Poll shows overwhelming support for monument outside of Grand Canyon National Park

By Ron Dungan
Published: Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - 6:02pm

Arizona Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly recently introduced legislation to create a national monument around Grand Canyon National Park, and the proposal appears to have overwhelming public support.

Map showing the proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.
Grand Canyon Trust
Map showing the proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.

The Grand Canyon Trust says that a poll by Impact Research measured support among Arizona voters on a variety of topics, from a clean water supply to the monument itself.

It showed that 75 percent of respondents favored the proposal, which also has the backing of tribes who live in the region.

Carletta Tilousi, of the Havasupai Tribe, said her people have been concerned about uranium mining in the area and its potential impact on their drinking water.

"I’m very encouraged to see this in my lifetime, and hope that the Biden administration will take steps to finally listen to the voices of residents of Arizona and tribal leaders in this region," Tilousi said. 

Only 12 percent of Arizona voters say they oppose the monument.

Carletta Tilousi
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
Former Havasupai tribal councilwoman Carletta Tilousi.

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