Indigenous communities

Authorities are investigating vandalism at a petroglyph site near Moab, where ancient rock art was defaced, prompting reminders to visit cultural sites respectfully.

Utah lawmakers are advancing a plan to expand mining and processing of critical minerals used in technologies like semiconductors and energy systems. The strategy includes a proposed national research center and comes as operations continue at the White Mesa Mill, a site that has also drawn environmental protests.

Leaders from the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs urging approval of the Northern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement. The agreement would resolve long-standing water claims and fund infrastructure to deliver reliable water to communities across northern Arizona.

Supporters say it would protect transgender kids and others, but Democratic sponsors removed a key provision after Gov. Polis signaled he would veto the measure.

Kino Benally’s unique ability to capture sounds from the environment and orchestrate them into music—whether for film or for dancing—has earned him widespread admiration.

The Velvet-Wood Mine is located southeast of Moab and just miles from the Colorado state line. It hasn't been operational since the 1980s, but it's now become part of the Trump administration's efforts to ramp up mineral extraction and energy production.

This week on Regional Roundup: A new study questions the push to build housing on public lands, Western Colorado groups tackle water conservation and horse rescue, and a Navajo community gains running water for the first time.

Dr. Heather Shotton, a citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, Kiowa, and Cheyenne, has been named the first Indigenous president of Fort Lewis College, bringing over 20 years of higher education experience.

Following a statement of “strong disappointment” from the Navajo Nation Council, the U.S. Department of Defense is reportedly planning to restore information about Navajo Code Talkers it has deleted from some websites.

The proposal has broad legislative support, but is dividing the Indigenous community.