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.
New polling confirms that strong bipartisan majorities in Utah and across the Mountain West support protecting Bears Ears and other national monuments. Voters overwhelmingly back Tribal-led stewardship, conservation, and the preservation of public lands over extractive development.
