Declare Oak Flats A National Monument

Declare Oak Flats A National Monument
Why this petition matters

Recently the National Defense Authorization Act FY 16 passed in congress. Two days before voting was scheduled a provision was added on page 1,103 of the 1,648 page spending bill. The provision would privatize a Holy place to many Native Americans called Oak Flat Campgrounds. Oak Flat has been were coming of age ceremonies are performed. Apaches have been there "since well before recorded history" and continue to go there and pray. The campground has had special protections since 1955 and this protection was renewed in 1971 by Nixon. Now the land is being given to a private, Australian-British mining company so that they can mine and destroy this sacred land. I urge you Mr. President, please declare it a National Monument and stop this desecration once and for all time.