How Cliven Bundy and the Land Rights Movement Impact Native Americans
Cliven Bundy and his land rights movement have sparked significant debate over federal land management and Native American rights. This article delves into the historical and contemporary conflicts surrounding these issues, highlighting the tensions between federal authorities and local land rights activists.
The Recapture Canyon Protest
Recently, Cliven Bundy's children and other militia supporters joined a protest against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Utah's Recapture Canyon. Approximately 40 to 50 individuals rode all-terrain vehicles on a trail closed to motor vehicles, defying federal control over public lands. This protest mirrored the infamous standoff at Bundy's Nevada ranch, where armed supporters clashed with BLM agents.
Protesters argued that federal restrictions on land use infringe on states' and individual rights. However, the closure of certain trails in Recapture Canyon aims to protect ancient Pueblo artifacts and burial sites. Despite the availability of over 2,800 miles of vehicle-friendly trails, the protestors' actions highlight ongoing resentment towards federal land management.
Historical Context and the Sagebrush Rebellion
Federal ownership of public lands dates back to 1785, initially as a revenue source. The BLM, established in 1946, manages activities like fishing, hiking, and mining while preserving cultural and natural heritage. Resistance to federal land management has been particularly strong in western states, where a significant portion of land is federally owned.
The Sagebrush Rebellion of the 1970s marked a significant pushback against federal land designations, with miners, loggers, and ranchers advocating for state or individual control. This movement resurfaced in the 1990s, with Cliven Bundy refusing to pay grazing fees on conservation-designated lands.
Modern Political Involvement
In recent years, politicians have joined the fight for state control over public lands. In 2012, Arizona attempted to pass a referendum for state authority over natural resources, including the Grand Canyon. More recently, political leaders from nine western states met to discuss strategies for reclaiming control from the federal government.
Despite these efforts, the land rights movement faces challenges due to contradictions and inconsistencies. Cliven Bundy's claims of ancestral rights are undermined by historical facts, as the land he occupies has stronger ties to the Western Shoshone Nation.
Impact on Native American Rights
The protest in Recapture Canyon threatens archaeological sites significant to Native American history. The Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance emphasizes the importance of preserving these artifacts, which provide insights into ancient Native American life.
Ironically, some land rights activists use Native American imagery to criticize federal government actions, while simultaneously disregarding Native American rights in their pursuits.
The Broader Debate on Property Rights
While Cliven Bundy's actions and rhetoric are controversial, they raise valid questions about property rights and state control. The debate continues over whether current economic institutions serve the public effectively, with some advocating for reevaluation and civil disobedience against perceived injustices.
The future of this debate remains uncertain, as rational voices seek to influence the discussion on states' rights and public land management. However, any shift in control is unlikely to result in the unrestricted use of public lands envisioned by some activists.
Originally Posted By The Daily Beast