Voices from Bears Ears: Seeking Common Ground on Sacred Land

by Rebecca Robinson, Patricia Nelson Limerick (Foreword), Stephen E. Strom (Photographer)

In late 2016, President Barack Obama designated 1.35 million acres of public lands in southeastern Utah as Bears Ears National Monument. On December 4, 2017, President Donald Trump shrank the monument by 85 percent. A land rich in human history and unsurpassed in natural beauty, Bears Ears is at the heart of a national debate over the future of public lands.

Through the stories of twenty individuals, and informed by interviews with more than seventy people, Voices from Bears Ears captures the passions of those who fought to protect Bears Ears and those who opposed the monument as a federal “land grab” that threatened to rob them of their economic future. It gives voice to those who have felt silenced, ignored, or disrespected. It shares stories of those who celebrate a growing movement by Indigenous peoples to protect ancestral lands and culture, and those who speak devotedly about their Mormon heritage. What unites these individuals is a reverence for a homeland that defines their cultural and spiritual identity, and therein lies hope for finding common ground.

Journalist Rebecca Robinson provides context and perspective for understanding the ongoing debate and humanizes the abstract issues at the center of the debate. Interwoven with these stories are photographs of the interviewees and the land they consider sacred by photographer Stephen E. Strom. Through word and image, Robinson and Strom allow us to both hear and see the people whose lives are intertwined with this special place.

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Archaeology, History

440 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2018

Reviews

[Mari S.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m gonna say 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. At times this book felt super dense and hard to keep reading, but it’s a series of interviews about bureaucracy and politics and decolonization in action and people disagreeing, so perhaps it would feel dense no matter who wrote it.

My biggest gripe is that I felt like this book was overly sympathetic to Mormons who think it’s ok to rob graves of Indigenous people / ancestors. Fundamentally, I just can’t be sympathetic to that viewpoint. I finished the book to learn if that viewpoint is carried through to the end and it is. An attempt to see “both sides of the issue” means that the authors viewpoint won’t take a stand that some actions are not ok.

Overall, I recommend it, especially if you spend time around Moab / Indian Creek + Bears Ears / SE Utah, or are interested in or invested in tribal relationships with tribes & tribal members in the area, or what decolonization of so-called public land could (and should) look like.

I read part of the book in color from the Moab library and I feel like reading the rest on a Kindle paperwhite does a disservice to the stunning photography.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Intimate and informative portraits of the major players and voices that have shaped the conflicts surrounding the Bears Ears National Monument and its demise. Includes beautiful photography and helpful historical outlines of a very complicated and troubling story, with at least some hint of hope for compromise moving forward.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices from Bears Ears: Seeking Common Ground on Sacred Land does a compelling job of capturing many sides of the ongoing discussion generally about how to handle, manage, operate from our past policies as a nation about lands we've come to acquire by brain and brawn, all without the constraints of law. Even better is the specific discussion about Bears Ears National Monument in San Juan County, Utah.

Filled with interviews of stakeholders, residents of differing cultures, political bents, religions, as well as those who have striven within governmental office on both sides of the discussion - To monument or Not To monument - which is better? Who is benefitted? Who "Wins" and for how long. . .

Because the discussion is specific to a place many readers may not be (or may be and need reminding of) familiar with, these expansive sites and landscapes are beautifully presented with stunning, evocative photography pinpointing the subject of discussion. Included are photographs of those individuals participating and contributing their views within this debate. For me this book has been an education, engendering a witness of hope in the process with which these community members are engaging. From here, I can continue to learn more about Bears Ears (two buttes set slightly apart and from afar look like the top of a bear's head coming up and out of the earth).

We need more of these discussions in our communities to air out our differences and disagreements - to speak with voices and words, peaceful actions and meaningful work - and a book with all of that is a great place to start. Thank you, Rebecca Robinson, for your help in bringing this information to this particular reader.

[Cypress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as the primary resource to teach a class on land management in Bears Ears. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different player in the unfolding drama. I was able to have my students role play each character as we discussed the future of Bears Ears and San Juan County.

The authors do an excellent job of keeping their personal views out of the story telling but don’t shy away from pointing out inaccuracies/ inconsistencies in their interviewees’ stories. There are also short interludes that provide useful context and history to the conversation.

I’m curious to know how perspectives continue to evolve as the saga unfolds. I’d love a second edition at some point!

Bonus: the photos are gorgeous!

[Giselle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really well done.
The author interviewed everyone who was involved in the process of the creating of Bears Ears, or at least most of the people.
I loved how she had devoted time to each interview and that all sides were given, not just the sides "for" and "against" a monument creation.
She took into consideration historical perspectives for natives and pioneer families, government, and much more.
The photographs are wonderful and the bibliography would keep you busy for a long time.

This is a book that isn't read all at once. It took me quite some time to go through it and ponder and reflect.
It is a very good example of how opposing opinions can be used and that communities can work together to create wonderful things.

[Jonathan A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent example of how one story can have multiple views, understandings, and vantage points. Robinson took the time to talk to 20 different people from different backgrounds, representing different interests, who all are involved in the land and people who live in the Bears Ears area of Utah. This book shows that there are always multiple and competing interests from the people who live in an area of great resource and beauty. The photographs add so much to the understanding of what the Bears Ears area offers. An important book for any who are interested in Utah, in land management, and in the Southwest wilderness. It is also an important story for those who work with local communities and their relationship with the wilderness.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An admirable and fairly exhaustive attempt to provide an overview of how Bears Ears became a monument and how it was broken up by the Trump Administration. The authors interview or profile a wide range of diverse voices from Mormons to republican senators to native Americans to locals. They end with maps and resources for more information. It’s a thorough introduction to the public land controversy. Included are a wide range of quotes on the particular issue and on the southwest. Lots of color photos are included.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have followed the Bears Ears for a while, it was great to dive into this book. The depth and the variety of stakeholders the author spoke were helpful. While there are definitely a few dichotomies in play here, it does go through a lot of the nuance in this issue too. I really see this as a roadmap for the future of public land management.

[Jon Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely remarkable book. The author draws together voices on all sides of the Bears Ears/Utah public land debate—most often allowing representatives to speak for themselves. The only thing I wish is that it was published a few years later so we could have an update on where we are at post 2019.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first favorite part of the world.