Introducing Tribal Council’s Ignacio Area Housing Study

Maykh,

 

Please read the attached letter from Tribal Council introducing the Tribal Council’s Ignacio Area Housing Needs Study.

 

Tribal Council has identified the need for affordable housing located in the Ignacio area which would provide new, modern housing options for the membership and tribal workforce. Since the beginning of the year, administration and hiring managers for each tribal entity have expressed that the lack of housing poses a significant challenge for the recruiting and hiring of staff. Adequate housing has been a longstanding and ongoing project for Tribal Council. Leadership encourages participation in this study.

 

In April of this year, Tribal Council directed the Southern Ute Growth Fund (SUGF) and the Executive Office to review the 2014 Tribal Housing Study, conduct an updated needs assessment in the community, and report the findings to Tribal Council. Tribal Council requested GF Properties Group (the real estate business arm of the SUGF), in collaboration with the Executive Office, to oversee an Ignacio Area Housing Study.

 

Once again, we are requesting your participation in this study. The feedback collected will serve as the foundation of future tribal housing developments for generations to come. This project will take a considerable amount of time and effort and it is very important that we begin this process sooner rather than later. Please stay tuned for details on the survey which will begin in the coming weeks.

 

For more information on this project, please contact Patrick Morrissey, President/COO, GF Properties Group, (970) 764.6474 or via email at pmorrissey@sugf.com.

20220819 – Letter to TM re New Tribal Housing Study (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice

Maykh,

Please read the attached press release: “Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100
Lindsay J. Box – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2022

Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Tribal Council has permanently closed the Bear Dance Fire Burn Area until further notice. The Bear Dance Fire ignited on June 3 on tribal trust land. The riparian area burned 89 acres north of the Bear Dance grounds and along the Pine River.

BIA Fire Management welcomed the Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) team to oversee the BAER planning and implementation. The program brought technical experts to the Southern Ute Indian Reservation to meet with tribal professionals to address safety hazards and begin restoration. While conducting a walk through with Tribal Council, leadership noticed what was thought to be an area where hazardous materials may have been disposed of in years past.

The area housed historic office buildings for the BIA. Like many older buildings, the materials used at the time of construction often contained hazardous materials. The Bear Dance Fire exposed the site and the hazardous materials which has created a concern for public health. Out of an abundance of caution, Tribal Council has closed the Bear Dance Fire burn area until further notice.

The BAER program will be placed on a temporary hold until the area can be investigated by professionals. At the conclusion of the investigation, , alternatives will be evaluated and a plan will be developed to protect public health and the environment.. Additional information will be shared at that time.

If you have any questions, please contact Tribal Council at (970) 563.0199 or the Southern Ute Environmental Programs Division at (970) 563.2206.

“The health and safety of the tribal membership and our tribal community is one of the highest priorities for Tribal Council. We were looking forward to seeing the remediation work by the BAER team and tribal staff, however the safety of all involved takes greater precedence. It is very important that the tribal community take heed to this health advisory and refrain from entering the Bear Dance Fire burn area,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

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20220726 – Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice (Final)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Tribal Council Reaffirms Significance of Tribal Sovereignty

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay Box – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2022

 

Southern Ute Tribal Council Reaffirms Significance of Tribal Sovereignty

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Tribal Council shares their approved Statement on Sovereignty via Resolution No. 2022-126. The Tribal Council’s Statement on Sovereignty arises out of recent events that are an affront to the sovereignty of all tribes in the United States.   The Supreme Court ruling on Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta undermines the true definition of sovereignty, and restrains Tribes’ ability to govern themselves, and ultimately protect tribal members and resources. This is the most significant threat to Tribal sovereignty in many years. Tribal Council believes the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Statement on Sovereignty illustrates the tribe’s position on this threat to tribal sovereignty and governance.

“The Statement on Sovereignty reasserts the foundation for which the Tribe operates and governs itself. The Tribe will continue to fight to protect its inherent sovereignty which our past Ute leaders fought to preserve through treaties and declared by federal law in exchange for the land stolen and the attempted eradication of our Ute culture and language.” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

The Tribal Council’s Statement on Sovereignty begins by emphasizing that the Tribe’s sovereignty is inherent, and it asserts how the Tribe exercises sovereignty now and into the future:

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Statement on Sovereignty

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a sovereign and will remain a sovereign. The Mouache and Kaputa bands have retained their sovereignty through European settlement, the formation of the United States, the establishment of the Reservation, and the creation of the State of Colorado. The Tribe’s sovereign authority was not conferred on it by the federal government; rather, its authority is inherent, having always existed and having never been extinguished. The Tribe exercises its sovereignty daily by operating the tribal government; exercising jurisdiction within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation; overseeing its current territory; regulating and providing for the tribal membership; and acting on a government-to-government basis with other sovereigns, including the United States, the State of Colorado, and other tribal nations.

