To conclude a productive week in Denver, Chairman Melvin J. Baker delivered his third annual address to the Colorado General Assembly, joined by Council Member Marilyn House of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. These annual addresses—established through Colorado Senate Bill 22‑105—require the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate to invite representatives from both resident Tribes to speak before a joint session of the legislature each year, strengthening ongoing governmental dialogue and recognition since the bill was signed into law in 2022.

During his remarks, Chairman Baker provided a brief history of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, highlighted the Tribe’s enduring presence and contributions to southwest Colorado, and addressed key priorities including:

– Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR)

– Securing support for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

– Progress on Enterprise Spill remediation

– Collaboration to address unlawful use and trespass on Tribal lands by Lumen

– Resolutions related to sports betting.

As the state and nation mark the upcoming anniversaries of Colorado 150 and America 250, Chairman Baker reflected: “Long before statehood and long before the founding of this nation, the Ute people have been here since time immemorial. Our history did not begin with these anniversaries, but our shared future continues well beyond them.”

He closed by thanking state leadership, senators, and representatives for their continued partnership and extended an open invitation for them to visit the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

To view a recording of the address, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/amuUro-x11U?si=EZNxKe8TBqMgw6q5&t=7178