The Ute Indian Tribe has offered its support of President Obama’s designation of the Bear Ears National Monument. “President Obama has demonstrated today that our Native American heritage cannot be ignored,” shares Ute Business Committee Chairman Shaun Chapoose. “This national monument is the right solution at the right time, and we are pleased that the President has taken this step to ensure Bear Ears will remain in as pristine a condition as possible for generations to come.” The press release dated December 28th states that the Ute Tribe’s history and future is tied to Bear Ears and that a monument designation protects “not only traditional activities like collecting medicine and performing ceremonies [but also] protects against looting, indiscriminate off-road use and destructive mineral development.” The Tribe also stated its hope that this designation will derail the Public Lands Initiative.
Image source: Native News Online
