Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition Statement on Colorado College Poll
Monument Valley, UT (January 11, 2016) – The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition issued the following statement regarding the newly released polling results from the highly regarded “State of the Rockies” report issued annually by Colorado College. This year’s poll shows 66% of Utahns support the creation of a Bears Ears National Monument, while a mere 20% oppose.
“The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition is thrilled to see overwhelming support from our neighbors across the state of Utah. Our local tribal members that have long been calling for protection for Bears Ears have inspired this new truth for all of us to believe in. Our stance on permanent protection of this special landscape as a national monument is clear,” said Eric Descheenie, Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition in response to newly released polling commissioned by Colorado College. “While the Bears Ears area is home to more than 100,000 Native American cultural sites, and is sacred to the many tribes supporting our proposal, it is also treasured by citizens across the state.”
“We were heartened to see that 66% of Utahns support the permanent protection of a Bears Ears National Monument,” added Coalition Co-Chair, Alfred Lomahquahu. “While some continue to spread misinformation about the local support for our proposal, the Colorado College poll makes clear that Utah residents overwhelmingly support Tribes’ efforts to protect Bears Ears.”
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