#MyGrandCanyonStory | Whitney Walker
HECHO spoke with Whitney Walker of Maricopa County, Arizona to learn about her personal connection to the Grand Canyon, her favorite memories there, and why she believes the Grand Canyon should be protected from uranium mining.
HECHO: What is your personal connection to the Grand Canyon?
Whitney Walker (WW): My personal connection to the Grand Canyon happened when I relocated here from Virginia. I was all of 23 years old and the first person in my family to not only graduate from college, but the first one to be accepted into law school. I drove across the country by myself, leaving my family 3000 miles behind. I felt brave, but alone. During my first semester, I connected with the group of folks in my section that shared a similar experience. We took a trip up to the Grand Canyon right after our midterms during fall break. That visit was such an amazing and confirming moment where I felt that I could do anything I put my mind to. That at the age of 23, growing up in poverty, I somehow was able to work hard and elevate myself with a supportive community, drive across country and conquer something great. Then here I am in this moment, looking at something that has so much history, and wonder, all that is nature, in its most magnificent form. What lives on at the Grand Canyon is people's experiences and connection to a defining moment in their life. And, here I am, doing something that is setting my life on a new path.
HECHO: Why do you believe that the Grand Canyon should be protected?
WW: I believe the Grand Canyon should be protected because it is, first and foremost, all of who we are. It is part of this earth that we share with one another and with our community. When we think our communities, people thriving, or families and individuals creating unique experiences, we always have to go back to the center of what nature is, which is beauty and formation. We need to not live against what has been graciously given to us but live with it and be committed to love it. This is why I passionately believe we must protect these precious gifts such as the Grand Canyon at all costs.
HECHO: Why do you advocate for the Grand Canyon?
WW: I advocate for the Grand Canyon and the for the protection of public lands to ensure every family and individual has the opportunity to have a unique experience or similar connection to nature as I did. Growing up in Virginia, even though it was full of trees and beautiful landscaping and beaches, my community was not necessarily centered or focused around nature. Since moving here to Arizona, this is something that I have embraced and a part of my everyday life. What I strive for the most is making sure that we continue that tradition here in Arizona and that communities, families, and everyone have that same opportunity. We deserve it and our lands deserve for us to protect them as well.
HECHO: What are your plans for your next visit?
WW: I did have plans to visit the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff. One of my really good friends works for the Grand Canyon and invited my partner and I to visit in April. We had so many things to celebrate, his birthday, us moving in together, and that I qualified to make the November ballot for my election. Of course, we are all living through a pandemic, so we are sheltering in place. After the election in November, if it is safe, we plan to take a visit up North and experience the Grand Canyon together. He grew up being able to take vacations, and one of his bi-yearly family vacations was to the Grand Canyon. This is a memory that we want to experience together and I am really looking forward to that later this year or possibly early next year.
HECHO: What tips would you share for people visiting?
WW: Some tips I would share is to make sure that you are practicing and abiding by all of the regulatory guidelines there and just really taking it in. Really being one with the space and nature. If this is your first time visiting, really connect with the experience and take time to appreciate the beauty that exists in the Grand Canyon. Also, take pictures, but let that not be your focus- you do not want to miss the opportunity and the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Also, go when it is not too warm outside and wear breathable fabrics, remember comfort is key.
HECHO: What are your thoughts about the administration’s policy aiming to open up the Grand Canyon watershed for uranium mining?
WW: I, once again, am an advocate for protecting public lands and the Grand Canyon. My hope is that our elected officials can work together to make sure that we're protecting our environment this includes preventing entities or special interest that erodes or harms our natural resources and our natural environment. Just let it exist. This is why I, among other reasons, am running for office. Our communities can exist in a way that is respectful and mindful of the precious gifts that nature gives us while also meeting the needs of families and individuals. I look forward to the day where we have elected officials, federally, statewide, and locally, who are willing center the nature and manmade impacts in their policy making and uphold the values that protect public lands the Grand Canyon.
HECHO: Could you complete the following sentence: Protecting the Grand Canyon watershed from uranium mining is personal to me because...
WW: Protecting the Grand Canyon watershed from uranium mining is personal to me because I want my generation and my future family linage to have the opportunity to create similar experiences as I did. I want to make sure that the very unique experience of feeling invincible, the feeling that you too can conquer the world, remains for generations to come.
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