0n December 21, 2023, I issued a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Aeronautics and Space. I expressed my objections about a scheduled Jan. 8, 2024, space launch to the moon by United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket that will launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will carry the Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander and the Celestis and Elysium memorial payloads which contain human remains.
The sacredness of the moon is deeply embedded in the spirituality and heritage of many Indigenous cultures, including our own. The placement of human remains on the moon is a profound desecration of this celestial body revered by our people. This act disregards past agreements and promises of respect and consultation between NASA and the Navajo Nation, notably following the Lunar Prospector mission in 1998.
The Biden Administration’s Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Indigenous Sacred Sites, both of which emphasize the importance of consultation on matters that affect tribal nations, have not been adhered to in this instance. The recent Best Practices Guide for Federal Agencies, which includes provisions regarding sacred celestial bodies, has similarly been overlooked.
In light of this, I have continuously followed up urging for the immediate postponement of the launch and the commencement of consultations to address the matter. I stand by the position that both NASA and the USDOT should have conducted consultations with Indigenous tribes before contracting with or issuing payload certificates for missions that involve the transport of human remains to the moon.
Today, NASA held a pre-launch briefing. Dr. Joel Kearns and Program Manager Chris Culbert made several statements that essentially indicate that NASA is not in a position to do anything.
While I acknowledge the excitement and progress associated with the first commercial lunar payload services flight, the Navajo Nation holds profound concerns regarding the lack of oversight and regulation of non-NASA commercial payloads, particularly when such payloads include human remains. As stewards of our culture and traditions, it is our responsibility to voice our grievances when actions are taken that could desecrate sacred spaces and disregard deeply held cultural beliefs.
The Navajo Nation is not opposed to scientific progress or space exploration. Our request for consultation is rooted in a desire to ensure that our cultural practices, especially those related to the moon and the treatment of the deceased, are respected. The moon holds a sacred place in Navajo cosmology. The suggestion of transforming it into a resting place for human remains is deeply disturbing and unacceptable to our people and many other tribal nations.
We are concerned that the message from NASA implies a disconnection between the agency and the commercial entities it works with. It suggests that NASA does not bear responsibility for the actions of these entities. However, we believe that both government and private sector activities in space should be conducted in a manner that respects the cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of all communities, including Indigenous nations.
The lack of immediate action and clarity from NASA and the U.S. government, following our request for consultation, does not align with the commitments made to honor and respect tribal sacred sites and practices.
These commitments, reinforced by Memorandums of Understanding and Executive Orders, should not be mere formalities but must be upheld in practice.
The Navajo Nation insists on meaningful consultation and dialogue to address the non-NASA missions that impact our cultural and spiritual beliefs. We urge NASA and the relevant government agencies to engage with us in a spirit of cooperation and respect for our traditions and the sanctity of the moon in Navajo culture.
We stand firm in our position: the moon is not a place for human remains. We call upon NASA to act accordingly and to work with us to protect our sacred sites and cultural heritage, not just on Earth, but in all realms that our traditions hold dear.
On January 5, 2024, I will meet with the White House, USDOT, and NASA. I call upon our Navajo people to pray for a positive outcome and pray that our sacred moon is protected. I call upon our tribal nations to also voice opposition and to stand in unity with us as we hold on to our cultural identities and sacred practices.