McCollum Statement on Designation of Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after President Barack Obama used his power under the Antiquities Act to create the Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments:

"With the designation of the Bears Ears National Monument, President Obama has taken a bold and decisive step to protect one of our nation’s greatest ancient cultural and natural areas. The more than 1.3 million acres that make up Bears Ears National Monument include places of both unparalleled natural beauty and strong spiritual significance for many Native Americans. After eight decades of effort, these sacred sites, archaeological gems, and spectacular vistas will finally have the protection that they deserve.

"This action would not have been possible without the dedicated advocacy of a historic coalition of sovereign Native American tribes, including the Hopi Nation, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah Ouray, and Zuni Tribe. I applaud their tireless work and am very pleased that they will be included in a newly-formed Bears Ears Commission with input over the management of these sacred sites and treasured spaces.  The protection of Bears Ears, and the additional designation of the Gold Butte National Monument, exemplifies the Obama Administration’s extraordinary commitment to the preservation of our national treasures and unprecedented collaboration with tribal nations."