The Statement on Sovereignty, which will be incorporated into the Tribe’s living governance manual, goes on to prescribe expectations for protecting tribal sovereignty:

Operating as a government, the Tribe is exercising its sovereignty; the Tribe must also be resolute about protecting its sovereignty from infringement. Protecting sovereignty requires vigilance by Tribal Council Members, tribal officials, and tribal employees. To protect against infringement on tribal sovereignty by other governments, the Tribe monitors federal and state legislation; enacts tribal codes, analyzes federal authority before acquiescing to federal regulations, requirements, and inspections; and is strategic in its interactions with other tribal nations, local and state governments, and the federal government.

“As a sovereign nation, we will continue to enhance the Tribe’s economic development and preserve our culture as we have in the past by working with our neighbors, solely on a government-to-government basis, not as a subordinate party.”

The Statement on Sovereignty is part of a larger effort by the Tribal Council to establish a living governance document that is designed to define roles and responsibilities, oversight functions, and the decision-making process for the benefit of the Tribe, its tribal members, tribal officials, tribal employees, and delegates.

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20220719 – Southern Ute Tribal Council Reaffirms Significance of Tribal Sovereignty (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2021

 

Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker has selected Council Member Ramona Y. Eagle to serve as Vice Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Vice Chairman Eagle was elected to Tribal Council in 2019. Since her election, Eagle has served on the Growth Fund Management Committee, Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy School Board as Ex-Officio Member, Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Indian Committee, Ignacio Creative District, and working to re-establish the Committee of Elders.

Eagle has previously served in the position of Vice Chairman two times prior under Chairmen Clement J. Frost and Matthew Box. “It is an honor to serve as the Vice Chairman under Chairman Melvin J. Baker. With a full Council, we are prepared to work on the Tribal Council priorities which benefit the tribal membership,” stated Vice Chairman Eagle. “I would like to thank, Mr. Bruce Valdez, who served as the Vice Chairman during his term.”

Vice Chairman Ramona Y. Eagle is the daughter the late Clifford and Annabelle Eagle (egap). She is a sister to Linda Eagle and mother to the late Sadie R. Frost (egap), Theodosha Frost, and Rhonda Wilbourn. She has 13 grandchildren.

“It is great honor to serve with Vice Chairman Eagle, the wealth of knowledge she brings will be beneficial to the Tribe. This is a historic moment, to serve with an all-female Council. I know, together, we will move forward in a positive way, keeping our membership our priority,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

20211220 – Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Vanessa P. Torres Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2021

 

Vanessa P. Torres Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The 2021 Run-Off Election was held on Friday, December 17, 2021. Tribal Council Candidate, Vanessa P. Torres successfully received majority of the votes cast with (125) votes. According to the Southern Ute Tribal Election, the Candidates who receives the majority of votes will be elected to the Tribal Council.

 

Tribal Council held a Special Meeting this morning to certify the Run-Off Election Results. The Southern Ute Election Board confirmed the following election results:

 

Office of Tribal Council                                          No. of Votes

Vanessa P. Torres                                                             125

W. Bruce Valdez                                                                115

 

This will be the second term serving on Tribal Council for newly re-elected tribal leader. During her first term, Torres represented the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and advocated for tribal water rights on the Ten Tribes Partnership. She also led projects identified as Tribal Council Priorities.

 

“I would like to thank the tribal membership for allowing me to be your voice for this next term. The experience I have gained in my first year will be a steppingstone towards building a stronger foundation on the many issues the Tribe and membership face,” stated Council Member Torres.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hunting, fishing, traveling, beading, reading and participating in cultural events. She is married and shares one daughter.

 

“I look forward to working with my colleagues once again. Thank you for the confidence and faith you have entrusted in me. Tuuvuch Toghoyaqh.”

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

 

20211208 – VT Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election (FINAL)

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop

Please find the attached news release “Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop”. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is sharing this release in collaboration with the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado.

 

Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop

 

[Southern Ute Indian Reservation, Colorado, September 25, 2021] An exciting five-year collaboration to support small business growth and development began in the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The Southern Ute Tribe, Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation, and The Leeds School of Business Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at The University of Colorado Boulder hosted the inaugural business workshop called “Native Entrepreneurship “on September 24th and 25th.

 

Native Entrepreneurship was taught by Erick Mueller and Eric Burno, entrepreneurs and award-winning professors at the Leeds School of Business. This was a valuable program for both aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners. This course gave existing businesses a new perspective to stir creativity and explore new growth opportunities while providing the perfect primer for entrepreneurs navigating their way through the business start up process.

 

“The Southern Ute Indian Tribe was honored to host the Demystifying Entrepreneurship Conference and proud of the collaboration with the various entities who came together to support tribal entrepreneurs,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The conference helped bridge the gap between a dream of small business development for members of our tribal community.”

