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October 14, 2003

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Students at the University of Arizona marked Indigenous People’s Day, in solidarity with the San Carlos Apache people, by protesting plans of the university to build telescopes on Mt. Graham, which is considered sacred by the Apache people.

Opponents of the plan — which include several American Indian Tribes, the United Nations and the National Council of Churches — claim that telescope construction disrespects the native traditions of the Apache and harms mountain lands. Mt. Graham’s old growth forests have led to the evolution of 18 rare plant and animal species.

We speak with Rod Coronado who attended the demonstration yesterday. Coronado is a well-known Native American environmental activist who has participated in direct action with the Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front. He spent four and a half years in federal prison after he was convicted of aiding and abetting arson at a Michigan State University research facility. The fire destroyed years of data that was used to benefit the fur industry. He now lives in Tucson area and is involved in environmental and indigenous issues.

• Rod Coronado, Earth First!