Six land defenders, known as the “Thacker Pass 6,” are currently facing a legal battle against Lithium Nevada Corporation for protesting the construction of a massive lithium mine on a sacred site of local Indigenous tribes’ ancestral homeland. This David vs. Goliath situation has caught the attention of many, as it highlights the ongoing struggle between corporate interests and the protection of Indigenous rights and the environment.

The Thacker Pass 6 are a group of activists who have been peacefully protesting the proposed lithium mine in Thacker Pass, Nevada since January 2021. The mine, which is set to be one of the largest in the United States, would extract lithium, a key component in the production of electric car batteries. However, the site of the proposed mine is also a sacred site for the Paiute and Shoshone tribes, who have been living on this land for thousands of years.

The Thacker Pass 6, along with many other activists and members of the local Indigenous communities, have been tirelessly fighting against the construction of the mine. They have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the mine, which would involve the destruction of over 17,000 acres of land, including rare plant and animal species. They have also highlighted the violation of Indigenous rights and the desecration of a sacred site.

Despite their peaceful protests, the Thacker Pass 6 have been met with resistance from Lithium Nevada Corporation, who filed a lawsuit against them in February 2021. The lawsuit accuses the activists of trespassing and interfering with the company’s operations. If found guilty, the Thacker Pass 6 could face hefty fines and even jail time.

This legal battle has sparked outrage and support from people all over the world. Many have taken to social media to show their solidarity with the Thacker Pass 6 and to raise awareness about the issue. A petition to drop the charges against the activists has gained over 100,000 signatures, and a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $60,000 to support their legal fees.

The Thacker Pass 6 are not just fighting for their own rights, but for the rights of Indigenous communities everywhere. The construction of the lithium mine is just one example of the ongoing exploitation of Indigenous lands and resources for corporate gain. It is a reminder of the long history of colonization and the continued disregard for Indigenous sovereignty and rights.

The Thacker Pass 6 have also brought attention to the urgent need for sustainable and ethical solutions for the production of renewable energy. While electric cars are seen as a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel vehicles, the extraction of lithium and other minerals for their batteries often comes at a high cost to the environment and local communities.

The Thacker Pass 6 have shown incredible bravery and determination in the face of corporate greed and legal threats. They have become symbols of resistance and hope for many, inspiring others to stand up for what they believe in and fight for a more just and sustainable future.

The legal battle between the Thacker Pass 6 and Lithium Nevada Corporation is far from over, but the support and solidarity they have received have given them strength to continue their fight. Their courage and resilience serve as a reminder that when people come together to protect their land, their rights, and their future, they can achieve great things.

In the words of Max Wilbert, one of the Thacker Pass 6, “We are not just fighting for ourselves, we are fighting for the land, for the water, for the air, for the future generations, for all life on this planet.” Let us stand with the Thacker Pass 6 and all those who are fighting for justice and the protection of our planet. Together, we can make a difference.