The Fight for Our Existence

This episode draws a line from the past to the present. From the mercury contaminated waters of Elem Indian Colony on shores of Clearlake, where I grew up near the Sulphur Bank Mine, to the proposed Resolution Copper mine at Oak Flat.

We talk about what happens with poisoned water, collapsed land, and promises that never benefit the people. Oak Flat isn’t just an Indigenous issue, it’s an environmental crisis that will impact every...

In this episode of Fight for Our Existence, it opens with the recent ICE raids sweeping through the country,

We then honor Apache Independence Day (June 18) with a short reflection on the history and sovereignty of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

Honor Juneteenth.

Finally, we shift to urgent breaking news: the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Oak Flat has been released on June 16th, triggering the 60-day countdown that cou...

The fight for Oak Flat isn’t over. In this episode, I reflect on the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the Apache Stronghold case, share a personal story about my daughter’s ceremony on sacred land, and speak on what’s at stake for my niece Lozen’s future. I also break down recent court rulings, including the May 7th decision to halt the land transfer and the upcoming June 6th federal hearing. This is more than politics, it’s our fai...

In this episode, I sit down with my family, Apache Stronghold members to talk about the recent federal court decision temporarily halting the transfer of Oak Flat (Chi'chil Biłdagoteel) to a multinational mining company.

Joining me are Wendsler Nosie, Theresa Nosie, Vanessa Nosie, Naelyn Pike, and Baase Pike, spiritual leaders, land defenders, and family members who have fought for years at the center of this battle.

We reflect on th...

On May 7, 2025, Apache Stronghold returned to federal court in Phoenix, Arizona, in the ongoing fight to protect Oak Flat—Chi’chil Biłdagoteel—from destruction by Resolution Copper. I was there, alongside my daughter, nieces, and relatives, singing Apache songs and standing in solidarity. This episode brings you the uncut voices from that day: speeches from Nizhoni and Wendsler Nosie before the hearing, and from Vanessa Nosie, atto...

In this episode of Fight 4 Our Existence, we have a powerful conversation with my niece Naelyn Pike, a Chiricahua Apache youth leader and lifelong defender of Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, also known as Oak Flat.

Naelyn shares the spiritual and cultural significance of this sacred site, and why she continues to stand with Apache Stronghold in resistance to Resolution Copper — a foreign mining company attempting to desecrate Apache holy land...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Wendsler Nosie Sr. of Apache Stronghold to discuss the latest developments in the legal battle to protect Oak Flat, known to the Apache as Chi'chil Bildagoteel. Wendsler shares insight into the recent court rulings in Apache Stronghold v. United States, the Forest Service’s plan to republish the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), and the sacred significance of the land under thre...

In this episode of Fight 4 Our Existence, we shed light on an urgent Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) case. We share the story of the missing, the impact on their loved ones, and the ongoing fight for justice. Through firsthand accounts and discussion, we aim to raise awareness, honor the voices of those affected, and highlight the systemic issues contributing to the MMIP crisis.

Thank you to families of Bessie Walker, ...

I had the privilege of sitting down with Morning Star Gali to discuss a variety of pressing Native issues today. We talked about her roots in the Bay Area, the Alcatraz Sunrise Gathering, the fight to protect land and water, and much more. Morning Star is the founder of Indigenous Justice, and you can connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

This introduction is on www.indigenousjustice.org

"Morning Star Gali is a member of the Aj...

Great discussion with my sister Sinetta and Dwight over Native Health, including wellbriety and mental health. Sinetta is a Behavior Counselor and works for Native Health in downtown Phoenix, Az. She just great work with our Native community to help them get on the right path.

Dwight Francisco is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. As a spiritual advisor, he helps to provide cultural and spiritual healing to many of o...

Finally caught up with my Uncle Wendsler for a one on one conversation. My Uncle lives at Oak Flat and travels all over the country speaking on Oak Flat. In this episode, we talk about him growing up on the San Carlos Reservation. We talked about how his life experiences lead him to what he is doing today.

Apache Stronghold website

http://www.apache-stronghold.com

Apache Stronghold - Instagram Page

https://www.instagram.com/prote...

Mount Graham Sacred Run this weekend starting Thursday July 18th at Old San Carlos starting at 4pm. It will continue Friday morning at 4am across from Noline;s Country Store. They will run all the way up to Treasure Park on top of Mount Graham, Runners are needed and there will be food available. Bring you tents and rain clothes.

Vanessa gives an update on the devastating Watch Fire that took place on the San Carlos Reservation....