[ECO]Patagonia and BEITC to Protect Bears Ears

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Patagonia partners with Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition to protect the sacred Bears Ears National Monument.

In a historic collaboration, the

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(BEITC), representing five sovereign Tribal Nations, and outdoor apparel company

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are joining forces to protect the Bears Ears National Monument. This partnership marks a significant step towards recognizing Tribal stewardship and incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into land management practices.

The

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region transcends cultural boundaries, holding deep spiritual and historical significance for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, Uintah and Ouray Ute Indian Tribe, and Zuni Tribe. The monument’s designation in 2016 was the first proposed by a coalition of Tribal Nations, making its management plan equally groundbreaking.

Why Bears Ears is Sacred

For generations, these Tribes have called Bears Ears home. The very landscape—including the towering twin buttes that give the monument its name—features prominently in traditional stories and is considered a place of immense spiritual power. Archaeological evidence throughout the monument, like cliff dwellings and rock art, is a testament to their enduring connection to this land.

• Navajo Nation: The Navajo people revere Bears Ears as a sacred shrine that protects the Diné (Navajo people). Protecting these sites is crucial to preserving their cultural identity and connection to the land.
• Hopi Tribe: The Hopi people view Bears Ears as part of their ancestral landscape. Specific locations within the monument hold importance for ongoing ceremonies and practices, and the entire area is considered rich in cultural resources vital to their way of life.
• Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Uintah, and Ouray Ute Tribe: These Ute tribes have deep ancestral ties to Bears Ears. They continue to use the land for traditional practices like gathering medicinal plants, hunting, and fishing. Protecting the land ensures the continuation of these traditions for future generations.
• Zuni Tribe: The Zuni people have a long connection to Bears Ears. The area figures prominently in their ***** traditions and holds significant spiritual power.

Alternative E: A Collaborative Vision

The BEITC and Patagonia advocate for Alternative E, the preferred option outlined in the recently released draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Bears Ears. This plan prioritizes responsible recreation and access while incorporating TEK into the monument’s management.

Alternative E in the draft resource management plan for Bears Ears National Monument is the preferred option jointly supported by the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and federal agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.

Alternative E prioritizes collaboration by giving the five Tribes involved (Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Uintah and Ouray Ute Tribe, and Zuni Tribe) a significant voice in managing their ancestral lands within the monument.

Alternative E also emphasizes incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into the monument’s management practices. TEK refers to the knowledge, practices, and beliefs accumulated by

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over generations regarding their relationship with the environment. While Alternative E allows for public access and recreational activities, it prioritizes responsible use that minimizes impact on the monument’s cultural and natural resources. This might involve limitations on certain activities or designated areas for specific uses.

Alternative E focuses on protecting archaeological sites, rock art, and other cultural resources that hold immense significance for the Tribes. It likely also includes measures to safeguard the natural environment, such as plant and animal life, and closely follows the recommendations put forth by the BEITC. This suggests it reflects the Tribes’ vision for managing Bears Ears in a way that respects their cultural values and traditions.

Overall, Alternative E represents a collaborative approach to managing Bears Ears National Monument that prioritizes Tribal co-management, incorporates TEK, ensures responsible recreation, and safeguards the monument’s cultural and natural resources

“As allies to Tribal Nations, it’s vital that Patagonia and the conservation and recreation communities support the Tribes’ vision for Bears Ears,” said Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert. “Alternative E will ensure this sacred cultural landscape is protected.”

The ****** for the Future

Patagonia urges its customers to show support for Alternative E by emailing their elected representatives. Their goal is to raise public awareness and garner broad support for the Tribal-backed plan.

“Our plan for Bears Ears promotes sustainability and cultural values and is a model for the survival of all,” concluded BEITC Vice Chairman Christopher Tabbee.

This collaboration between the BEITC and Patagonia represents a significant step towards protecting Bears Ears and establishing a new model for co-management of public lands that respects Tribal knowledge, traditions, and the deep cultural significance of this sacred landscape.

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