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.
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
SunUte supports our youth…. our youth supports Fort Lewis!
Free access has been granted to attend ALL FLC games for our youth in the Ignacio community!
Just show your school ID or your SunUte membership card.
Making notification that the Southern Ute Agency will be conducting the annual Sundance Pile Rx burn tomorrow, Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Attached is the News Release regarding the project.
Corey Francis will be the qualified Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3). For further information, Mr. Francis can be reached directly at (505) 330-4015.
Thanks,
Corey Francis
The Southern Ute Water Resources Division (WRD) prepared a Drought Update for the Drought Task Force. The WRD would also like to send the update to keep everyone informed about snowpack and drought conditions in our area. The update is attached.
Thanks,
George Gavrielides
Water Resources Specialist
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
DNR – Water Resources Division
970-563-2932
The Wildlife Resource Management Division will be collecting sealed bids from Tribal Members only for (5) Live Bison. They will all be females (3-9 yrs. old) 100% grass fed and are up to date on vaccines.
Bids are set at a $500 minimum and must be submitted by January 31st, 2024, by 5:00pm. All buyers will be required to sign a Sales Agreement and agree to the Terms and Conditions of the sale.
For more information, please call the Wildlife Division at (970) 563-0130.
On January 2, 2024, the Tribal Council adopted new Title 32 – Civil Truancy Code as part of the SUIT Law and Order Code.
Please see the attached Public Notice for more information.
A copy of the code can be found at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/
Leslie Barnhart
Legal Department
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
P.O. Box 737 | Ignacio, CO | 81137
970.563.2144
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 03, 2024
Chairman Baker Welcomes Box as Executive Officer
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – In a strategic move to enhance leadership and organizational stewardship, Chairman Melvin J. Baker proudly announces the appointment of Ms. Lindsay J. Box as the Executive Officer of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Permanent Fund.
Ms. Box, with a proven track record of leadership brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Having traversed key positions within the Tribe, she possesses invaluable insights and a versatile skill set crucial for the strategic management and growth of the Permanent Fund. Box’s journey includes roles such as Tribal Council Communication Specialist, where she fostered crucial relationships and established robust communication channels to advance the Tribe’s vision. Her expertise as an HR Compliance Specialist contributed to operational excellence at the Southern Ute Growth Fund, showcasing her adeptness in policy formulation and human resources management.
Box’s connection to her Nuuchiu heritage fuels her dedication to ensuring traditions thrive alongside modern advancements. Serving on the Board of Directors for the National Tribal Energy Association and CommonSpirit’s Mercy Hospital, she has demonstrated leadership in promoting sustainable resource management and advocating for community well-being. Her educational background, including a BA in Sociology Criminology and a BA in American Indian Studies, forms a strong foundation. Pursuing an MA in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Leadership from Boise State University and an MA in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, Box underscores her commitment to continuous growth.
Box will capitalize on her strengths in strategic planning and policy development to guide the Permanent Fund toward achieving the priorities and goals set forth by Tribal Council. Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Box stated, “As I step into the role of the Executive Officer, I am acutely aware of the profound responsibility it entails. I will remain committed to delivering the highest quality programs and services to our Tribal membership, upholding the preservation and advocacy of our reservation’s resources, and fostering an environment where Ute heritage and economic development walk hand in hand. Together, we will write the next chapter in our Tribe’s storied legacy, striving always for a future that honors the past while embracing the innovations that pave the way forward.”
As the daughter of Janis Smith and the late Orian L. Box, Lindsay is a proud mother living on the reservation with her partner, Arnulfo, and her children, Tavian (15) and Kiko (5). Her commitment to heritage is evident in her beadwork and sewing, preserving and celebrating Ute culture with every stitch.
For more information, please contact the Executive Office at 970-563-2301.
Photo Credit | Allison Ragsdale
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Summer R. Begay
Communication Specialist | Tribal Council Affairs
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137
Office: 970-563-2313
Work Cell: 970-553-0052
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2023
Stability and Renewal: Baker Leads the Tribe into Second Term with New Council
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomed Chairman, Melvin J. Baker and Council Member, Marty Pinnecoose during the Inauguration Ceremony this morning at Sky Ute Casino Resort. Surrounded by family, tribal members, and visiting dignitaries, the ceremony marked a momentous occasion for the Tribe as it embraced Council Member Pinnecoose for his first term and Chairman Baker for his second term as Chairman.
Chairman Melvin J. Baker, a dedicated advocate for tribal sovereignty, brings a wealth of experience to his new term. Baker previously served four terms on Tribal Council. With a commitment to preserving and enhancing the resources, tradition, and identity of the Pino Nuuchiu, Chairman Baker is poised to lead the Tribe with vision and resilience. “Your faith in my leadership is truly inspiring. I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support and the privilege of serving as Chairman for another term”, stated Chairman Baker.
Council Member Marty Pinnecoose looks forward to beginning to his first term on Tribal Council. Pinnecoose had a multi-faceted career that included working as a journeyman ironworker, actor, teacher, role model, businessman. “I would like to thank the Tribal Membership for their vote of confidence, I am eager to learn, to listen, and to grow alongside you. This is not my seat alone, it is a shared space built on trust and collaboration”, stated Council Member Pinnecoose.
Chairman Baker has selected Lorelei Cloud to serve as his Vice Chairman. The appointment for the Executive Office will be announced in the coming days.
For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319.
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Summer R. Begay
Communication Specialist | Tribal Council Affairs
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137
Office: 970-563-2313
Work Cell: 970-553-0052
PUBLIC NOTICE
On December 5, 2023, the Tribal Council adopted a revised Title 4 – Criminal Procedure Code and a revised Title 5 – Criminal Code.
The effective date for both codes will be March 1, 2024.
The current Southern Ute Tribal Criminal Procedure and Criminal Codes will be in effect until February 29, 2024.
Both the current codes and the revised codes can be found on the Tribal government Law and Order Code website at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/
Please see the attached Public Notice for more information.
Thank you –
Leslie Barnhart
Legal Department
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
P.O. Box 737 | Ignacio, CO | 81137
970.563.2144
lbarnhart@southernute-nsn.gov
