Policy Director
Mr. Carleton Bowekaty was raised and lives on the Zuni Reservation in New Mexico. His clans are Sun and Child of Tobacco. He has been married for over 20+ years to his wife, Janis (Zuni), and they have four children. Carleton is also part of the Big Ember Medicine Society and Corn Kiva.
Carleton is the former Lieutenant Governor for the Zuni Tribe. His official responsibilities included the oversight of issues related to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the protection of sacred/cultural sites throughout the Southwestern United States.
He served as Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and Zuni’s representative for the Chaco Heritage Tribal Association. Carleton previously served in the U.S. Army, from 2001 to 2009, receiving numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
Carleton’s connection to Bears Ears has contributed to many facets of his life, both personally and professionally. Personally, the landscape continues to provide healing from PTSD and combat experiences through cultural education from his elders. Professionally, the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition provided interactions with other tribal leaders, grassroots organizations, and local, state, and National stakeholders. As Policy Director, Carleton hopes to continue to engage tribal nations in similar connections to the sacred landscapes and protection efforts.