In recent months, news of increasing uranium prices has sparked concerns from Indigenous communities around the Colorado Plateau. While the industry spins a narrative of green energy independence and economic prosperity, the reality for those living near proposed mines and processing facilities is far more grim.

For me, this reality hits close to home for my friends, family and fellow members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, whose reservation lands sit a few miles to the south of White Mesa Mill, a uranium processing facility with a long and troubled history. The uptick in speculation around uranium mining in the Southwest poses a serious threat to not only the pristine beauty of this sacred landscape like the Dolores River Canyons, but also the health, safety and heritage of the Ute Mountain Ute people.

The dangers of uranium mining are well-documented and cannot be ignored. Exposure to radioactive materials can lead to a host of health problems, including cancer, respiratory illnesses and birth defects. These risks are not just theoretical; they have been disproportionately borne by Indigenous communities across the country and here in the Southwest for decades.

The White Mesa Mill has a history of violating EPA rules from emitting radioactive pollution to improper waste storage. If uranium ore from the Dolores River Canyon Country would presumably be trucked to the White Mesa Mill for processing, this would not only enhance the exposure to the Ute Mountain Ute people, but also exacerbate the ongoing environmental issues plaguing the area.

Land protections, such as national monuments and mineral withdrawals, are one of the only ways we can safeguard the health of people and the land we are intricately connected to. Given outdated laws, like the General Mining Law of 1872, there are hardly any meaningful ways for Tribal communities to oppose these toxic mines and mills that plague our communities. The best way to protect Tribal communities from this injustice, is to permanently protect the land from this toxic legacy itself.

The economic arguments used to justify uranium mining are dubious. The benefits of a few short-term jobs pale in comparison to the potential for long-lasting environmental damage and associated generational health risks. These arguments often neglect the economic potential of a healthy and thriving Indigenous community.

The Dolores River Canyons represent a significant portion of the cultural heritage for the Ute People that serve as a place of spiritual connection, a place to connect with our ancestors’ stories and traditional practices. These lands are not merely scenery; they are the very foundation of the Ute Mountain Ute identity. Increased mining would not just disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem, it would sever the cultural ties that bind my people to part of our ancestral home.

The future of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Indigenous communities across the country, lies in the enduring strength of our cultural heritage. Protecting the Dolores River Canyons is not just about safeguarding the environment; it’s about ensuring that future generations of Indigenous youth can grow up connected to their land, steeped in the traditions of their ancestors. Imagine the richness of a future where Ute children learn about their history by exploring the canyons, not by reading about the environmental devastation wrought by a bygone mining industry.

Let us choose the path that honors the past, protects the present and secures a brighter future for generations to come. Let us choose to leave a legacy of respect and cultural preservation, not one of environmental destruction and broken promises.

Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, and an environmental and social justice advocate.