The Colorado Plateau has a long history of uranium mining. That history is especially apparent within the Navajo Nation, which has hundreds of abandoned uranium mines. Tailings and raw material from these mines can still be found in the open air within the Navajo Nation. Tribal communities have unique exposure pathways to uranium and other heavy metals. Here, we speak with Dr. Tommy Rock about his work to uncover these exposure pathways and the work he does to engage and empower his community.
Additional Resources:
Uranium Mining and My Family’s Story by Dr. Tommy Rock
Church Rock, America’s Forgotten Nuclear Disaster, Is Still Poisoning Navajo Lands 40 Years Later in Vice
