Apache Stronghold's Wendsler Nosie Targeted: Propane Line Cut

Wendsler Nosie. Video screenshot Censored News

Apache Stronghold's Wendsler Nosie Targeted: Propane Line Cut

By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, Dec. 12, 2025

Watch video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/897452339276212

OAK FLAT -- Apache Stronghold's Wendsler Nosie's propane line was cut to his camper, where he usually sleeps at Oak Flat, protecting the Apache Ceremonial Place from a planned copper mine. 

"I've never bothered anybody," Wendsler said, pointing out that his efforts have been to show what mining is going to do to the environment, our land, our religion, and environmental policies. "It's ugly."

Today: Apache Stronghold at U.S. Supreme Court -- Filing Re-appeal to Protect Oak Flat

Today the Apache Stronghold is in front of the Supreme Court laying down prayers as they file the Re-appeal to Protect Oak Flat and Mother Earth. Let us unite in prayer. Photos courtesy Apache Stronghold.

Wendsler Nosie, Sr., at U.S. Supreme Court today.

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Today at the U.S. Supreme Court. Photo Apache Stronghold

 

"Children in DC yesterday made creative prayers of art to protect Oak Flat. Mother Earth is suffering. We are all suffering. We need re-connection to our Mother, Gods greatest gift to us to heal us. We pray that the Supreme Court will accept the Apache Stronghold petition and then step outside this system of colonization against empire to return to a path of healing to protect our Mother Earth and all people and the generations to come." -- Photo courtesy Steve Pavey

Previously at Censored News: By Apache Stronghold

WASHINGTON -- On June 23, the Apache Stronghold will be filing a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to reconsider its refusal to hear our appeal. As you heard, two Justices voted to hear our case, calling it "vitally important," and criticizing the Ninth Circuit's ruling against us as "highly doubtful as a matter of law." 

Apache Stronghold Run to Federal Court Hearing, Day 1

Apache Stronghold Run to Court Hearing

by Apache Stronghold, Censored News, May 5, 2025

Apache Stronghold Run from Oak Flat to Sandra Day O'Connor Courthouse for District Court hearing on May 7th. Photos of Day 1: Oak Flat to Blessing in Superior to Apache Junction. Today, Monday, the second Day of Run to the court hearing, the run will end at the Tempe Center for the Arts at 6 p.m.

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Feds Charge Ahead with Plan to Destroy Oak Flat

Photo courtesy Apache Stronghold 

Feds Charge Ahead with Plan to Destroy Oak Flat

Supreme Court poised to consider Apache Stronghold’s appeal

By Becket Law, Censored News, April 17, 2025

WASHINGTON – The U.S. government today announced that it is forging ahead with plans to transfer a Native American sacred site to a multinational mining giant in as few as 60 days, despite a federal lawsuit challenging the action as illegal.

In Apache Stronghold v. United States, Apache Stronghold—a coalition of Apaches, other Native peoples, and non-Native allies—sued to stop the federal government from transferring Oak Flat to Resolution Copper, a Chinese-owned mining company that plans to turn the site into a massive mining crater, ending Apache religious practices forever. (Watch this short video to learn more).

Running Now on the Sacred Road: Protecting Oak Flat, February 20 -- 23, 2025

 

On Thursday evening, runners were on their way to the Sports Complex as they make their way to Globe/Miami, on the Sacred Road to Oak Flat

By Apache Stronghold, Censored News

For over a decade, the Apache Stronghold has welcomed people of all spirituality and faith traditions to come pray at Chi'chil Biłdagoteel. To witness the power of Oak Flat is to be on a path of healing and hope for those yet to be born. To stop corporate control of the land is to protect the sacred lifeways. And to be part of a prayerful movement that welcomes people is to resist the isolation that forces of oppression depend on.

Please bring your family and friends to join the 11th Annual Oak Flat March and Run, February 20-22, 2025. Many people have returned year after year to welcome the people who find themselves on the walk for the first time. Supporting the Apache and Indigenous leaders of the fight to protect Oak Flat is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of mending the broken circle.

Be in touch if you have questions about participating and spread the invitation flyer below to your communities.

U.S. Supreme Court Schedules Apache Stronghold's Case for December

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U.S. Supreme Court to Consider Apache Stronghold's Case to Save Oak Flat in December

By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, Nov. 22, 2024

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court will likely consider Apache Stronghold's case on December 6, Apache Stronghold said today. The U.S. government plans to turn Apaches ceremonial place Oak Flat over to an international mining giant to destroy it with a massive copper mine that would poison the land and water.

