In 2015, a mine spill sent 3 million gallons of orange acidic wastewater into the San Juan River, and Diné farmers who grew ceremonial corn dropped from 13 to one
A 2015 mine spill contaminated the San Juan River, disrupting Diné life. This disaster severed cultural and spiritual connections to the sacred waterway. Diné activities like farming and gathering plants significantly decreased after the contamination. The spill caused a loss of intergenerational knowledge and traditional practices. Environmental justice requires recognising cultural ties to land for true recovery.
A 2015 mine spill contaminated the San Juan River, disrupting Diné life. This disaster severed cultural and spiritual connections to the sacred waterway. Diné activities like farming and gathering plants significantly decreased after the contamination. The spill caused a loss of intergenerational knowledge and traditional practices. Environmental justice requires recognising cultural ties to land for true recovery.
