#United States #Utah #Bears Ears #Tribal Nations #land stewardship

A Transformative Step in Indigenous Land Management

The recently completed Bears Ears Resource Management Plan (RMP) serves as a groundbreaking model for collaboration between Native American tribes and federal agencies. Announced by the Bears Ears Commission, which comprises five tribes, this plan embodies a shared commitment to preserving the cultural and ecological significance of the Bears Ears National Monument.

A Momentous Collaboration

The finalization of the RMP highlights years of hard work by the Bears Ears Commission, which includes the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Zuni Tribe, and Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. This collective effort involved close cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The RMP establishes a framework for a harmonious approach to land management that honors the ancestral ties and cultural traditions of these tribes.

Craig Andrews, the Vice Chairman of The Hopi Tribe, articulated the sentiment that this management plan is not just a document but a reflection of their heritage. He expressed: “Our Navoti (knowledge) of Hopi presence, expressed through ceremony, prayer, and pilgrimage, reflects our deep connection to Hoon Naq'vu (Bears Ears).” This sentiment underscores the significance of these lands not only in terms of ecological health but also as a representation of spiritual and cultural identity.

Emphasizing Shared Values

The RMP details a shared vision for the area, which includes essential elements such as traditional knowledge, cultural preservation, ecological integrity, and responsible recreation. The thoughtful design of this management plan reflects a balance between protecting sacred sites and enabling sustainable recreational activities.

Anthony Sanchez Jr., Head Councilman for the Zuni Tribe and Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Commission, remarked on the unprecedented trust that has shaped this plan, stating, “This partnership sets a new precedent for relationships between Tribal Nations and the federal government, showing how mutual respect and understanding can create lasting solutions for public lands.” This collaboration showcases a respectful interdependence that is crucial for effective land stewardship.

Future Directions in Land Stewardship

As the commission celebrates this milestone, it remains committed to ongoing collaboration with federal, state, and community partners. The aim is to deepen public understanding of the cultural significance of Bears Ears and to ensure the RMP's values are upheld despite future challenges.

Malcolm Lehi, Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilman, emphasizes the importance of this commitment: “The Resource Management Plan embodies the collective dedication of the Tribes and federal agencies to honor and safeguard this sacred landscape.” The importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge into federal land management practices is also highlighted, especially in light of contemporary challenges such as climate change and environmental stress.

A Model for Collaborative Management

The Bears Ears RMP serves as a living testament to what collaborative management can achieve. By prioritizing unity, trust, and shared responsibility, this plan lays the groundwork for future land stewardship models not only in the United States but across the globe.

Christopher Tabbee, Vice Chairman of the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee, stated, “The Resource Management Plan provides an opportunity for all of us to better protect and manage these lands for future generations.” This vision aligns with the broader goal of ensuring ecological sustainability and cultural integrity for the generations to come.

In conclusion, the Bears Ears Resource Management Plan is not merely a legal document; it is a symbol of unity among Indigenous peoples in protecting their sacred land. As this plan takes effect, the collaborative spirit it embodies serves as a powerful reminder of the role of Indigenous knowledge in effective land management, setting a vital precedent for public land management in the nation going forward.