Apache Stronghold Asks Supreme Court to Save Oak Flat

Dr. Wendsler Nosie, Apache Stronghold, at Supreme Court.

Apache Stronghold Asks Supreme Court to Save Oak Flat

By Becket Law, Censored News, Sept. 11, 2024

WASHINGTON – A coalition of Western Apaches, other Native peoples, and non-Native allies asked the Supreme Court today to protect their sacred site at Oak Flat from destruction by a multinational mining giant. In Apache Stronghold v. United States, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stop the federal government from transferring Oak Flat to Resolution Copper, a foreign-owned mining company that plans to turn the site into a massive mining crater, ending Apache religious practices forever (Watch this short video to learn more). The Apaches and their allies hosted a day of prayer outside the Court as they asked the Justices to save the spiritual lifeblood of their people.

Apache Stronghold at U.S. Supreme Court to Protect Oak Flat

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Now at U.S. Supreme Court. Photo courtesy Gary McKinney, Shoshone Paiute

Speaking now at the rally outside the Supreme Court, Gary McKinney, Shoshone Paiute, said, "Within your communities, activate your communities, your peers, your relatives, bring them to the circle, normalize this," McKinney said, urging action by local governments. "Put them to work, please."

"Take these necessary steps to ensure that our Seven Generations have a chance at clean air and clean water, and to learn our culture and traditions and to keep those alive and well." Standing with a banner of "Life Over Lithium," and standing with the struggle against the lithium mining now ongoing at the Paiute Massacre Site, Peehee Mu'huh, in northern Nevada, McKinney urged staying in prayer today and throughout our lives. "We are with you in solidarity, there are many more like us all around the world, no matter what religion, religious denomination, you belong to, this is our thought for Mother Earth, and those things that help us, those medicines, the sage, the cedar, the water, the land." -- Censored News

Apache Stronghold plans to file case to protect Oak Flat from a devastating copper mine, today, at the U.S. Supreme Court

By Apache Stronghold, Censored News, Sept. 11, 2024

WASHINGTON -- The Apache Stronghold has arrived in Washington, DC after two months following in the footsteps of the Spirit from the West on this Journey of Prayer to deliver their appeal to the Supreme Court to protect their religion, their sacred land, but also to protect all of humanity’s spirituality and the earth that is Mother to us all whether we recognize it or not. Dr. Wendsler Nosie, Sr. once told me that to really know how to fight for justice you must go to the places that are suffering to listen and learn. Mother Earth is crying everywhere, not just at Oak Flat, if you have ears to listen and eyes to see. And these cries of Mother Earth are at the same connected to the cries of the oppressed.

Apache Stronghold at Peehee Mu'huh: Locked Gates for People of Prayer

Dr. Wendsler Nosie, Sr., at Peehee Mu'huh

Apache Stronghold at Peehee Mu'huh

Locked Gates for People of Prayer

On the Journey to the Supreme Court

By Apache Stronghold, Censored News, August 8, 2024

Apache Stronghold visited Peehee Mu’huh (Thacker Pass), the second stop on the Prayer Journey to the Supreme Court to Stop the Shattering of Human Existence and Protect Mother Earth.

We visited with the People of Red Mountain, who are fighting a lithium mine that is destroying their sacred site. When we arrived at the entrance to Peehee Mu’huh, we found a chain link wall with a locked gate, blocking everyone except those authorized by the mine.

New Film! Apache Stronghold Protecting Oak Flat from Copper Mine

Wendsler Nosie photo by Brandi Morin

The Apache stronghold standing in the way of a copper mine that would desecrate a sacred site

By Ricochet Media

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZucwkizByk

In the heart of the Arizona high desert lies a battle for the soul of the land. The ancient, sacred grounds of Apache Native territory are under threat from a looming giant — a massive copper mine that promises riches for the locals, and a pathway to the so-called green transition. But, as is often the case, it comes at a cost. 

College Withdraws Honorary Degree Due to Vatican Desecration of Mount Graham

Running to protect sacred Mount Graham. Photo courtesy Apache Stronghold.

College Withdraws Honorary Degree Due to Vatican Desecration of Mount Graham

By Brenda Norrell

Censored News

March 28, 2023

SUNY Geneseo College bulletin said today that a planned honorary degree has been withdrawn for a Vatican scientist because the Vatican is responsible for the telescope long opposed by Apaches on sacred Mount Graham.

