The IDA, a nonprofit organization fighting to preserve the night sky, has named the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation the first "Dark Sky Nation.'
Picture Courtesy of Kaibab Paiute Nation

For nearly fifteen years, the International Dark-Sky Association has recognized efforts to preserve dark night skies for the benefit of future generations around the world, but never before has an entire group of ethnically and linguistically related people come together to collectively embrace dark-skies principles.

As a result of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians' work to protect the pristine night skies over its northern Arizona territory, IDA is pleased to announce the designation of the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation as an International Dark Sky Community. The IDA status makes the Kaibab Paiute truly the world's first 'dark sky nation.'

Roland Maldonado, Tribal Chairperson, sees the announcement as a reflection of the values of the tribe. "The Kaibab Paiute reservation is meant to be preserved as our cultural homeland for its natural resources and untouched qualities," he said. "We acknowledge the immense value dark skies bring to our traditions, conservation of wildlife, and to future generations."