About the Bears Ears Conservation Corps

With the goal of strengthening Indigenous-led land stewardship in the Bears Ears National Monument, the Tribal leaders of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition established the Bears Ears Conservation Corps (BECC) in 2020. The program brings together community members from each of the five Tribes for a seven-day immersive experience on the sacred Bears Ears landscape. Participants camp within the Monument, learning about Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and participating in conservation projects that support the Bears Ears Commission’s collaborative management priorities.

The program is open to members of the Coalition Tribes over the age of 18 and recognizes that elders, adults, and youth all carry distinct and vital knowledge necessary for caring for ancestral lands. This intergenerational program ensures that Bears Ears is not only protected today, but safeguarded for generations to come. The BECC initiative marks another powerful step forward in honoring Tribal sovereignty over ancestral lands and cultivating the next generation of land stewards. 

The Bears Ears Conservation Corps also serves as a pathway for professional development. Participants work side by side with Coalition staff, Tribal leaders, and local community members to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a steward of the land. This program provides participants with skills applicable to careers in land management, cultural preservation, outdoor education, environmental conservation, and grassroots advocacy. In addition to these hands-on learning opportunities, participants will receive a stipend, outdoor gear, meals, lodging and reimbursements for travel expenses.