Black Mesa Water Coalition

Black Mesa Water Coalition(BMWC) was formed in 2001 by a group of young inter-tribal, inter-ethnic people dedicated to addressing issues of water depletion, natural resource exploitation, and health promotion within Navajo and Hopi communities.

BMWC organizing roots have centered around Peabody Energy, which since 1967 has operated two strip mines on Black Mesa – the Kayenta and Black Mesa mines. Collectively, these mines have constituted the most extensive strip mining operation in the United States.

According to their mission statement, "Black Mesa Water Coalition is dedicated to preserving and protecting Mother Earth and the integrity of Indigenous Peoples’ cultures, with the vision of building sustainable and healthy communities. BMWC strives to empower young people while building sustainable communities."


 * Jihan Gearon - Executive Director

Group Details
Location:Flagstaff, AZ Website: http://www.blackmesawatercoalition.org Contact:(928) 213-5905

Leadership

 * Enei Begaye, Co-Director
 * Wahleah Johns, Co-Director
 * Chelsea Chee, BMWC Campus Climate Challenge Coordinator
 * Nikke Alex, Green Jobs Youth Organizer
 * Gordon Isaacs, Green Jobs Coordinator
 * Gloria Johns, Green Jobs Coordinator

Board of Directors

 * Kelvin Long
 * Roberta Nutlouis
 * Marie Gladue

Advisory Board

 * Candice Lomahaftewa

Related Sourcewatch

 * Grassroots Global Justice
 * Enei Begaye
 * Coal and Native American tribal lands
 * Arizona and coal
 * Just Transition Coalition
 * Capitol Power Plant
 * District of Columbia and coal
 * Wahleah Johns