The tribal drums began beating outside the Capitol at noon. Dozens of activists from the San Carlos Apache tribe were gathered on the West Lawn, flanked by hundreds of supporters, with a clear message for Congress: Our sacred land is not for sale.

For many it was the last stop on a weeks-long cross-country journey to save a stretch of land in southeastern Arizona, revered by the Apache, from a massive mining project. One by one, Apache, Navajo and other tribal representatives took the stage, many of them in ceremonial camp dress. The procession was punctuated by calls to "Warrior up Apache," and "Save Oak Flat!"

"I am not afraid to stand up for who I am," said 16-year-old Naelyn Pike, "because I am Apache, because I believe in the creator, because I want to protect the mother earth."