade Developers.

The boundary between Grand Canyon National Park and the Navajo Nation has yet to be settled.

The Proposed Escalade Project Entails Expensive Legal Challenges

There will be legal challenges from various entities (traditional land users, grazing permit holders,

other Tribal Nations, the National Park Service) if the project is approved by the Navajo Nation.

other Tribal Nations, the National Park Service) if the project is approved by the Navajo Nation. There are already existing Navajo Park rules and regulations against the proposed Escalade Project

due to the cultural and ecological values.

The Proposed Escalade Project Implies Economic Debt

The Escalade Partners have requested $65 million from the Navajo Nation for paved roads, wells,

power lines, water lines, police, medical, and other infrastructure. Where will the $65 million come

from? And will it be requested as a loan or as an investment?

power lines, water lines, police, medical, and other infrastructure. Where will the $65 million come from? And will it be requested as a loan or as an investment? In return for their cultural and financial sacrifice, the Navajo Nation will only receive 8% to 18% of

the revenues, at best. The other 82% to 92% will leave the reservation to the outside investors.

the revenues, at best. The other 82% to 92% will leave the reservation to the outside investors. Navajo people will be forbidden to engage in any form of business activity within 15 miles of the

Project and within 2.5 miles of the access road and entrance to the Project.

The Proposed Escalade Project Involves Cultural Desecration and Disrespect Towards the People

It violates the Diné Fundamental Laws and intrudes upon the sacredness of the Grand Canyon, the

Confluence of the Little Colorado River (female) and the Colorado River (male), the living animals,

insects, birds, and plants, & the oral traditions, songs, and prayers (Title 1 N.N.C. §205 §5).

Confluence of the Little Colorado River (female) and the Colorado River (male), the living animals, insects, birds, and plants, & the oral traditions, songs, and prayers (Title 1 N.N.C. §205 §5). It violates our human rights as Indigenous Peoples, denying our Free, Prior and Informed Consent

and our Freedom of Religion.

For these reasons, and many more, the traditional land users, who have not consented to any land

withdrawals and to the overall Project, are prepared to challenge the Proposed Escalade Project in Navajo Courts.