The National Trust for Historic Preservation joins the nation in mourning the loss of Representative Raúl Grijalva, a tireless champion for the preservation of our shared cultural and natural heritage. As the House of Representatives honors his life and legacy today, we reflect on his remarkable career in public service.

For over two decades in Congress, Representative Grijalva brought a steadfast commitment to protecting the lands, histories, and voices that define our national story. As Chair and longtime member of the House Natural Resources Committee, he was a powerful advocate for public lands, Indigenous communities, and historically underrepresented groups. His leadership helped safeguard treasured places and ensure that the benefits of preservation and conservation reach every corner of the country.

Representative Grijalva played a leading role in protecting some of the most culturally significant places in the American Southwest, including the Grand Canyon and the Great Bend of the Gila. He was a strong supporter of the Antiquities Act and protecting important cultural lands worthy of national monument designation. Grijalva also championed legislative proposals that would designate the Great Bend of the Gila as a National Monument and establish a commission to facilitate co-stewardship by 13 federally recognized Tribes.

The National Trust is grateful to have worked alongside Representative Grijalva on legislative efforts to protect our national heritage, and we will remember him not only as a policymaker, but as a person of great integrity, vision, and heart.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, staff, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life and service.