Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk (She/Her), was born and raised in southwestern Colorado and resides in the community of Towaoc, Colorado, on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation. Regina is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, graduated from Montezuma Cortez High School, and spent 10 years in the information technology field.
From an early age, Lopez-Whiteskunk began to advocate for land, air, water, and animals and strongly believes that the inner core of healing comes from the knowledge of our land and elders. In 2013, she was elected to serve as a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal council. She also served as one of the co-chairs for the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition and education director for the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose. Lopez-Whiteskunk is a current candidate in the Master’s of Environmental Management program with Western Colorado University. She serves on the Telluride Institute Board, Torrey House Press Board, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Great Old Broads’ Council of Advisors, and as an advisor to the Women of Bears Ears. Lopez-Whiteskunk is currently working with Montezuma Land Conservancy as the Cross-Cultural Program Manager, and was recently also appointed to serve on the Bears Ears National Monument Management Advisory Committee.
Lopez-Whiteskunk has traveled extensively throughout the country sharing the Ute culture through song, dance, presentations, and is honored to continue to protect, preserve and serve through education. Sharing with others creates a better understanding of resources, culture, and beliefs— a great foundation for a better tomorrow.