Socio-economic and Heath Impacts of Coal Mining and Well-being of Diné Residents within the Peabody Coal Leasehold Area using the Diné Health Model
Project Overview:
The NNR-25.563 study examines how coal mining has impacted the health, well-being, and daily lives of Diné (Navajo) residents living on Black Mesa, particularly within the Forest Lake and Kayenta Chapters. Using the Diné Wellness Model, the project seeks to understand community experience with environmental change while documenting pathways for healing.
Background:
For generations, coal mining activities on Diné lands have altered air, water, land, and lifeways. Community members have raised concerns regarding environmental degradation, health impacts, and the long-term effects of mining operations within the Black Mesa leasehold area. Current standards for addressing the environmental impacts have been identified as insufficient to ensure affected communities are properly compensated for mining-related harms.
Purpose
This study seeks to examine how coal mining has impacted the health, well-being, and daily lives of Diné residents living on Black Mesa, with a particular focus on residents from the Forest Lake and Kayenta Chapters.
Research Questions
- What are the perceived health and socio-economic impacts of coal mining on Diné residents living within the leasehold are?
- How have mining-related changes to land, water, and air impacted community well-being and cultural traditions?
- What traditional and community-based coping strategies have residents used to address these impacts
Study Aims
- Assess Health and socio-economic harms experience by residents
- Identify traditional and community-led coping and healing strategies
Objective
The study will:
- Document the lived experiences of community members affected by environmental issues and degradation.
- Analyze community responses to identify common health concerns and socio-economic challenges.
- Understand and support community-identified pathways for resilience, healing, and advocacy rooted in Diné cultural values.
Community-Based Research Approach
The project uses a community-centered approach that includes:
- Demographic surveys
- Community listening sessions
- Focus groups
- Follow-up interviews
- Community evaluations
Participants must be 18 years or older, identify as Navajo, live on Black Mesa, and have been impacted by coal mining. Recruitment is conducted through community outreach, social media, local chapter engagement, and partnerships with community organizations.
Expected Research Impacts
The study is expected to:
- Generate community-based evidence on environmental and health harms associated with coal mining.
- Document Diné wellness responses to long-term mining impacts.
- Provide a foundation for future policy development, wellness programs, and advocacy efforts.
Community Partnerships
This project is conducted in collaboration with:
- Black Mesa United – Dziłíijiin Bee Ahóta’
- Forest Lake Chapter
- Kayenta Chapter
- Western Navajo Agency Council
The research is grounded in the principles of relationships, respect, responsibility, and reciprocity.
Benefits to Communities
In addition to research activities, the project supports communities through:
- Workshop assistance
- Professional development opportunities
- Participation in environmental justice, facilitation, food systems, and environmental health workshops
- Environmental water and air sampling conducted in collaboration with the Superfund Research Program
- Technical assistance including grant writing support, community planning, and workshop funding.
Sharing Results with Communities
Study findings will be shared with participating communities and partners through:
- Community presentations
- One-page fact sheets
- Newsletters
- Videos
- Audio recordings
- PowerPoint presentations
- Academic publications and conference presentations
The project is committed to ensuring that results are reported back to and remain accessible to the communities involved.
Project Team
Dr. Renee Tsinigine
Post-Doctoral T32 Fellow
Dr. Karletta Chief
Director, Indigenous Resilience Center
Professor of Environmental Science, University of Arizona