Catch up on our mid-year progress, including public comment highlights, and our Conservation Corps success. Stay informed and engaged! .

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Welcome to the mid-year recap edition of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition (BEITC) Newsletter! We're thrilled to bring you updates on the critical work being done to protect and conserve the Bears Ears National Monument (BENM). Stay tuned as we cover the recent 90-day public comment period and community outreach efforts, highlight the successful Bears Ears Conservation Corps camping trip, report on the ongoing meetings between Tribal leaders and federal agencies, introduce our new interns, and spotlight op-eds from our Tribal leaders.
Image of the Bears Ears Buttes taken from the meadow.

Here’s a snapshot of our activities so far this year:
* Hosted 7 information booths/tabling events
* Conducted 7 presentations on the draft Resource Management Plan (RMP)
* Held 3 community webinars on the draft RMP
* Screened 2 virtual public meetings
* Facilitated 24 virtual meetings with Tribal Leaders from the BEITC and Bears Ears Commission (BEC)
* Engaged in 17 meetings with federal land planning authorities (both in-person and virtual)
* Delivered 12 speaking engagements, including a training session for DOI officials
* Covered in 9 news pieces showcasing the BEC’s work on the Draft RMP and the management of the BENM

90-Day Public Comment Period and Community Outreach

On March 8, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) released the draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Bears Ears National Monument. This release initiated a 90-day public comment period, during which the five Tribes of the Bears Ears Commission (BEC) expressed support for Alternative E of the draft plan. Alternative E aligns closely with Traditional Indigenous Knowledge (TIK) and the Tribes’ management recommendations, making it the preferred alternative for the BEC, BLM, and USFS.

The public comment period concluded on June 11, 2024. This period was essential for gathering feedback from the public, stakeholders, and various communities invested in the future of this sacred landscape. The Coalition’s community outreach ensured that the Tribes’ work was communicated broadly, and that community voices were heard by federal land planning agencies. Public meetings were held in various locations across the Coalition Tribes’ communities–– including local schools, community centers, and Tribal offices–– as well as at the Gathering of Nations and the Salt Lake City Patagonia outlet. These sessions allowed community members to learn about the draft RMP, ask questions, dialogue with Tribal Leaders and BEITC staff, and share their perspectives.

Additionally, information sessions were organized to educate the public about the significance of the draft RMP and the role of TIK in managing Bears Ears. Engagement with local and national audiences was further amplified through social media campaigns, radio advertisements, op-eds authored by Tribal leaders, and through the voices of Indigenous influencers.

The feedback received during this period highlighted strong support for collaborative management and the incorporation of TIK. Many comments emphasized the need to preserve cultural and natural resources while ensuring sustainable access for future generations. The overwhelming support for Alternative E underscores the Bears Ears community's commitment to protecting Bears Ears.

Thank you to the Bears Ears community for submitting over 20,000 public comments, sharing our content, and supporting the collaborative management of the Bears Ears National Monument.

Bears Ears Conservation Corps 2024

One of our organizational priorities is to foster intergenerational learning and Indigenous-led land stewardship. To this end, the Coalition hosted our third Bears Ears Conservation Corps, a seven-day immersive camping trip from June 30 to July 6 near the Kigalia Guard Station in Bears Ears National Monument. This event brought together Tribal elders and youth (16+) to engage in hands-on activities that highlighted both conservation and traditional practices.

Participants enjoyed a variety of activities, including workshops on hide tanning, plant identification walks, and a rafting trip to experience some cultural sites. The trip included visits to various culturally significant locations, with participants camping under the magnificent dark skies of the Bears Ears region.

The camping trip was a resounding success, providing a unique opportunity for participants to connect with the land, learn from each other, and strengthen their cultural ties. In total, there were 15 participants from the Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo nations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jay Begay (Diné) for teaching traditional hide tanning, to Max Taylor (Hopi) for sharing his extensive knowledge of ethnobotany, and to Ancient Wayves for facilitating the rafting trip. We also want to express our gratitude to our collaborative management partners at the BLM and the USFS for their ongoing support.

