Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, and an advocate for animals and the environment. Born and raised in Towaoc, she attended school in Cortez and continued her education in Montana and Illinois. Lopez-Whiteskunk is a former co-chairwoman of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and a Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe councilmember. She currently serves on the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. She enjoys working on various boards and committees to generate conversation and change for the community. “We are awake. We are alert. We are aware,” she said. “The engagement is energizing.” In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, participating in traditions and powwows and reading with a cup of hot tea.