Bahsahwahbee—the “Sacred Water Valley”—is hallowed ground in the heart of the Great Basin.

Bahsahwahbee (locally known as Swamp Cedars) was once a ceremonial and pilgrimage site where thousands of Indigenous Newe Peoples gathered every year. But during the 19th century, this valley became the killing fields as the Newe suffered eleven massacres. Bahsahwahbee is at the heart of the three largest massacres, one being the largest known Indian massacre in US history, which all occurred at times of religious gatherings.  

Bahsahwahbee is singular as a place of religious gathering comparable to the Vatican or the Kumbha Melas, a place of genocide too similar to Auschwitz, and a mass graveyard not unlike Arlington National Cemetery. 

The Newe hold that the sacred grove of Swamp Cedars embodies the spirits of the men, women and children who were killed. Indigenous Peoples from across the Great Basin still go to Bahsahwahbee to visit their ancestors, pray, and hold healing ceremonies. 

Tribal Nations are now calling for these federal public lands to be commemorated and preserved as a National Monument within the National Park System. That is why we are asking you to help.

Root for the Swamp Cedars by sharing your support. Sign the petition today and tell our leaders to designate the Bahsahwahbee National Monument.