Diné Hataałii Association opposes air tours over Tséyi’ sacred sites

By Dr. Avery Denny

Editor’s note: Hataałii Avery Denny is president of the Diné Hataałii Association Inc., and a professor at Diné College, where he teaches in the Diné School of Navajo Ceremonial Science. He is ordained in Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí, Naayée’eejí and Tł’éé’jí Hatáál.

The Dine Hataałii Association, Inc. has pledged support to oppose and prevent air tours over sacred sites, specifically in Canyon De Chelly and valleys. These are ceremonial sites and considered sacred; thus, community members strongly oppose any air touring above them.

A declaration was made in December of 2024 prohibiting air tours over these areas. The rationale is that ceremonies are conducted in the area. Ceremonial sites must remain protected from outsiders, including tourists. This is a violation of privacy interference.

Points made: community consensus – broad opposition to air tours over sacred sites; importance of sacredness and secrecy for ceremonial sites; and call for legal protection to enforce the prohibition.

Recommendation: affirmation of the ban on air touring over sacred and ceremonial sites in Canyon de Chelly the home of the Navajo families with their livestock, prayer sites and religious sites; plan to continue advocacy and enforcement of the no-air-tour policy; seek formal legal recognition and protection for these sacred areas. We the community of Del Muerto, Chinle, Black Rock, Tsaile and all local areas on the Navajo Reservation, Arizona.

Cultural sensitivity should be considered and should underscore the preservation of sacred areas. These sacred locations should be respected. Air tours over sacred sites are human rights violations. These are ethical and moral laws that should not be broken.

We respectfully yet sternly demand peace and do not wish to live with noise pollution.

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