Earlier this week, we reported accusations that the stone at the center of the Tenaya Stone Spa may have been obtained in a culturally insensitive and possibly illegal manner. Now, Disney has responded to the original Fodors article.
In an emailed statement to Fodor’s, a Disney spokesperson denied the Tenaya stone came from Yosemite National Park.
Disney responded saying:
“To confirm, the stone was not sourced from the Yosemite National Park. Any suggestion that the stone was obtained in any unlawful way is completely misleading and blatantly false.”
Previously, art director Katrina Mosher (left) told the Disney Parks Blog that the stone comes from Tenaya Lake, which is in Yosemite National Park.
What do you think? Should Disney work to make this right with the Miwuk Nation? Let us know in the comments.
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Now I am curious if they said it wrong and meant that it was not taken like how the article said.
“Should Disney work to make this right with the Miwuk Nation?”
No.
The statement is likely a prepared statement from lawyers. I have my doubts about any corporate messaging that has to go through a filter first.
Tired of anything that has to do with the words “Culturally Insensitive”
Disney’s response begs two questions: If the Tenaya Stone did not come from Yosemite, then where did it come from? And, if it’s not from Yosemite, why would you name it after the legendary Chief Tenaya? Either answer does not make Disney look good. And frankly, Walt would be ashamed of this blatant ripoff of native American culture.
Well either the stone did or did not come from Yosemite – If it did probably Disney should explain fully and transparently how it was obtained and account for their actions. If it did not then they have created a story around a theatrical ‘prop’ for commercial benefit, in which case Fodor were misled into believing the stone had a heritage it did not. Either way Disney Parks have made yet another error of judgement.