Earl Tulley

Earl Tulley is a Navajo environmental activist, deeply committed to advocating for environmental justice and the well-being of the Navajo people. Raised in Blue Gap, Arizona, he has spent much of his career focusing on issues affecting the Navajo Nation, including environmental sustainability, housing, and public health.

Earl Tulley - First from left

Education

Earl Tulley’s education began in the dormitory school system, which was a common experience among many Navajo children at the time. Growing up, Tulley’s curiosity about the environment and health issues in his community deepened, particularly as mining companies began operations and later attempted remediation near areas like Blue Gap. Observing the impacts of uranium mining and radiation on his people, Tulley sought answers as to why so many in his community were suffering from illnesses, especially cancer. Driven by a desire to understand the molecular and chemical effects of radiation, he began studying independently, delving into the science of radiation, molecules, and formulas. His quest for answers led him to connect with others in Diné CARE, a grassroots environmental organization, where he found support and encouragement to “go and ask yourself to find the right answers.” Through this work, Tulley has advocated for greater awareness and solutions to address the health crises affecting the Navajo Nation.

Projects

The Navajo community has faced significant challenges rooted in both traditional beliefs and the impact of external developments on their lands and health. Elders, for example, were initially hesitant about scientific research, as it was seen to contradict traditional beliefs in the “Rain Gods.” Historical sites like the Chuska Mountains, where elders would pray, highlight the cultural significance of the land. Yet, the legacy of boarding schools, along with the resilience of generations, has brought the community to its current standing, once thought unattainable. This heritage is captured in the saying, “We are the corn pollen of yesterday’s prayers.” However, the community has suffered as a result of uranium mining, with nuclear testing in Nevada leading to cancer cases and other health issues that some refer to as “collateral damage.” Mines near Blue Gap where Earl was from, including Mine 28, led to cross-contamination in places like Tuba City, impacting water and soil. The depletion of the Colorado River further threatens resources for the tribes it connects, including the Navajo, Hopi, Pueblo, and Southern Paiute. Navajo advocates, such as members of Diné CARE, have sought answers to these environmental challenges, reading independently and consulting resources to understand the molecular impact of radiation and address the suffering in their community.

Tulley was a founding member of Diné CARE, an environmental organization that has worked to preserve Navajo lands from overexploitation, particularly fighting against commercial timber cutting in the Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau. His activism has often balanced environmental concerns with economic realities, particularly in regions where resource extraction provided jobs but also threatened the sustainability of the land​.

In addition to his environmental work, Tulley has been involved in public health initiatives. He was instrumental in the creation of the Na Nihzhoozhi Center, a detoxification facility aimed at helping Navajo people struggling with alcoholism​. His work also extended to advocating against gaming on the Navajo Nation, pushing instead for community-based economic solutions like micro-enterprises​.

Tulley's contributions to both environmental and social causes make him a respected leader within the Navajo community and beyond. His life’s work reflects a dedication to building sustainable futures for indigenous communities by bridging traditional knowledge with modern advocacy​.

Earl Tulley now serves as the Vice Chair of the Chinle Agency Commissioner for the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission, representing fifteen Navajo Nation chapters, including Black Mesa (Kits’iili), Blue Gap-Tachee, Chinle, Forest Lake, Hardrock, Lukachukai, Many Farms, Nazlini, Pinon, Rough Rock/Tse Ch' Izhi, Round Rock, Tsaile-Wheatfields, Tselani-Cottonwood, and Whippoorwill.