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KAYENTA, Ariz., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Balancing reverence for the earth with the need for economic development on tribal lands is the thesis of a newly released film that explores how energy resource development has empowered Native American tribes while fueling growth of the American Southwest.
Set amidst a dramatic backdrop on Arizona's Black Mesa, Miracle on Black Mesa highlights a 30-year partnership between the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe and energy companies that work together to provide a secure, domestic electricity supply for more than 3.5 million families in Arizona, Nevada and California.
"The change on Black Mesa has been tremendous," said Stanley Yazzie, Acting Director for the Navajo Nation Community Development Department and Vice President of the Shonto Chapter, who is featured in the film. "The mining operation has created a lot of change, high employment and economic opportunities for a lot of people ... and largely for the Navajo Nation, because coal resources result in revenue."
Miracle on Black Mesa gives a voice to the people who live and work on Black Mesa. It features a dozen interviews with residents, mine workers and tribal officials.
The film looks at the region's history and early mining activities. It investigates contemporary and controversial issues associated with resource development including land reclamation, water use and exploration of new water supplies for mining and municipal needs.
Produced by Steven Schwartz Communications of New York City and sponsored by Peabody Energy
Coal mining on Black Mesa provides a $2 million weekly economic injection into tribal communities or nearly $2 billion since mining began. The activities also provide 700 jobs on reservation lands where unemployment hovers above 50 percent.
SOURCE: Peabody Energy
Contact: Beth Sutton for Peabody Energy, +1-928-525-3168
Website: http://www.peabodyenergy.com/