Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Roca Honda Mine

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences
landscape” (Colwell-Chanthaphonh and Ferguson, 2012b). These places are seen as the material
evidence of Zuni’s “spiritual destiny.”
Jicarilla Apache Nation
The Jicarilla Apache refer to Mt. Taylor as dzil nii yedi, or a mountain that grows or flows from
within. Considered the sibling of the Valles Caldera, the mountain plays a role in Jicarilla
ceremonies, is mentioned in songs, and is depicted in ceremonial sand paintings.
The Jicarilla traveled to the mountain, and still do, to collect medicinal plants, minerals and plants
for pigments, and sand for sand paintings used in ceremonies. They have made trips in recent
years to visit culturally significant sites on the mountain’s eastern flanks (Benedict and Hudson,
2008). The Jicarilla support the other tribes’ traditional uses of the mountain, because the Jicarilla
depend on them to provide certain plants needed for medicinal or ceremonial use through trade
(Velarde, personal communication, 2008).
The entire mountain is important to the Jicarilla Apache, not just specific locations. To them, the
mountain is a living being with great power. They pray before visiting because they are concerned
that the mountain will come back to life (Vigil, personal communication, 2008). The mountain
provides guidance to the tribe. The Jicarilla’s connection to the mountain is essential for the
survival of the tribe. Their faith is linked to the earth and sacred places, such as Mt. Taylor, and
the connection must be maintained and remain intact to ensure survival of the people (Monarco,
personal communication, 2008).
Pueblo of Isleta
The Isleta refer to Mt. Taylor as Tuwie-‘ai. Pueblo members do not physically travel to Mt. Taylor
to conduct activities. However, their people traveled through that area historically when traveling
to areas further west, such as the Hopi Mesas. Isleta regards all Puebloan people as part of an
extended community, who emerged on the earth together and then evolved into separate tribes. As
such, they consider it important to support the continued use of the mountain by the other
Pueblos, especially Acoma and Laguna, who Isleta believes were assigned as caretakers of that
area (Benedict and Hudson, 2008).
Pueblo of Jemez
The Jemez regard Mt. Taylor as a living entity. The mountain, which is referred to in songs, is
home of the Twin War Gods, who bring blessings, strength, and power to the people of the
pueblo. The link between Jemez traditional cultural practices and the mountain is strong, and is
ongoing. Activities conducted on Mt. Taylor are conducted according to an established traditional
calendar that varies for each of the 12 religious societies. One such activity is the collection of
plants that are used to make medicine. The activity areas used on the mountain have been used for
a very long time, and cannot simply be changed or moved without directly impacting the
effectiveness or success of the activities being performed. Some areas cannot be changed at all
(Benedict and Hudson, 2008).
Mt. Taylor is the heart, and its springs the lifeline, that provide blessings to the people. The water
is deified and consuming the water “takes in” the spirit. The mountain plays a necessary role in
maintaining the flow of power and harmony between the natural and supernatural realms.
DEIS for Roca Honda Mine, Cibola National Forest 335