This week marks the 10th anniversary of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition—an alliance rooted in Indigenous leadership, Traditional Knowledge, and the shared vision to protect Bears Ears. From a groundbreaking 2015 proposal to a historic cooperative agreement and youth-led programs, we reflect on a decade of progress, partnership, and perseverance.
The Bears Ears Conservation Partnership is more than a collaboration, it's a community-led movement grounded in Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and built for long-term stewardship. In this reflection, Charissa Miijessepe-Wilson, Co-Director of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, shares how partnerships rooted in reciprocity, respect, and collective care are shaping the future of Bears Ears.
For generations, the five Tribes of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition have worked to protect Bears Ears, a sacred landscape rich with history and cultural significance. Despite past setbacks, the commitment to Tribal-led stewardship and lasting protections remains strong. Read more about this effort in Curtis Yanito’s latest letter to the editor, published in the 3/12/25 edition of the San Juan Record.