SUNY Geneseo College, in upstate New York, said in its morning bulletin that it will not confer an honorary degree on Vatican astronomer Brother Guy Consolmagno. Previously, the college said it would present him with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. 

Indian Country Welcomes Apache Stronghold Convoy Headed to Federal Court

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Apache Stronghold Convoy

OAK FLAT: Biden's Justice Dept opposes friends of the court filing of Apache Elder, NCAI, and Grandmothers

                                            White Mountain Apache Elder Ramon Riley

OAK FLAT: Biden's Justice Dept opposes friends of the court filing of Apache Elder, NCAI, Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers and MICA Group

By Brenda Norrell

Censored News

The National Congress of American Indians, International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, White Mountain Apache Elder Ramon Riley and MICA Group have filed a friend of the court brief to protect the Apache ceremonial place of Oak Flat from copper mining.

Biden's Justice Department is opposing this friends of the court brief.

It is wrong "to destroy sacred land that made us who we are," states Riley, in the court filing. He is White Mountain's cultural resource director and representative for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Apache Stronghold Spiritual Journey -- The Myth of Santa Fe

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By Steve Pavey
Censored News

Apache Spiritual Stronghold stops at the plaza in Sante Fe to talk and pray. This monument to “the heroes who have fallen in the various battles with (Savages - which has been scratched off) Indians ...” stands in the middle.
As a part of the Poor Peoples Campaign this sacred journey is for healing to confront the deception of the birth of America - its first chapter that is far too often ignored. 

Apache Stronghold Sacred Journey in Shiprock

Apache Stronghold Sacred Journey Caravan was in Shiprock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation with Shiprock Chapter President Chili Yazzie on Thursday.


By Steve Pavey
Censored News

Apache Stronghold Sacred Journey Caravan was in Shiprock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation with Shiprock Chapter President Chili Yazzie on Thursday.
Chili prayed for us and our sacred journey and then provided us with medicine to be prepared for powerful adversaries along the way.
He reminded us that the most important thing we must struggle to protect is the Mother Earth. He said about the importance of our journey — “The body of the earth is our body ... when they hurt and separate the earth, it is separating us.” Our sacred journey seeks to reconnect and heal the earth and all of our connections.

Apache Stronghold Sacred Journey at Bears Ears

Photos and article by Steve Pavey

Apache Stronghold Sacred Journey

Censored News

BEARS EARS, Utah -- “We’ve all been touched by colonization,” says Apache spiritual leader Wendsler Nosie, Sr. The difference between us native Indians and the rest of those living in the U.S. is that we still have one foot outside the system of the colonizer through our history, religion, stories, ceremonies, and prayers.

If the Poor People’s Campaign is to have any hope of creating a National Revival with a new moral narrative, it must listen first and foremost to our native spiritual leaders. This is why in part the Stronghold Sacred Journey is making its way to DC. We must listen closely and learn from our Native brothers and sisters about the 1st Chapter of America’s history and acknowledge the lies and delusions we tell ourselves about who we think we are. We have been deceived. We do not know who we are. This nations political-economic values & system have from its beginning dehumanized us all and desecrated Mother Earth and all that is sacred.
We were told by our Diné host, Eric Descheenie, that Bears Ears has always been a place for healing, for reconciliation, for reconnecting what’s broken. We had ceremony and prayers for healing this nation. As a white man with European roots present in this circle of healing, I recognize that for this reconciliation to happen we must be willing to embrace suffering, let go of the power we hold, and tell the truth about how we embody the colonizers system of values.
It is disguised all too often in our naive efforts to still wield its power for good as allies. It will be a temptation for those of us in the Poor Peoples Campaign to make poverty into our enemy and jump to political solutions. But it requires spiritual ones which will then have political impacts. And as the originator of the first Poor Peoples Campaign, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "This revolution of values requires us to see the enemy in the evils of materialism, racism and militarism that founded this country." Our native brothers and sisters who are leading this sacred journey will not only help us see these evils more clearly, but will show us how to pray and become human again.


Copyright Steve Pavey, no portion may be used without permission.

