Known as one of the United States of America’s most iconic landscapes and considered an imprint on the rich cultural history of America, The Bears Ears National Monument is at the center of politically charged discussions regarding land designations in our country. Soul River youth and Veterans will learn about the rich history of Navajo culture in the United States, as well as the environmental and conservation issues they face, with the guidance and support of our Navajo partners. Soul River deployment participants will make a base camp on the land of the Navajo Nation inside Monument Valley, and connect to the land and community.

Our focus will be learning about land management, trail access and safety Navajo culture to become better stewards for public lands.

This deployment will mobilize Soul River Inc. youth and Veterans into Monument Valley and foster deep connections with local leaders, while exploring America’s most stunning landscapes, including The Valley of the God’s outdoor museum and the area’s dense concentration of traditional homes, petroglyphs and cultural artifacts. This is a destination that offers many opportunities for exploration and discovery. It is said that this was once the most densely populated area in the U.S. before colonization.

Soul River will engage with the Navajo Nation, which has been united to protect Bears Ears, as a place of cultural importance and environmental significance. Our goal is to align with the community, learn their values and concerns, build strong relationships and engage in a project which can provide support for their ongoing efforts to maintain their culture and land. The project will be hands-on skill-building and will develop young leaders to be advocates and activists. This experience will be rich, exploring lands in Utah & Arizona, and providing direct community service, all while learning about Navajo culture.