“Earlier this year, when Hispanic Access Foundation joined the Next 100 Coalition, a first-of-its-kind coalition of diverse leaders from civil rights, environmental justice, conservation and community organizations, we did so because of our belief that our public lands must reflect, honor and engage all Americans.

“The landscape within Bears Ears National Monument is the ancestral home of many southwestern Native American tribes. Navajo, Ute, Zuni, Hopi, and other Native American people depend on the land within the region to sustain their traditional livelihoods and cultural practices, such as hunting, gathering, and ceremonies. Unfortunately, this area is threatened by urgent threats from looting, vandalism, and mining.

“By establishing Bears Ears National Monument, President Obama continues to cement his legacy – not just in protecting our nation’s public lands, but also in shining a spotlight on ones that represent different cultural and historical significance to America.”

Since its founding in 2010, HAF has made building environmental awareness among Latinos, going outdoors and empowering advocates a top priority, including the groundbreaking formation of Por La Creación Faith-Based Alliance and the launch of Latino Conservation Week.