Ariz Rep Gosar calls cops on Apache grandmothers

Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar called the cops and had Apache Stronghold grandmothers escorted out of the building by Capitol Police. There's nothing like a trembling white man to make Geronimo proud. -- Brenda Norrell, Censored News

By Apache Stronghold
Censored News

Yesterday afternoon, following the successful completion of Apache Stronghold (www.Apache-Stronghold.com) "Caravan to D.C." And their "Save the Oak Flat Act Rally" on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, some Apache Stronghold members – mostly grandmothers and young women – went to visit their Arizona representatives in Congress and talk with them about the Apaches national stand in defense of their sacred place known today as Oak Flat. Oak Flat was named earlier this year as one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Among those that the Apache Stronghold contingent visited was Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ, 4th Dist.). The purpose of their visit was to address a "Dear Colleague" letter that Rep. Paul Gosar recently sent out to fellow House members regarding the "Save Oak Flat Act" introduced by Rep. Raul Grijalva, with 17 bi partisan co-sponsors. In his letter, Rep. Gosar insulted the Apaches and called them "liars."

Mrs. Vonda Cassadore of Bylas, Arizona, requested that Rep. Gosar come out of his back office briefly so that Mrs. Cassadore could ask him some questions about his "Dear Colleague" letter.

Rather than speak with Mrs. Cassadore and the other ladies and Apache Stronghold members with her, Rep. Gosar responded by hiding behind a locked door and calling the Capitol Police, threatening to have Mrs. Cassadore and her friends immediately arrested. Rep. Gosar had the police escort Mrs. Cassadore and her Apache Stronghold associates and friends entirely out of the Cannon Office Building. Mrs. Cassadore stated that, "we'll remember this when Election Day comes around. Sacred land means more than money."

"Rep. Gosar has a record of intolerance and saying vicious things against Native Americans, but his behavior has now become stranger than ever," said Apache Stronghold spokesperson Wendsler Nosie, Sr. "There is no excuse for his mistreatment of the Apache grandmothers and young ladies who came to his office. Cowering behind a locked door, refusing to come out, and then calling a squad of policemen to sweep those gentle ladies away is just terrible. Rep. Gosar should apologize for that, as well as for his strange and insulting 'Dear Colleague' letter."

CONTACT:
Wendsler Nosie, Sr., Spokesperson, Apache Stronghold
apache.stronghold@gmail.com

Read article: Rep. Gosar threatens Apache with arrest

http://www.apache-stronghold.com/

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Apache Stronghold Visits Carlisle: Children Who Never Came Home

Chiricahua Apache Children were Prisoners of War at Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania

Apache Stronghold

Censored News

"We need to know our history, where we have been will guide us to where we are going. " Wendsler Nosie Sr.

The Apache Stronghold visited our relatives who never made it back home. It was a real emotional experience for all of us. The Chiricahua Apache children who were there did not arrive as students like other tribes, but arrived as Prisoners of War.

"Carlisle was a heavy place to visit due to the boarding school history. We were fortunate to have amazing people taking care of us along the way." Wendsler Nosie, Apache Stronghold." Wendsler Nosie, Apache Stronghold.

Also see: 

Apache Stronghold Schedule for New York and DC, San Carlos Apache Nation Statement:

http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2015/07/gathering-power-apache-stronghold.html

Censored News: The Children Who Never Came Home, Carlisle: 

http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2009/09/carlisle-children-who-never-came-home.html

At Narco News and Google News, by Brenda Norrell:

Apache Stronghold Convoy visits graves of children who never came home

http://narcosphere.narconews.com/notebook/brenda-norrell/2015/07/apache-stronghold-convoy-visits-graves-children-who-never-came-home

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Gathering Power: Apache Stronghold Convoy Nears DC

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THE SAN CARLOS APACHE TRIBE

San Carlos Avenue

P.O. Box 0

San Carlos Arizona 85550

(928) 475-2361

Fax (928) 475-2567

      Terry Rambler                                                                                                                                                                    Tao Etpison

     Tribal Chairman                                                                                                                                                              Tribal Vice-Chairman

Apache Stronghold’s Spiritual Journey to the Nation’s Capitol

          SAN CARLOS, Ariz. – A group of spiritual runners who are members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, some from the Navajo Nation and others from other various Indigenous Peoples, began their journey from Dzil Ncha Si An (Mount Graham) on Sunday, July 5 and arrived on Monday, July 6, at Chi’Chil’Bilda’Goteel (Oak Flat) on ancestral Apache land deemed holy and sacred to the San Carlos Apaches and surrounding tribes.

          Earlier on February 5, a spiritual march also began from the San Carlos Apache tribal headquarters to Oak Flat where occupation continues today.

