The Navajo nation has an unemployment rate at about 50%. While the tribe is pursuing investment and job opportunities much of the land under consideration for development is contaminated with uranium from over 500 uncapped mines which deters businesses from investing. The companies who abandoned the mines in the 60s + 70s when the price and demand for uranium dropped aren’t legally bound to clean up their sites per mining laws from the 1800s when prospectors were mining for precious minerals.
Concerned with the possibility of accidental contamination by wandering into abandoned mine sites the EPA created a coloring book for grade school kids on the rez. The star is “Gamma Goat” who introduces himself saying “That’s right. I’m named after the most powerful form of radiation given off by uranium, gamma rays. I know how to stay away from areas where radiation may harm me and I’m here to teach you, your friends and family how to be safe too.” Meanwhile, contamination continues to affect the land, water, animals and humans.
jc at coconino center for the arts
thanks to travis iurato for arranging the wall.
jetsonorama 
I always enjoy your posts. The Gamma Goat taught this 68 year old about the uranium dangers facing many people. Thanks once again.
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“Predatory -industrial cannabilsm” operating conditions demand an unsuspecting populace which is uninformed nor possesses the power to control variables that may contribute to their demise psychologically and physically. Powerless and disenfranchised, these people suffer at the expense of a ruling class who willingly know the consequences of public danger while at the same time, propigate the notion that negligence is permissible at all costs to benefit the corporate coffers. To these cannibals, life means nothing to them.
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is that an original quote don? regardless, poignantly deducted.
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So gorgeous!
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