Utah Diné Bikéyah:

Protecting Sacred Lands & Indigenous Heritage

Bears Ears is more than just a landscape, it is a living archive of history, culture, and resilience. Through these short films, I explore the deep spiritual and historical significance of Bears Ears as told by the Indigenous communities who have called this land home for generations.

My journey began with Utah Diné Bikéyah, where I developed my roots in conservation and advocacy. Working alongside Navajo, Ute, Hopi, and Zuni leaders, I learned how storytelling is an essential tool for protecting sacred lands. This experience shaped my understanding of Indigenous land stewardship, showing me that conservation is not just about protecting nature, it’s about honoring ancestral knowledge, preserving cultural traditions, and ensuring that future generations can maintain their connection to these sacred places.

Traveling across the Four Corners region, I was privileged to listen to the stories of elders, activists, and spiritual leaders who have fought to defend Bears Ears from exploitation. Their voices guide these films, stitching together oral histories, environmental challenges, and the enduring strength of Indigenous-led movements.

Bears Ears Summer Gathering

The Bears Ears Summer Gathering was my first large-scale project in a professional setting. Indigenous communities from all over the country came together for a weekend of connection, storytelling, and ceremony at Bears Ears National Monument. We camped under the stars, shared histories, and talked about what it means to be stewards of the land, honoring the past while protecting the future.

It was an honor to stand alongside so many communities, to listen, to learn, and to witness the strength and resilience of Indigenous voices. Being able to document these histories and traditions means ensuring that future generations will see, hear, and feel the stories of Bears Ears, just as they were told to us. One of my biggest inspirations.

Jonah Yellowman’s Reflections on Bears Ears

As part of my work documenting the oral histories of Indigenous elders across the Four Corners region, I had the privilege of sitting down with Jonah Yellowman, a Diné spiritual leader and advocate for Bears Ears National Monument.

Jonah shared how he first joined the movement to protect Bears Ears and why this land is more than just a monument, it’s a sacred place of ceremony, prayer, and healing for Indigenous nations. He spoke about the devastating impact of uranium mining on his community, the loss of his own family, and how those experiences shaped his fight for land stewardship.

Traveling across different reservations in Utah, I’ve had the opportunity to hear stories like Jonah’s; conversations about Bears Ears, sacred knowledge, and the importance of passing these histories down. Through film, I hope to honor these voices and help preserve the stories that keep these lands alive.

Hank Stevens’ Story

I had the privilege of sitting with Hank Stevens in his hogan, listening as he shared his story- his connection to Bears Ears, Navajo Mountain, and the sacred landscapes that have guided his people for generations. Hank’s kindness extended beyond conversation. He later invited me to his granddaughter’s Kinaaldá, the Changing Woman Ceremony, a powerful Diné rite of passage. From sunrise to sunrise, I had the honor of participating: baking earth cake in the desert, running alongside her in the early morning, and witnessing a tradition that has carried strength and resilience through generations.

Documenting these moments: listening, filming, and capturing the voices of those who carry these traditions forward, felt like a responsibility. These stories, ceremonies, and histories are living knowledge, and preserving them on film is a way to ensure they continue to be seen, heard, and understood for generations to come.