Multifaith Prayer Circle in Support of the Apache People Protecting Oak Flat

As Buddhist practitioners, we invite you to join us at a perilous moment, in supporting the Western Apache people of southeastern Arizona, who have for centuries remained steadfast in protecting Mother Earth.

You may have heard of Oak Flat, the name in English for sacred high-desert land critical to Apache religion and culture, about 60 miles east of Phoenix. In February 2025 a small group of us, from various Dharma lineages, formed the first Buddhist delegation at the annual Oak Flat Prayer Run and March. This sacred place, the generosity and strength of the Apache people, and the many ceremonies we experienced left a powerful impression. We have been deeply moved to support the Apache in their defense of Oak Flat, and now feel called to accompany them in prayerful presence at a time of potential loss.

In recent years copper was discovered deep under Oak Flat, and transfer of its land to a giant multinational mining enterprise was authorized by a last-minute addition to the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.

Apache Stronghold, an organization of Apaches and Native and non-Native allies, has reached out to faith-community allies, including Mennonite, Episcopal, Franciscan, Jewish and UCC, for support in its struggle to protect their sacred land. And it has sought for years to save Oak Flat through the legal system, as have the San Carlos Apache tribe and a coalition of environmental organizations. Apache Stronghold’s lawsuit, based on religious-freedom grounds, made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. But in late May the Justices announced their decision not to hear the case.

This brings the Western Apache to a critical and vulnerable moment: Barring last-minute developments on the legal front, ownership of the land could be transferred to the mining interests in mid August. Land that has sustained the Apache people and religion for centuries, as well as its plants, animals, and the regional watershed, would be gravely impacted by the mining operation. Oak Flat and surrounding land would collapse into an immense crater. 

Apache Stronghold is reaching out to spiritual allies for support. Attending this online prayer circle is one way to offer support. You need to pre-register to attend the event.  You can register by clicking on this link, and an email will be sent to you with providing the way to attend.