PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Peshlakai Statement on Devastating Fire at 'Sacred' Grand Canyon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                  

July 15, 2025

 CAMERON, Ariz. – Representative Mae Peshlakai, who represents the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities, released the following statement in response to the devasting Dragon Bravo wildfire that forced evacuations and destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.

"I am in mourning as one of our beautiful Wonders of the World goes up in flames. As Indigenous people, we just don’t just see the Grand Canyon as a place to go and enjoy the scenery, we hold it as one of our sacred sites. We hold it as a healing place to go to be in solitude and be one with the Holy People, a place where we have gathered herbs since time immemorial to be one with the Earth.

The development there -- the lodge, campgrounds and tourist attractions -- provided seasonal jobs for our Navajo people and other surrounding tribal nations. People from all over the world have come to enjoy the beauty of the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. As they travel through our tribal nations, our people make a living selling their crafts in the gift shops and along the roadside stands, which allows us to share our craftmanship and culture with the world.

Thank you to all the brave men and women firefighters who prevented any loss of life. I look forward to working to help our communities heal, restore and rebuild what has been lost."

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