Tribal Leaders Meetings with Agencies

In the past few months, Tribal leaders from the Bears Ears Commission have met with representatives from the BLM and the USFS to discuss the management of Bears Ears National Monument. These meetings are a critical component of the collaborative management model, ensuring that Tribal perspectives and TIK are integral and informative to decision-making processes.

Key topics discussed during these meetings include specific management actions, conservation approaches, and the protection of sacred places within Bears Ears.

The collaboration between Tribal leaders and federal agencies has been productive, with several in-person meetings and bi-weekly virtual calls to ensure continuous dialogue. The BLM and USFS have recognized the importance of protecting and preserving traditional uses that are part of the Tribal Nations' way of life on this sacred landscape since time immemorial.
Learn more about the Bears Ears Commission ([link removed])

New Interns

We are excited to welcome our new interns to the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition! These talented individuals will be contributing to various aspects of our work, from community outreach to communications and operations:
* Erica Begay is an Intern supporting the Coalition’s communications team. She is an enrolled member of the Diné (Navajo) tribe and is originally from Thoreau (Dlǫ́ʼí Yázhí), NM. Erica comes from the Salt People Clan (Áshįįhí) born for the Giant People of the Red Running into the Water Clan (Yé’ii dine’é Táchii’nii). She currently resides in Albuquerque, NM, where she is currently attending Central New Mexico Community College and will soon graduate with a degree in Digital Media. Erica enrolled in the Digital Media program to improve her technical skills, aiming to develop learning tools that teach the Diné language and support language preservation.
* Skye Reyes is an Operations Intern with a diverse background in hospitality, operations, fulfillment, merchandising, memory care, and landscaping. They are currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Planning and Design at Central New Mexico Community College, with an anticipated graduation in Fall 2025. Skye is passionate about advancing self-sustainable architectural practices and environmental advocacy.
* Liam Pino is an intern with the Land Management Team, supporting the Coalition and the five Tribal Nations in their collaborative effort to incorporate Indigenous values into the Bears Ears Land Management Plan. Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Liam graduated from Albuquerque High School in 2018. He earned his B.A. from Dartmouth College, majoring in Government with a focus on International Relations and minoring in Middle Eastern Studies. Liam is an enrolled member of Acoma Pueblo and has close familial connections at San Felipe Pueblo.

We look forward to the contributions these interns will make and the fresh perspectives they bring to our organization.
Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition 2024 Interns
Meet Our Entire Team ([link removed])

Spotlight on Tribal Leaders' Op-Eds

The Coalition’s Tribal leaders have been actively sharing their perspectives through op-eds in various publications. These articles highlight the importance of co-stewardship, the role of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge, and the need for preserving Bears Ears for future generations.
* "Honor Diné heritage and protect sacred land ([link removed]) " by Navajo Nation Council Delegate and Bears Ears Commissioner, Curtis Yanito (Navajo) and BEITC Representative, Davina Smith (Navajo)
* "A responsibility to steward and protect Bears Ears ([link removed]) " by Vice Chairman of the Hopi Tribe and Bears Ears Commissioner, Craig Andrews (Hopi)
* "A Monumental Effort: Tribes and Federal Agencies collaborate to protect Bears Ears ([link removed]) by White Mesa, Ute Mountain Ute Councilman and Bears Ears Commissioner, Malcolm Lehi (Ute Mountain Ute)
* "Opinion: The Bears Ears management plan must include traditional Indigenous knowledge ([link removed]) " by Vice Chairman of the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee and Bears Ears Commissioner, Christopher Tabbee (Ute Indian Tribe)
* "OPINION: Upcoming meeting will highlight how tribal commission wants to protect Bears Ears ([link removed]) " by Head Councilman of the Zuni Tribe and Bears Ears Commissioner, Anthony Sanchez Jr. (Zuni)

In addition to Op-eds from the Coalition leaders, Executive Director of Native Organizers Alliance. Judith LeBlanc (Caddo) wrote an incredible piece about Tribal perspectives in the management of Bears Ears.
Read Judith’s piece here: The clock is ticking on sacred lands protection ([link removed])

As we look ahead, we remain committed to protecting Bears Ears National Monument through collaborative management and the integration of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. We thank you for your continued support and appreciate you staying engaged with our efforts.

Thank you - Ahéhee' - Kwakwhay - Askwali - Elahkwa - Tog'oiak'

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