Southern Ute Indian Tribe

News

News

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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Intertribal Agriculture Council: Youth Opportunities

The Intertribal Agriculture Youth Program has several exciting opportunities for Tribal youth. Please see below for more information:
  • Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship | Deadline is Friday, March 29, 2024
    • Up to twenty-four (24) recipients will receive a $2,000 scholarship, receiving $1,000 in the fall semester and $1,000 in the spring semester.
    • Students that have participated in IAC Youth activities are eligible to apply for the Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship. Previous youth involvements include participation in lAC Youth Summits, Internships, and Essay Contests. Past Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply in a concurrent year and are considered against the entire applicant pool.
    • Preference will be given to full-time, undergraduate students. Part-time or graduate students will be considered after full-time, undergraduate students.
  • Native Student Summer Internship | Deadline is Friday, March 29, 2024
    • IAC, in partnership with NRCS, is recruiting undergraduate, junior college, and community college students or Native individuals seeking experience in Tribal agriculture and natural resources. This is an excellent opportunity for those who are passionate about promoting the regeneration of natural resources and addressing food scarcity within their communities.
    • Throughout the internship, students will gain an in-depth perspective and innovative understanding of how to effectively inspire conservation on the landscape, healthy eating habits, and food sovereignty. This internship is great for youth who seek opportunities for professional development such as networking with peers and organizations or agencies, traveling, public speaking, and attending career-building workshops.
  • National Youth Advisory Council | Deadline is Friday, March 29, 2024
    • IAC’s National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) serves as the advising body under the IAC Youth Program. NYAC will openly communicate with the Youth Program Director to ensure the needs of youth throughout Indian Country are properly met within the IAC’s offered programming.
    • 2024 NYAC applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions have been filled. Open Council positions are for the following regions: Alaska, Eastern, Great Lakes, Navajo, Rocky Mountain, Southwest, Southern Plains, and Western. Eligible applicants shall be 18-27 years of age.
  •  Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit | Deadline is Monday, April 1, 2024
    • Foster connections, develop key skills, and learn alongside industry experts at the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s tenth annual Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit!
    • The 2024 Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit, set for July 15-23, is open to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth ages 18-24 (including recently graduated high school seniors). Those accepted will receive travel and lodging scholarships to participate on the University of Arkansas campus. Apply today: www.indigenousfoodandag.com.
      • Contact IFAI’s Next Generation Manager, Summer Wilkie with any questions at swilkie@uark.edu or (479) 575-3829.
Please visit indianag.org/youth for a full list of requirements. If you have any questions, please contact Sunshine Tso at sunshine@indianag.org.

Southern Ute Permanent Fund Gears Up for the 2024 Spring Clean-Up

2024 Annual Spring Clean-Up

April 15-19, 2024

 By Appointment Only No pickups over the weekend or the week after.

Save the Date! Fall Clean-up Oct 7-11, 2024!

Tribal Members, Tribal Departments, and any tenant of the Southern Ute Indian Housing Authority are eligible for Spring Clean-Up services. Tribal Departments will not pick up for non-tribal tenants living in Tribal Member owned rental homes. All pick-ups must be within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation only.

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Reaffirmation of AAA Credit Rating

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2024

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Reaffirmation of AAA Credit Rating

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is proud to announce the reaffirmation of its AAA credit rating by Fitch Ratings.
Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings and research, has recognized the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s steadfast dedication to economic stability and prudent financial practices since 2001. The AAA rating reflects the Tribe’s ability to meet financial commitments and uphold a robust financial profile, even in the face of national and global economic challenges.
“We are honored and grateful for the reaffirmation of our AAA credit rating by Fitch Ratings,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “This rating underscores our Tribe’s unwavering commitment to sound financial management, responsible governance, and the well-being of our Tribe.”
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has consistently demonstrated financial resilience, leveraging strategic investments and responsible fiscal policies to maintain its AAA credit rating. This prestigious rating not only reflects the Tribe’s financial strength but also enhances its ability to pursue economic development initiatives, secure favorable financing terms, and ensure continued prosperity for its members.
“Having an AAA credit rating places the Tribe amongst a very small group of governments and companies that enjoy such a prestigious standing. By way of comparison, Fitch has rated the United States at a lower AA+ level. The AAA rating is reflective of the Tribe’s commitment to sound financial planning and preservation for future generations”, said Permanent Fund Chief Financial Officer, Christine Hudgens.
As the Southern Ute Indian Tribe celebrates this noteworthy achievement, it remains dedicated to continuing its financial excellence and sound practices.
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Southern Ute Election Board: Vacancy

The Southern Ute Election Board is seeking two Regular Board Members and two Alternate Board Members 🗳️

The Election Board is a paid committee that follows IRS guidelines, and eligibility for Southern Ute Employee benefits are based on hours. A criminal background check is required and as an appointed official of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, you are subject to the Code of Ethics.

Qualifications; 11-2-102, (1) & (3):
Must be a Southern Ute Tribal Registered Voter
Must reside within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation
Shall not have been convicted of a felony
Shall not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty or fraud within five years immediately preceding the appointment

To apply, please submit a Letter of Intent to Human Resources, PO Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137. Please see the graphic for a full list of requested information to be included in the letter:

  • Full Name
  • Contact Information (i.e. address, phone number, email address)
  • Date
  • It is suggested and helpful to include one or more of the following details:
    • Description of why you are a good fit for the position
    • Explanation of your motivation to join the Committee
    • List relevant experience
    • Outline ideas of how you can improve this committee
    • Disclosure of any other Boards/Committees you currently serve on

For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319 or email swhyte@southernute-nsn.gov.

Town of Ignacio continues to address water main break

The Town of Ignacio continues to address the water main break issue that took place on February 14, 2024.  All local community members are encouraged to follow the Town of Ignacio’s Facebook social media page and website https://townofignacio.colorado.gov/ for continued updates on the issue. A map is also attached with the RED outlined area indicating the approximate water outage area and the YELLOW outlined area indicating the boil advisory area.

Please make efforts to share information with neighbors, family members, etc. who may not have access to social media or technological resources for continued updates.

We ask that local community members refrain from calling the Southern Ute Police Department for updates. We want to ensure that line remains open for warranted emergencies.

If there are questions regarding the boil advisory or water outage, please contact the Town of Ignacio at (970) 563-9494 during normal business hours of 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Any calls received outside of the Town of Ignacio’s normal business hours will be advised accordingly with appropriate recorded messaging.

– Tribal Information Services

Request For Proposals Hazard Mitigation Plan Update For The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Risk And Emergency Managment Division

Click here for RFP pdf version with full details

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 

HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE

FOR 

THE SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN TRIBE

 RISK AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

 

 

Requested By:

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s

Risk and Emergency Management Division

 

************* ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: ***********

Proposals due no later than

March 15, 2024

 

 

 

2024 4 Corners Wildfire Academy

The 4 Corners Wildfire Academy offers low-to-no-cost training to help you launch your wildfire fighting career or upskill for new opportunities 🔥
No experience is needed to sign up for the S-130/190 Introduction to Fire Behavior and Firefighter Training. The course begins on February 27, 2024 through March 01, 2024.
Contact Richard Gustafson or Howard Richards with the BIA Fire Management Office at 970-563-4571 for more information or to start the application process!