I arrived in Bluff, Utah on Sunday evening. The brilliance of the orange - ochre sunrays were shining in the mesa valley of the small rural community. I had visited Bluff on many occasions, most recently in June and July of 2021. I was also to work as a cultural consultant in the area which included visiting 'Shash Jaa', or as it is known, Bears Ears mountain.
June 2021 was my initial visit to the high desert mesa lands of southeast Utah, including many areas of the Navajo nation land within the immediate areas of Bears Ears. As a Native person from the southwest land, this area is one that I had not visited much. For sure I know my soul was soothed as I walked and talked in and with the environment.
In July I continued my work in the area of Cedar Mesa and Bluff. This second time around was a beautiful experience for my spirit, for I was and am still grieving the passing of my grandmother. Everything was right, and this visit seemed to be a blessing, one that my grandmother would enjoyed hearing about. For this visit was totally a true muse-experience, for my five senses were alert.
I was in awe of the famous "Bears Ears Meadow" - and I continue to be inspired by the grandeur of the two Bears Ears peaks that stand in the background of the high plains meadow. The blessings that were bestowed included a picnic at the meadow and continued cultural dialogue at the base of Bears Ears.
As far as the issue of Shash Jaa being designated as a national park, it's an 'iffy' situation. America as a whole had no idea that such a place existed, but since the designation, the hordes of tourist have come and gone. They as a greater public, do not have any or much concepts of 'visiting with respect' and therefore much has been stolen and many ancestral indigenous cultural sites have been vandalized as a result. With only two park rangers servicing the entire park, there is much room for disrespectful activities.
As a native person, whose ancestors are rooted in this community of Cedar Mesa, I know and understand the protocols that need and should be instilled. For me this area is a sacred experience, and should be respected.
Blessings All Around,
Venaya Yazzie, 2021- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
