Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition

A new poll commissioned by our friends Grand Canyon Trust finds overwhelming support from Utah voters for Bears Ears National Monument and for Tribes playing a key role in managing their ancestral lands. 📊 Key Findings: 71% of Utah voters support keeping Bears Ears as a National Monument Including 94% of Democrats, 80% of Independents, and 61% of Republicans 89% of Utahns believe Tribes should have a strong role in managing ancestral lands 81% support keeping the landmark collaborative management agreement for Bears Ears in place Support spans across party lines, showing unity for preserving sacred landscapes and honoring Tribal stewardship. Bears Ears is more than a monument—it is a cultural and spiritual legacy, rooted in the ancestral stewardship of Tribal Nations who have cared for this sacred landscape for thousands of years. Together, we’re ensuring these lands remain protected for generations to come.

✨ We are thrilled to share some historic news! ✨ The Bears Ears Resource Management Plan (RMP) has officially been finalized! This landmark achievement marks a transformative step forward for Indigenous-informed land stewardship and collaborative management. After years of meaningful collaboration between the five Tribes of the Bears Ears Commission — Hopi, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute, Zuni, and Ute Indian Tribe of Uintah & Ouray Reservation — and federal partners at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), this plan represents a shared vision for the protection of Bears Ears National Monument. The plan integrates Traditional Knowledge, cultural preservation, ecological integrity, and responsible recreation to safeguard sacred landscapes and resources for future generations. As a model for public land management, it embodies the principles of unity, trust, and shared responsibility. More than a management document, the RMP is a living promise to honor Bears Ears’ sacredness and its non-human relatives, ensuring resilience and healing for generations to come. Together, we are honoring the past, protecting the present, and preserving the future of Bears Ears. Find the Commission's press release here: https://lnkd.in/gyzSyUqv 📸: Tim Peterson #BearsEars #IndigenousStewardship #CollaborativeManagement #ProtectBearsEars

*Update: Please note that the meeting will now take place in the Story Time Room at the library.* Join Us for a Youth-Centered Bears Ears Experience On January 16th, the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition invites you to an exciting youth-centered event led by Community Engagement Coordinator Harrenson Gorman, known for their work in cultural education and community outreach. Dive into captivating insights about the Bears Ears National Monument, participate in engaging hands-on activities, and sample traditional foods prepared by Diné people and local Diné-owned businesses. This special presentation will highlight what makes the Bears Ears landscape sacred to many Indigenous Peoples, offering a unique opportunity for youth to connect with the rich cultural and natural heritage of this extraordinary place. Event Details: When: Thursday, January 16th, 5:00–6:30 PM MDT Where: Story Time Room, 2101 Farmington Ave, Farmington, NM 87401 Who: Open to everyone, with a special focus on youth under 12 Join us for an unforgettable evening of exploration, connection, and celebration of Bears Ears. We can’t wait to see you there!

Exciting News! We’ve launched the Bears Ears Bulletin, the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition’s new blog! This space will share updates, stories, and insights about the vital work of the five Tribes collaboratively managing the Bears Ears National Monument. Discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of this sacred landscape and learn how Traditional Indigenous Knowledge guides the Tribes’ efforts in stewardship, conservation, and cultural preservation. The blog will also help you stay informed about the challenges ahead, including potential impacts on Bears Ears under a second Trump administration. Find our first blog post here: https://lnkd.in/gKU34enD And be sure to follow us for updates when new posts go live! Together, we can honor the land, preserve its stories, and protect Bears Ears for future generations. 📸: Tim Peterson #BearsEars #IndigenousStewardship #TraditionalKnowledge #BearsEarsBulletin

Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the Bears Ears National Monument’s original designation by President Obama. This historic milestone honored the deep Indigenous connections to the Bears Ears region, safeguarded sacred places, and highlighted the strength and leadership of Tribal Nations. It also established the Bears Ears Commission, ushering in a transformative era where Indigenous perspectives inform the stewardship and management of ancestral lands. The legacy of Bears Ears inspires us to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the natural and cultural resources of this extraordinary landscape for future generations. 📸 (c) Tim Peterson

