The 100-foot waterfall is known as the “emergence place” from which the Zuni Tribe originated. While the Zuni are now based in New Mexico, they maintain strong ties to the canyon. “Every water source is sacred,” says Kenny Bowekaty, an archaeologist with the Pueblo of Zuni. Trouble in the Canyon: Though mining is banned in the park, the recent decision to re-open Canyon Mine, six miles south of the park, has caused controversy and efforts to thwart the mine.