North Pima News

The Arizona Archaeological Advisory Commission will cease to exist later this year if no movement is made to extend its life.

The archaeological advisory body, which advises and identifies important tribal sites, is at the center of a dispute between ranchers and Native American tribes.

On Jan. 14, members of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water failed to recommend that it should operate for another three years, putting its existence in peril if no action is taken before the end of this year.

Ranchers argue that the commission held up projects, required them to do more than under federal law, which led to extra expenses.

Rep. Gail Griffin (R-Hereford) did introduce legislation the following day to allow the commission to continue, but only with a one-year extension, according to the Arizona Capitol Times.

Griffin argued that this will give legislators time to look at what changes can be made to look at how the system of historic preservation works, including the failure to keep data in the system of what land has been surveyed for remains or objects in the past, essentially requiring an entirely new survey to be performed for any new projects, the Arizona Capitol Times reported.

Arizona Rep. Myron Tsosie (D-Chinle) then introduced a bill to extend the commission for three years.

Tsosie described the committee vote as an affront to Arizona tribes because of the commission's valuable advisory role in identifying and protecting indigenous antiquities and archaeological sites from destruction.

"This issue of protecting our sacred archaeological sites is vitally important to all indigenous communities in this state," Tsosie said. "This Commission is an essential guiding voice for the State Historic Preservation Officer, providing invaluable insight in the officer’s role to protect sacred indigenous antiquities and archaeological sites from destruction."