This week marks the 10th anniversary of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition (BEITC), a powerful alliance formed by the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, and Zuni Tribe. As we reflect on the past decade, we honor the journey that began with a shared vision: to protect a sacred cultural landscape through Indigenous leadership and Traditional Indigenous Knowledge (TIK).
2015: A Historic Proposal to President Obama
In October 2015, the Coalition submitted a formal proposal to President Barack Obama calling for the designation of Bears Ears National Monument (BENM). The proposal represented an unprecedented collaborative effort by five sovereign Tribal Nations and was deeply rooted in cultural knowledge, ancestral connections, and a unified commitment to protect Bears Ears for future generations.
2016: Bears Ears National Monument is Established
Just over a year after the Coalition’s formal proposal, President Barack Obama designated BENM in December 2016. This historic action recognized the deep cultural and historical significance of the region and marked the first time a national monument was established at the request of—and with a formal role for—Tribal Nations. President Obama’s proclamation affirmed the central role of Tribal participation in the care and management of Bears Ears. It also established the Bears Ears Commission, tasked with providing guidance and recommendations on the development and implementation of monument management plans, ensuring that Tribal expertise and TIK would shape every decision and step of the process.
2017: Monument Reduction and Legal Response
In 2017, the Trump administration dramatically reduced the size of the monument. In response, several Tribes—some supported by the Native American Rights Fund—and NGOs filed lawsuits challenging the reduction. While the BEITC was not a formal party to the litigation, we continued to advocate for full restoration and protection of Bears Ears through other means.
2021: Restoration Under President Biden
After years of advocacy, public education, and coalition-building with NGO partners, grassroots allies, and supporters across Indian Country, President Biden restored the full boundaries of BENM in October 2021. This restoration marked a major victory for Indigenous-led conservation and reaffirmed the importance of the Coalition’s original vision.
2022: A New Era of Collaborative Management
In June 2022, the five Coalition Tribes signed a historic Cooperative Agreement with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, formalizing a shared approach to monument management. This agreement marked a groundbreaking moment in public land stewardship, centering Tribal leadership and TIK as guiding principles for managing the monument.
2025: Finalizing the Resource Management Plan (RMP)
Building on years of collaboration, consultation, and community engagement, the BLM and USFS—in partnership with the Bears Ears Commission—finalized the Bears Ears National Monument Resource Management Plan in early 2025. The RMP is a landmark document that reflects the expertise of traditional knowledge holders, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and cultural experts from the five Tribes in day-to-day management practices such as visitor and resource management. In doing so, it provides a path forward for honoring sacred places, protecting natural resources, and fostering respectful visitation.
A Decade of Partnerships and Progress
Since 2015, the Coalition has worked with more than 60 NGO and grassroots partners, as well as countless individuals from the communities of the five Tribes and beyond. Our work has received support from dozens of Tribal Nations who recognize the sacredness of Bears Ears and the importance of Indigenous-led stewardship.
The Coalition has deepened its commitment to community connection and youth leadership. Through community outreach in the five Tribal communities, we’ve shared meals, hosted informational seminars, and listened to stories and perspectives from community members. In 2025 we hosted our fourth year of the Bears Ears Conservation Corps providing participants with skills applicable to careers in land management, cultural preservation, outdoor education, environmental conservation, and grassroots advocacy. This year we also launched the Bears Ears Youth Council to empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders. This program brings together young people from the five Tribes to learn from Elders, deepen their connection to Bears Ears, and carry forward the values of stewardship, culture, and respect.
As we celebrate 10 years of the BEITC, we honor the vision that brought us together, the leaders who have carried it forward, and the generations who will continue to protect this land. Together, we remain committed to safeguarding Bears Ears and all it represents, not just for today, but for future generations.
