BY DAVIS FILFRED
For the first time in 200 years, Native Americans in Utah have won a political victory. Bears Ears is protected and we are overjoyed. Over 500 people joined us on Jan. 7 in Monument Valley, Utah, and tribal leader after tribal leader spoke for seven hours on the importance of Bears Ears to our communities. Yet we wonder, Why are Utah officials fighting us so hard? What has anyone lost, and what is the disagreement?
We are Ute and Navajo and this is our home, yet we have been ignored in our struggle for equality and justice. Today, thousands in our community still lack running water and electricity and suffer from uranium and heavy-metal pollution, simply because we have lacked political power for so long. We are pushing for authentic land stewardship, just as Utah officials are. We are pushing for jobs and economic development, just like everyone else. We are pushing for a better future for our children, just like you.