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The University of Arizona Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy and University Libraries Special Collections would like to invite you to attend a panel discussion that celebrates the opening of the Special Collections exhibit, Trailblazer: Stewart L. Udall’s Environmental Leadership and Legacy.
The exhibit showcases papers, stories, and artifacts that highlight U.S. Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall’s myriad contributions to environmental leadership across the United States.
The Myths of August Revisited: Stewart Udall as a Champion for the Navajo Miners and “Downwinders”—A Panel Discussion
Thursday, September 25, 2025
6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
U of A Modern Languages Building, Rm 350
Free and open to the public.
A reception with light refreshments will follow the panel at Special Collections across the U of A mall from the Modern Languages building. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the Trailblazer exhibit during the reception.
Panelists:
- Tom Udall, former U.S. Senator, New Mexico (2009-2021); U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa (2021-2025); Stewart Udall’s son
- Jonathan Nez, former Vice President (2015-2019) and President (2019-2023) of the Navajo Nation
- Moderator: Steve Hussman, Librarian and Curator for Political Affairs Collections, U of A Libraries Special Collections
America’s development of nuclear power during the Cold War left numerous victims, of which we are continuing to see the health consequences and dangers to untold thousands of unsuspecting people. Stewart Udall championed compensation for the victims of radiation and nuclear fallout.
After departing from public service in the early 1970s, Udall committed his life to rectifying the impact on the Navajo miners and the “Downwinders” who were affected by radioactive contamination from nuclear testing.
The panelists will discuss Stewart Udall’s work in this ongoing legal struggle and why it remains an important topic today.