For Immediate Release: Preserving Tribal Sovereignty: Vice Chairman Cloud Testifies on Land Annexation 04/17/2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2024

Preserving Tribal Sovereignty: Vice Chairman Cloud Testifies on Land Annexation

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud testified before the Colorado Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee at the State Capitol in Denver this afternoon. Cloud urged the Committee to support Senate Bill 24-193: Protect Tribal Lands from Unauthorized Annexation. This critical legislation is in response to the City of Durango’s attempt to seize Reservation land from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for the economic benefit of the City.

The Utes are the oldest continuous inhabitants of what is now the State of Colorado. The Utes are resilient and have endured assimilation, relocation, and seizure of their land and culture for far too long. The Reservation was established by successive treaties and was to be “set apart for the absolute and undisturbed use and occupation of the [Utes]” and “no persons . . . shall ever be permitted to pass over, settle upon, or reside” on those lands. The City’s actions take direct aim at these promises.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, a strong neighbor, proven business partner, and significant investor in the local economy, will fiercely defend its land status, sovereignty, self-determination, and cultural heritage. Vice Chairman Cloud cautioned that annexation will further complicate matters such as law enforcement, air and water quality, and environmental regulation, stating, “complexities with the federal, state, and local jurisdiction make it difficult. Adding another layer – especially a city with no interest in cooperation and a history of failing to consider the Tribe at all – only puts my people and culture at greater risk. This is unacceptable”.

Senate Bill 24-193 offers a vital safeguard for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s land and future. Respecting the Tribe’s sovereignty and culture is not just a matter of honoring past treaties, but a step towards a more collaborative relationship. The Tribe stands ready to work with the State to find solutions, but the City of Durango’s actions threaten to unravel years of progress. By supporting this legislation, Colorado can ensure a future built on mutual respect and understanding.

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Photo Credit: Senator Jessie Danielson

CO Indigenous Needs Assessment Community Survey

The Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs and the Colorado Department of Education are partnering with Education Northwest, a research organization, to conduct a needs assessment on how Colorado districts and schools support Indigenous students.  The Southern Ute community is invited to share feedback on the priorities, needs, and concerns about Indigenous education in Colorado.

Your community’s insights are important to helping the Colorado Department of Education accurately capture the needs and hopes for Indigenous education in the state. Feedback will help improve services to Indigenous students in the future.

The community survey should only take about 15 minutes to complete.  Names will not appear on any reports about the project, and no one at the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs or the Colorado Department of Education will know individual response to the survey. The survey is open until Friday, May 10. 

Please use the link below to access the survey.

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7780550/CO-Indigenous-Needs-Assessment-Community-Survey

-Summer Begay, Communication Specialist.

For Immediate Release: For Our Children’s Future: Vice Chairman Cloud supports SCR24-001 04/16/2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2024

For Our Children’s Future: Vice Chairman Cloud supports SCR24-001

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud joined several Colorado Senators and advocates at the State Capitol in Denver this afternoon in support of the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment (Senate Concurrent Resolution 24-001). If passed, this Amendment would retrospectively permit victims of child sexual assault to make civil claims against an abuser or an institution regardless of how much time has passed.

“Our Ute and Native youth are the heart of our future. As a leader, I believe we must work together to ensure and protect their safety and success,” said Vice Chairman Cloud. For generations, Native communities have faced an epidemic of sexual violence and trauma, starting with children being the most vulnerable targets in the federal boarding schools. Tribal Courts, due to limitations in authority and jurisdiction, are unable to prosecute non-Native perpetrators. The perpetrators are often in positions of authority such as government officials, trustees, teachers, and religious leaders.

The cycle of trauma persists, silencing many young victims. Fear, intimidation, and the struggle to articulate their experiences due to a developing emotional vocabulary prevent them from seeking justice and beginning their healing journey. According to the National Institute of Justice, Native youth experience violence at rates higher than any other racial group in the United States, with 56.4 percent reporting experiencing sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking in their lifetime.

Legislation like SCR24-001 offers a critical first step. By holding perpetrators accountable, it paves the way for healing and a future where survivors can truly thrive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PC: David Smith

-Summer Begay, Communication Specialist.

