Statement from San Juan Citizens Alliance staff:
We are living through a time of unprecedented upheaval, one that leaves us contemplating our role at San Juan Citizens Alliance. First it was our nation’s stumbling response to the coronavirus pandemic and the resultant economic and health devastation, swiftly followed by a national crisis grappling with generations of systemic racism brought to light by Black Lives Matter.
Black Lives Matter has caused us to pause and reflect. We realize we could do better.
We have no tolerance for racism and stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. We want to renew our commitment to empowering local voices, particularly BIPOC voices, and we pledge to work to dismantle systematic racism through environmental action and conservation advocacy.
Watchdogging the dismantling of decades of environmental protections might pale by comparison, but there is a known connection between environmental degradation and racial injustice. Our work protecting the land, air, and water in the San Juan Basin is inherently tied to the communities in our region.
As we persevere with our environmental watchdogging, we also take note of the needs impacting our neighbors, including Compañeros Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center as it supports struggling immigrant families or Four Corners Mutual Aid Network grappling with Covid-19 on the hard hit Navajo Nation. We encourage you to learn more about these organizations and lend a helping hand if you can.
We will use our voice to work towards a stronger and ever more resilient future during this tumultuous time.