          The spiritual journey of the Apache Stronghold caravan led by Wendsler Nosie, Sr., former Tribal Chairman and now the Peridot District Council for the San Carlos Apache Tribe, first stopped at the Gila River and Salt River Indian communities for spiritual prayers.   On the Navajo Nation, they met with spiritual leaders.  After stopping at the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in Dulce, NM, members of the Tribal Council unanimously passed a Tribal Resolution in support of the H.R. 2811, a bill introduced by AZ Representative, Raul Grijalva to stop the implementation of Section 3003 of the National Defense Authorization Act which was passed last December 2014, that allows federal land at Oak Flat to be given to a foreign mining giant, Resolution Copper Company-Rio Tinto-BHP to construct a billion dollar mine while promising jobs. 

          Over 560 tribes passed a resolution at the last National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) convention earlier this month supporting H.R. 2811.

          Stops have been made in Denver, CO, where Neil Young offered the pre-opening show to the Apache Stronghold.  Other spiritual prayers were also provided by members of the Sioux Nations in South Dakota when stops were made at the Crazy Horse Memorial and at Wounded Knee.  Radio, TV and newspaper interviews followed in various cities.  The convoy continued into Minneapolis, MINN and Chicago, ILL and were graciously greeted by those in support of the repeal of the land exchange.

          The convoy will continue to a press event at the Harrisburg State Capitol and then to New York City to appear on Good Morning America and a flash bomb at the Times Square.

          After traveling through Philadelphia, PA, the Apache Stronghold will arrive in Washington, D.C. onMonday, July 20 and prepare for the two-day spiritual gathering at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 where tribal leaders and Rep. Grijalva and other members of the House and Senate will join the Apache Stronghold.

          “If the U.S. is giving away federal land to a foreign company to build a mine that will desecrate our holy and sacred land, then just give it back to us and we will take care of it as we have been since time immemorial,” said tribal elder Audrey Johnson in her native San Carlos Apache language.

          For more information, contact the Apache Stronghold at (928) 200-4401, Councilman Wendsler Nosie, Sr., (928) 200-5045, Chairman Terry Rambler (928) 812-0373, Vice-Chairman Tao Etpison (928) 812-4089, Tribal Archaeologist (928) 961-3380 or Administration Staff Member Sandra Rambler at (928) 951-6939.

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Apache Stronghold Rally Tucson June 30, 2015

Apache Stronghold Rally in Tucson June 30 

Caravan to Washington, D.C. Begins July 5 with Mount Graham Sacred Run

By Indigenous Alliance Without Borders

Censored News

Tucson, AZ – Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at 7 pm, Apache Stronghold will hold a rally to support the efforts to protect Oak Flat, a sacred Apache site located on the Tonto National Forest which is threatened by a proposed copper mine. Apache Stronghold will begin a caravan to Washington D.C. the following week and will rally in the Nation’s capitol to ask the U.S. government and the public to support the Save Oak Flat Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Raul Grijalva in mid-June.

 The rally is sponsored by Indigenous Alliance Without Borders and Tucson Supports Oak Flat to promote Apache Stronghold in their effort to restore this land to the people. Donations for the caravan will be accepted and information about how to get involved in this historic movement will be available.

 Oak Flat, or Chi’chil Bildagoteel, has been protected from mining since 1955, when President Eisenhower recognized the importance of this site and used an Executive Order to permanently protect the cultural and natural resources for future generations. Senator John McCain, Senator Jeff Flake, Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, and Congressman Paul Gosar used late-night political maneuvering to trade away this sacred land to a foreign mining company by attaching the land swap to a must-pass defense spending bill in December of last year.

“Once again the U.S. government has turned its back on promises made to Indian people. We are left with no choice but to take our fight to this nation’s capital” said Jose Matus, Director of Indigenous Alliance Without Borders, adding “We need to show our elected officials that the people of Arizona want sacred tribal sites protected and to let Congress know they cannot get away with giving away public lands to corporations. If Oak Flat can be traded away to a mining giant, no sacred site is safe.”

 Support for Apache Stronghold and Oak Flat has been growing steadily since February 2015, when members of the San Carlos Apache tribe began an encampment at Oak Flat to protect the site. Mainstream media has taken note with articles appearing in the New York Times, and on MSNBC. Thousands of people have signed petitions to repeal the land exchange or have the site nominated as a National Monument. Recently, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Oak Flat as one of America’s 11 most endangered historic places.

 The rally will include music and members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe will be available for interviews.

What: Repeal the Oak Flat Land Exchange Rally and Fundraiser

When: Tuesday, June 30, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Global Justice Center, 225 E. 26^th Street

Why: Rally support for Apache Stronghold caravan to Washington, D.C. and generate support for the Save Oak Flat Act.