Bears Ears isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a living cultural landscape that holds deep meaning for Tribal Nations. In this op-ed, Ute Mountain Ute Councilman and Bears Ears Commission Co-Chair Malcolm Lehi calls for durable protections rooted in collaboration, Tribal knowledge, and respect for future generations.
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.
