| This is a study of the Navajo experiences with Uranium in the period from the 1940s through 2005. Historically, the United States government and American society actively marginalized the Navajo, and these efforts are evident in their Uranium experience. The Navajo are examined in the context of federal Indian policies, showing how Navajo marginalization progressed. Marginalization continues within the context of the Cold War environment, manifested through the Navajo Uranium experience.; The United States government and mining companies colluded with each other to conceal the dangers Uranium posed. The government had a two-fold interest. First, it wanted to secure a steady domestic supply of Uranium, and it felt that warning Uranium workers of the hazards could create a panic that would result in the loss of the workforce. Further, it wanted an epidemiological testing program to study the long term health effects of radiation. Despite Public Health Service recommendations, the AEC refused to regulate. Further, mining companies wanted to reduce Uranium production costs, and the safety procedures were added expenses.; Navajos began getting sick and sought answers. Workers were exposed in the mines and mills, but also brought radiation back to their families. Soiled clothes were covered with Uranium dust. Children played in the mill tailings. Tailings were also used to construct homes and other buildings. Groundwater was contaminated. Navajo herds grazed from radioactive mine water. Uranium tailings spills, especially the United Nuclear Corporation Church Rock spill in 1979, contaminated groundwater further. Mining companies abandoned mines when they terminated operations, leaving the shafts open. Not only did these abandoned mines pose physical dangers, but they continued to discharge radioactive contaminants. All of these factors adversely affected Navajos' health.; The Navajo conceptualized the Uranium problem as the disruption of balance of the world. They worked toward restoring balance by leading efforts to reclaim abandoned Uranium mines and tailings piles. They also conducted education of their people, especially youths, about the dangers of radiation. They sought government compensation for the ill workers and the families of deceased workers as a form of social and psychological healing. They still are working to restore balance. |
