Apache group challenges US over sacred Oak Flat site in Arizona

The case of Apache Stronghold v. United States revolves around Oak Flat, a sacred site in Arizona that has been a place of worship for the Apache people for generations. The land is threatened by a 2014 legislative deal that allows Resolution Copper, a mining company owned by foreign entities, to take control and initiate mining operations, which would destroy the site. The Apache argue that this action infringes upon their religious rights, as the site has been federally protected for decades. The legal battle has seen the Apache's request for a full hearing denied by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, prompting them to appeal to the Supreme Court. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is representing Apache Stronghold, emphasizing the importance of the case for religious freedoms. Activists have rallied in Washington, D.C., to support the Apache's cause, highlighting the broader implications for indigenous rights and religious freedoms. Critics of the lower court rulings argue that the destruction of a sacred site should be recognized as a significant burden on the Apache's religious practices. The case raises questions about the interpretation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and its application to indigenous groups. The Supreme Court's decision to hear the case could set a precedent for future claims regarding the protection of sacred lands. The ongoing legal struggle reflects a larger conflict between governmental interests and the rights of indigenous peoples to protect their sacred sites. The outcome of this case could have lasting effects on how religious freedoms are upheld in the context of land use and environmental concerns.