Missing Indigenous Person Alert Activation: 04/02/2024

Missing Indigenous Person Alert Activation: 04/02/2024
Audrina Bartley was last seen on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 11:30 AM in Albuquerque, NM possibly headed to Durango, CO.
Audrina was wearing a white hoodie with “faith over fear”, black skinny jeans, pink shirt, and a white puma backpack. She was not wearing glasses when she was last seen.
If seen, please call 911 or the Southern Ute Police Department at970-563-4401.

PSA: Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Trail Closure and Temporary Ute Road Closure

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – (970) 563.0100

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – (970) 563.2313

FOR RELEASE: April 01, 2024

Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Trail Closure and Temporary Ute Road Closure

Southern Ute Indian Reservation: On June 3, 2022, the Bear Dance Fire ignited on tribal trust land and burned eighty-nineacres north of the Bear Dance grounds and along the Los Pinos River. In the aftermath, the Environmental Programs Division (EPD) had observed hazardous materials mixed in with the burn area debris on the ground surface in areas paralleling Ute Road. The fire exposed these areas and the presence of hazardous materials, which created a concern for public health. Out of an abundance of caution, Tribal Council closed the Bear Dance Fire burn area.

EPD and various environmental professionals have assessed air, soil, water, and vegetation samplings and determined that there is currently minimal risk to human health and the environment. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, Tribal Council has directed EPD to remove these surface materials and remediate the area. Remediation will commence on April 1, 2024, and the project will consist of debris pile removal and the capping of any remaining material in place.

While the risk to human health and the environment from the material remains low, certain remediation activities have the potential to generate dust that could contain hazardous material. To protect the public from potential dust inhalation, Tribal Council has authorized the temporary closure of the Piinu Nuuchi skatepark and a portion of Ute Road during dust-generating activities. To mitigate this issue, soil within the site will be suppressed with water. The road and skatepark closure will occur during daytime hours and is anticipated to last one to two days.  Closure dates are scheduled to occur between Tuesday, April 2, 2024, to Friday, April 5, 2024.

In addition to the closure, Tribal Council has authorized temporarily closing the hiking trail and access to the Los Pinos River in the project area during all remediation activities. The remediation project is expected to last for up to three weeks­­­. The trail and Los Pinos River access will be reopened following completion of remediation activities.

If you have any questions, please contact Kyle Siesser, Cottonwood Consulting, at (970)764-7356.

2024 General Meeting Attendance Information

The General Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Sky Ute Casino Resort Event Center.
This is a closed meeting for the Southern Ute Tribal Membership only. 
There are 3 ways to join the General Meeting:
1. In-Person: Registration is not required and we look forward to seeing you there!
2. Live Stream: Registration is required. Please use the following link or QR code to register with your information and census number. To expedite the process, please use your “so-ute” email address. Please do not share your registration information with anyone. Direct Link: bit.ly/2024suitGm
*This link is case-sensitive
3. Recording: If you are not able to attend, the live stream recording will be available on the Tribal Member Portal.
For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.
For technical assistance with your “so-ute” account, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555.
– Summer Begay, Communication Specialist.

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes new Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2024

Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes new Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe warmly welcomes Mr. Thomas Frank as the new General Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort. Mr. Frank will be starting on April 3, 2024, following an impressive career of more than thirty years of experience in business development and casino operations spanning four states and three countries: Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.

Throughout his career, Mr. Frank has played a key role in the development and implementation of over ten gaming start-up projects. This impressive track record includes work with the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe of California, Tolowa Dee-Ni’ Nation, and at the Dakota Sioux Casino.

As General Manager, Frank will oversee the daily operations of the Sky Ute Casino Resort and all its amenities, including gaming and entertainment, hotel, restaurants, conference center, and bowling. “We believe his extensive experience and proven leadership will be instrumental in driving positive change and will continue Sky Ute Casino Resort’s legacy as the premier entertainment destination in Southwestern Colorado,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Frank expressed, “I am incredibly honored to step into this role as the General Manager. The legacy of excellence at Sky Ute Casino Resort is truly inspiring.  Together, we will keep the excitement rolling for our guests and ensure this resort continues to be a leader in hospitality and gaming for years to come.”

