John,

Bears Ears National Monument, a sacred land rich in cultural history and natural beauty, has been a pawn in a disgraceful political game, with protections first granted by President Obama in 2016 and then stripped away by the Trump administration.

Thankfully, the reinstatement of protections under President Biden was a crucial victory. Still, it is not the end of the battle because there are no guarantees that this protection will last.

That’s why the Bears Ears Commission (BEC), representing the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Zuni Tribe, has fought tirelessly to restore and preserve the monument's integrity.

Now, as the BEC collaborates with federal agencies to shape the future management of Bears Ears, they are calling for a transformative approach to establish a model where Tribal wisdom and leadership are at the forefront, guiding the protection of these sacred lands for generations to come.

Help confront and dismantle the barriers to Indigenous sovereignty, stand in solidarity with the Tribal Nations of the Bears Ears Commission, and demand the full recognition of their rights to co-stewardship and protection of Bears Ears National Monument.

The struggle to protect Bears Ears National Monument extends beyond its physical boundaries, it symbolizes the respect and recognition owed to the Tribal Nations whose ancestors have walked these lands for millennia.

The push for tribal co-stewardship is also about creating a more sustainable and respectful model for land management because Indigenous land stewardship practices are based on principles of sustainability, balance, and respect for all living beings.

By incorporating these principles into the management of Bears Ears, we can ensure that this sacred place is protected for future generations.

The bottom line is that this is a fight for the respect of Indigenous heritage and the health of our planet.

The time for tentative steps and half-measures is over. Help push for the immediate establishment of Tribal co-stewardship of Bears Ears National Monument now.

Thank you for joining us in this crucial fight for justice.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund