About Me
Black Mesa extends into both the Diné (Navajo) and Hopi reservations, in northeastern Arizona. This area has been the center of many environmental and social injustices. The continued destruction of Diné and Hopi traditional homelands is endangering the cultural survival of our people and is largely contributing to the many challenges our youth face.The Black Mesa region of northeastern Arizona is a land of sweeping beauty, deep colors, and thriving cultural roots. This area is the traditional land base and home to both the Navajo and Hopi peoples. The area is full of life, wild sagebrush and grass valleys spread between mesa covered in pinion and juniper trees. Among the range of wildlife are lizards, coyotes, deer, and eagles. Domestic sheep, horses and cattle dot the landscape. However, the earth in this area supports only so much of her creations. The living beings of this land must learn to live within the resource boundaries our Mother Earth has outlines.Water is precious on this land.The high plateaus of the Black Mesa region are describes as a semi-desert environment.On a good year, the area gets, at most, between 7-12 inches of rain. Rain waters recharge underlying groundwater sources (called "aquifers"), the most significant being the Navajo-Aquifer.Groundwater feeds an array of natural springs. The springs are essential to the religious practices of both the Hopi and Navajo people.Navajo and Hopi communities depend on this groundwater for livestock, agriculture, cleaning, and drinking.On this magnificent land, rich with so many beautiful creatures, water really is life.I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