Please join Tribal Council in welcoming Mr. Frank. Thank you for your continued patronage and support during this transition. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.

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-Summer Begay, Communication Specialist

For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Advocates for Tribal Interests at the State Capitol

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2024

Tribal Council Advocates for Tribal Interests at the State Capitol

Ute Day at the Capitol was officially designated by Governor Jared Polis in 2019 to publicly celebrate and honor the contributions and sovereignty of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Indian Tribe. In addition, this designation encourages Coloradans to actively seek knowledge about the history and heritage of the Ute people in Colorado’s past, present, and future. That history has long been one of broken promises and the infringement of Tribal lands and sovereignty. Agreements with the Ute bands have been dishonored for the economic gains of others. This disrespect is not a relic of a distant past but far too often continues today. To address ongoing violations and historical injustice, Tribal Council traveled to Denver last week to meet with state legislators and the Governor to emphasize the importance of the State to uphold its commitment to Tribal agreements, particularly those concerning Tribal land.

On Friday, March 15, 2024, Chairman Baker gave a powerful address to the General Assembly. He highlighted key concerns, including Colorado’s violation of its 30-year-old gaming compact with the Tribe, efforts by the City of Durango to infringe on the Tribe’s sovereignty by annexing lands within the Reservation boundaries, and the importance of safeguarding the Tribe’s water rights.

With respect to gaming, Chairman Baker reminded the Legislature that the Tribe’s Gaming Compact, ratified by the State Legislature, signed by the Governor, and approved by the Secretary of Interior, allows the Tribe to engage in gaming activities “that are identical to the activities and bet amounts that are authorized in the State of Colorado.” Therefore, when the State authorized statewide internet sports betting, the Tribe under its Compact was allowed to engage in statewide internet sports betting. However, the Governor failed to honor this Compact when the Colorado Department of Gaming ordered suppliers to not engage in business with the Tribe, solely to benefit non-Tribal gaming interests. The Tribe is entitled to engage in statewide internet sports betting in accordance with its Gaming Compact and the Chairman called upon the State Legislature to ensure that the State’s longstanding agreement with the Tribe is honored. He encouraged the Legislature to support legislation supported by Senator Robert Rodriguez, Majority Leader of the State Senate, ensuring that the State complies with its obligations under the Gaming Compact.

Chairman Baker further encouraged the Legislature to assist the Tribe in resisting efforts by the City of Durango to annex lands within the Reservation boundaries. He reminded the Legislature of the State’s history of seizing Tribal land to support non-Tribal economic interests. Chairman Baker related the City’s plans to take advantage of lands and resources within the Reservation boundaries, of which have been confirmed by federal law, to support the City’s economic interests. He described the City’s failure to collaborate with the Tribe on this issue, its disregard for the cooperative agreements with La Plata County, and how annexation will worsen the already critical MMIR crisis through increased jurisdictional complexities. Chairman Baker asked that the Legislature support a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson and Cleve Simpson, House Majority Leader Representative Monica Duran, and House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, requiring Tribal consent before lands are annexed within the Reservation boundaries.

Following the address, Tribal Council met with Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera for a roundtable discussion. Once again, Tribal Council encouraged the Governor to honor the Tribe’s sovereignty and the State’s agreements with the Tribe. In May 2019, Governor Polis wrote, “In Colorado we respect our government-to-government relationship with the Tribes.”  During the roundtable discussion, he acknowledged his administration did not contact or consult the Tribe while sports betting was in the process of being implemented. Moreover, when the Governor suggested that the electorate may have supported sports betting legislation to generate revenue for the State, he was reminded that members of the two Colorado Tribes had supported the legislation because it enabled the Tribes to engage in sports betting under their longstanding gaming compacts and Tribal members’ votes counted as much as those of non-Tribal members.

By visiting the Capitol, Tribal Council demonstrated their commitment to building strong relationships with state officials. Their advocacy aims to secure policies that respect the Tribe’s self-governance, to enact positive changes, and to promote prosperity for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

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