The 100 Years of Silence project is a powerful initiative that seeks to reclaim history and foster healing by telling the story of the 1923 Aniknuche Incarceration from an Indigenous perspective. For too long, this history was misrepresented, but this project is working to ensure the truth is preserved and shared. The 100 Years of Silence project plays a crucial role in educating the public about Ute history and the story of the Indigenous peoples displaced from Bears Ears who continue to maintain their presence on the land and their ancestral connections to it. Through community gatherings, art exhibits at the Edge of Cedars Museum, and active involvement from Tribal members, the project honors the resilience of the Ute people while shedding light on the enduring impacts of cultural loss and land dispossession. We are proud to support this incredible work and uplift the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe as they lead this important effort to tell their stories and inspire healing for future generations.

The winter solstice marks the turning of the seasons, a time for rest, storytelling, and renewal. For many Indigenous communities connected to Bears Ears, and beyond, this season holds profound cultural and spiritual significance. Winter is a time to gather, share ancestral knowledge, and pass down traditions to future generations. Stories hold the power to connect us to the land, to our ancestors, and to each other. Bears Ears, like all sacred landscapes, is itself a storyteller. It holds ancestral structures, ceremonial sites, and cultural belongings that embody the wisdom of countless generations who have honored this sacred place. As we celebrate the solstice and the returning light, let us reflect on the stories that shape us, both the ones we tell and those we work to preserve. Together, we can protect the sacred lands of Bears Ears and the cultural heritage they carry for future generations. 📸: © M. Estrada #WinterSolstice #BearsEars #StorytellingSeason #ProtectSacredLand

This fall, the Coalition made incredible strides in engaging communities, educating future stewards, and strengthening partnerships. From meaningful collaborations to advocating for sacred lands, we’re proud to share the impact of our work in protecting Bears Ears and fostering Indigenous-informed stewardship.  See the following slides as we reflect on these accomplishments and continue building a future rooted in respect, resilience, and collaboration. Thank you - Ahéhee' - Kwakwhay - Askwali - Elahkwa - Tog'oiak' for your continued support!  📸 Photo Credits: Slide 1 (Top): Don James All additional photos: BEITC staff

Yesterday was International Mountain Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the vital role mountains play in sustaining life on Earth. From providing fresh water to hosting rich biodiversity and holding deep-rooted cultural significance, mountains are essential to our planet's health and heritage. This year, we spotlight the mountains connected to the Bears Ears National Monument. These majestic peaks and mesas are not only home to diverse ecosystems but also carry the stories and traditions of the Tribal nations who have cared for this land for centuries. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003, International Mountain Day encourages sustainable development and action to address the challenges mountain ecosystems face, including climate change, habitat loss, and the reduction of cultural landscapes. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the mountains that inspire us—like those in Bears Ears—and commit to protecting these irreplaceable landscapes for future generations. 📸: Tim Peterson #InternationalMountainDay #ProtectBearsEars

Yesterday, Bears Ears Commissioners (BEC) met with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to discuss the Bears Ears Resource Management Plan (Monument Management Plan). We were also honored to meet with Secretary Haaland, who shared powerful words of hope for the Tribal Nations of the Bears Ears Commission and all Indigenous communities fighting to protect their ancestral homelands. Her vision mirrors that of the five Tribes of the BEC, who believe we are entrusted by our ancestors to protect these sacred lands and non-human relatives, and the ecosystems that rely on and inhabit them. The Tribes take their mandate seriously, as outlined in the Obama and Biden Proclamations, to contribute Tribal expertise, including Traditional Indigenous Knowledge (TIK), to ensure the proper care and stewardship of the Bears Ears National Monument. The five Tribes of the BEC remain deeply committed to safeguarding the Bears Ears landscape and sustaining the collaborative management relationship that has been carefully nurtured over the past three years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for generously hosting us during this important gathering.