The Duck Valley Reservation, which straddles Idaho and Nevada, is grappling with illness, cancer and suspicions of contamination tied to the U.S. government’s use of toxic chemicals decades ago.
Gabe Stern reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Residents on the remote Duck Valley Indian Reservation face widespread illness, possibly linked to past contamination by Agent Orange chemicals and other toxins.
- A 1997 document suggests the U.S. government sprayed dangerous herbicides, but full details remain obscured by redacted federal records.
- Tribal leaders are demanding action, as residents fear inaction will result in more sickness and deaths.
Key quote:
“People are dying. And I don’t know what they’re waiting for.”
— Brian Mason, tribal chairman
Why this matters:
Contamination of Native American lands by hazardous chemicals has left a lasting legacy of illness. Cleanup is needed to prevent more deaths and ensure justice for affected communities.
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