The family of the late Chairman Leonard C. Burch would like to share historical information on how Leonard C. Burch Day was created and how he continues to be honored each year as the leading trailblazer of the Southern Ute people for our new generation of tribal members and for tribal staff who may come on board within a Southern Ute tribal entity recently.
This day of recognition was first established on Dec. 10, 1996, by the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council and is celebrated as a tribal holiday — every December by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, La Plata County and the State of Colorado. LaPlata County leadership and the State of Colorado followed suit in 2020, by formally acknowledging December 10th as Leonard C. Burch Day in 2020.
Growing up in the impoverished Ute reservation near Ignacio, Burch maintained a determination and vision that carried through all of his life endeavors. After graduating from Ute Vocational School in 1954, he served four tours of duty with the U.S. Air Force in Turkey. In 1959, Burch returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Irene. The couple eventually had seven daughters and 14 grandchildren. Throughout his life, he focused on family values and gatherings, mostly spending quality time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren.
Leonard C. Burch was elected to the Southern Ute Tribal Council at the young age of 32 in 1966 and served as Chairman for 28 years. Leonard C. Burch was a true leader who paved the way for Native Americans all over the country, many of whom visit regularly to learn from the 1,400-member tribe’s success story. He held a constant dream that his people could build a better future for themselves and after years of persistence, that dream grew to a reality.
Burch was known for his strong cultural ties to his Ute traditions, his visionary leadership in his role as the Tribe’s longtime chairman and unparalleled dedication to family, community, and the many friendships he cultivated along the way.
Leonard C. Burch retired from his remarkable political career at the end of 2002; he passed on in August the following year. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe dedicated the newly built Tribal Administration Building in his name soon after. Inscribing a set of bronze plaques with the inscription, “In memory of Leonard C. Burch, 1933-2003, Former Chairman, Council Member, Sun Dance Chief and Great Visionary — Thank you for your leadership, dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of your people.”
Tavuci Togoiak Chairman Burch, you will forever be remembered as our “Shining Star”.
– Tribal Information Services
