WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The reauthorization of RECA is more than an extension of filing deadlines; for thousands of Diné, it’s a crucial fight for their lives.
Since RECA expired on June 7, those affected by uranium mining, including mine workers and “Downwinders” from the Nevada Test Site, have faced uncertainty. RECA has been vital in monetarily compensating individuals for the harm caused by radioactive exposure.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, raised in Red Mesa in Northern Navajo Agency, knows the personal and community toll of radiation. The area, encompassing towns like Aneth, Beclabito, Cove, Lukachakai, Red Valley, Round Rock, Sanostee, Shiprock, TeecNosPos, and Tolikan, contains 229 mines, according to the U.S. EPA.
“This is a fight for life,” President Nygren stated. “For the lives lost and the damage endured from uranium mining and radiation. Our people live with the scars of this legacy. As they march to Washington, I pray for their safety and that Congress will finally grant the justice we need.”
On Sept. 22, these individuals will march from Albuquerque to Capitol Hill to demand RECA’s reauthorization. Their march will culminate in a demonstration on the Capitol lawn.
Supported by over $40,000 in donations from corporate sponsors and grants, the Navajo Nation Washington Office (NNWO) is spearheading this critical effort.
NNWO Director Justin Ahasteen said the Navajo Nation is at the forefront of the fight for radiation victims.
“So many have lost loved ones or are battling severe illnesses like cancer, lung disease and thyroid disorders,” he said. “The Navajo people were disproportionately affected by uranium mining during the Cold War era, yet adequate compensation and healthcare access remain elusive.”
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