Federal Changes Could Reshape How Arizona’s Sacred Tribal Sites Are Protected

Arizona’s deep connection to its tribal roots is one of the state’s most valued qualities. It’s surprising and troubling that these important protections are once again at risk.

Navajos – Monument Valley

New Federal Proposal Threatens Arizona’s Tribal Protection

A new federal proposal is facing strong criticism from tribal leaders, preservation groups, and Arizona officials. They warn it could weaken long-standing protections for Native cultural and historic sites nationwide.

Federal officials are looking at changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, this law has shaped how the government reviews projects that affect historic and cultural resources since 1966.

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Major changes could happen quickly. In July 2026, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted to move forward with a major rewrite of the rules for Section 106 reviews. The National Parks Conservation Association says critics believe these changes would greatly limit when federal agencies have to consult tribes and consider the effects on important cultural landscapes.

The government says it wants to speed up approvals for projects like energy infrastructure, transmission lines, mining, roads, border projects, and other federally approved developments. But in doing so, Arizona’s native tribes and their sacred lands could be put at risk.

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What Would Change

Right now, federal agencies have to consult with affected tribes, state officials, and the public before they begin any federally funded, permitted, or approved projects on historic properties.

us a flag on brown rock formation under blue sky during daytime

The proposed changes would limit which sites can be reviewed. Broader cultural landscapes, like mountains, valleys, rivers, and other places that many tribes consider sacred, would no longer be included. The new rules could also mean less tribal consultation and less public involvement.

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What It Means For Arizona Tribes

For Arizona’s tribes, including the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and others, these changes could make it very hard, or even impossible, to protect their landscapes, sacred sites, cultural resources, and traditional gathering areas from development, infrastructure, and industries like mining, energy, and border projects.

Rebecca Noble, Getty Images

According to a press release, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is joining tribal leaders in asking the federal government to withdraw the proposal. They argue it would weaken protections for sacred places and limit tribal voices in decisions about their heritage.

It’s surprising that this issue is still being debated in 2026, but the effort to keep these protections will go on. The result could have long-term effects on some of Arizona's most important cultural sites.