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Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2026

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) officially welcomed Chairman Christine Sage during the Inauguration Ceremony held this morning in Tribal Council Chambers. Chairman Sage was surrounded by family, friends, Tribal Members, and guests as she took the oath of office.

Attendees included dignitaries from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, La Plata County, Archuleta County, the office of U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, the Town of Ignacio, and the Ignacio School District. Their presence reflected the strong intergovernmental relationships and support for Chairman Sage’s leadership.

Chairman Sage was first elected as Chairman in December 2017. A lifelong resident of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, she is the daughter of the late Chairman Christopher Baker and Esther Coyote-Baker. Her election marked a historic milestone, as she is the only woman to serve as Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for two terms.

“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me to serve as Chairman. Throughout my campaign, I spoke about the importance of communication, integrity, experience, and sustainability, and those values will continue to guide my leadership. Our Tribal Membership deserves leaders who listen, who are present, and who are committed to serving the people with honesty and respect. I believe we can strengthen trust by improving communication throughout our government, departments, boards, committees, and enterprises while ensuring every voice is heard,” shared Chairman Sage.

In her second term, Sage brings a vision centered on communication, collaboration, and transparency. Chairman Sage is a graduate of Ignacio High School and attended Fort Lewis College, where she studied geology. Prior to serving in leadership, she worked with the Southern Ute Wildlife Department and dedicated six years of service to the Southern Ute Election Board, including four years as chairman. Chairman Sage is married and is the proud mother of two children, stepmother to three children, and grandmother.

During the ceremony, Chairman Sage announced her selection of Council Member Marjorie Barry to serve as Vice Chairman. The event also highlighted the historic and enduring role of Ute women in leadership. Throughout the ceremony, speakers recognized the contributions of women in governance and celebrated the progress made by women across Tribal, local, and regional governments. Many of the visiting dignitaries were women who shared in the celebration, serving as role models and sources of inspiration for young women and girls.

Vice Chairman Barry shared, “Chairman Sage’s vision is rooted in service to the Tribal Membership. Her commitment to communication, transparency, accessibility, and long-term sustainability reflects the qualities our people expect from their leaders. I am honored to serve alongside her and help advance priorities that strengthen trust, improve services, and ensure our Tribe continues to prosper for future generations. Together, we will work to listen, respond, and serve with integrity while honoring the values and traditions of our people.”

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe looks forward to Chairman Sage’s leadership and her continued dedication to strengthening the Tribe, its institutions, and its future generations.

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