We are excited to announce a new member to the TRNERR team! Johnny Bear Contreras joined us as a fellow this spring. Johnny Bear is a recognized public artist, sculptor, and community leader of the San Pasqual Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Through art he contextualizes the Native Community in a contemporary setting allowing it to be preserved for generations ahead. An award-winning artist, his multi-disciplinary contributions to the local art world and indigenous communities, are displayed throughout California and the United States. Each piece is a testament and dedication to keeping the Kumeyaay and Native American heritage alive. “It is not just about preserving the past, but inspiring and mentoring Native youth for the future.”
With support from the Climate Science Alliance he will be working to facilitate Tribal relationships and initiatives with the Reserve through various dynamic efforts such as: 1) co-facilitating a series of cross-border community mural-making workshops that will inform a revitalization of the Reserve climate adaptation strategy, 2) co-developing community and Tribal engagement processes, projects, and outcomes for efforts within the Tijuana Estuary Tidal Restoration Program, and 3) increasing Kumeyaay representation in Reserve management opportunities and in education and public programming.
In addition to being a fellow, Johnny Bear has collaborated with the Reserve during Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM), as a member of the Marine Debris Leadership Academy’s 2025 cohort, and as a member of the Marine Debris Leadership Coalition.