 

Local entrepreneurs and innovators from the Ignacio area joined together at the Sky Ute Casino to turn their business ideas into reality or take their business concepts to the next level. The varied group included a sustainable plant pot for use in the rejuvenation of riverbeds, an electric vehicle charging experience, and a healing studio.

 

“I am grateful that these resources are available for our tribal community and the surrounding area. And that we can learn from experts in entrepreneurship,” says, a 2021 attendee.

 

Dedra White Eagle is excited to develop a few different ideas. One that she worked on during the workshop was an electric vehicle charging experience. Transforming this typically dull experience into one that shares Native American history and stories, is engaging and overall memorable. She shared, “The entire workshop was very valuable. I am a beginner in this entrepreneurship world and am thankful that I participated and learned these practical tools”

 

“What a special cohort of change-makers! I was inspired by the innovative ideas from all the attendees and especially impressed from the concepts developed by the Southern Ute Tribal members. It’s so exciting to launch this workshop series to contribute in elevating the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. I’m certain this cohort will help amplify the Native and surrounding community’s overall economic vitality. We can’t wait to return in 2022!”, shared Mueller.

 

This workshop will return to Ignacio, Colorado in the Spring of 2022. Receive updates about next year’s workshop.

 

This series of workshops is put on in partnership with CU’s Leeds School of Business  and is available in every major rural region in Colorado. The next Demystifying Workshop, Shore Up, is being offered in Vail, Colorado on October 8th and 9th. To register for this event, please visit https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/event/shore-up-your-small-business/.

 

And to learn about all locations, visit : https://outreach.colorado.edu/program/demystifying-entrepreneurship-rural-colorado-workshop-series/.

 

Many thanks to those who made this event possible.

 

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Photo Courtesy of Erick Mueller

20211005 – Post Native Entrepreneurship 2021 RCWS Press Release

11JT Indian Policies and Procedures Meeting

Ignacio School District (11JT) Indian Policies & Procedures Meeting

The Ignacio School Board and Southern Ute Tribal Council would like to invite all parents of Native American students to the lgnacio School District’s Indian Policy and Procedures Meeting on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the Ignacio High School Auditorium.
Please see attached letter, agenda, and surveys attached.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum Opens New Exhibit: Inside Out 2.0: Native American Artists in the 21st Century

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2021

 

Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum Opens New Exhibit: Inside Out 2.0: Native American Artists in the 21st Century

 

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum announces the opening of Inside Out 2.0: Native American Artists in the 21st Century, which showcases local Native artists and their work, with pieces from their personal collections. Native art today reflects a full range of contemporary and traditional techniques, topics, and media. Native artists are a vital part of the contemporary art community and defy stereotypes about genocide by affirming identity through material and design. Their art symbolizes both personal and cultural meaning and supports resistance, survival, and sovereignty.

 

Featured artists in Inside Out 2.0: Native American Artists in the 21st Century are:

 

Oreland C. Joe Sr. was born in Shiprock, New Mexico, where he grew up on both the Navajo and Southern Ute reservations. His art is influences by his roots in the Four Coroners area of the U.S. Southwest combined with classical influences he gained while studying in France, Italy, and Japan. Mr. Joe works in a variety of media and is world-renowned for his stone and bronze sculpture.

 

Hyrum Joe was born on the Navajo Reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico where he grew up in a home rich in Navajo language and culture. He became an artist after taking life-drawing classes at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona and is now recognized for his unique style of portraiture. Mr. Joe exhibits regularly and has won awards including first place in the painting’s category at the 2019 Santa Fe Indian Market.

 

Norman Lansing, a Ute Mountain Ute, who was born in Towaoc, Colorado. Mr. Lansing works in all media and is best known for his sgraffito etchings on ceramic vases. He is also known for his acrylic paintings and pen and ink drawings. His art often explores the “relationship between man, animal, earth, and the spirits of all living entities” that are all needed to form a balanced universe.

 

Edward Burch Box, III, a Southern Ute Tribal Member, learned traditional Ute culture from his family, especially his grandfather, Edward B. Box, Sr. He practices traditional arts including beading, sewing, and crafting; his beadwork has won awards locally and nationally. Mr. Box’s creativity sparks through his beadwork and sewing which he does to represent traditional Ute ways.

 

Lindsay J. Box is an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and is also descended from the Ute Mountain Ute. Ms. Box upholds Ute traditions by doing beadwork, sewing, photography, and videography. She is inspired by her culture and family and prefers to work using more traditional techniques and practices, such as working only when feeling good and incorporating prayer into her work.

 

Elise Redd, an advocate for cultural arts and crafts, she is the daughter of Bonnie La Zelle Redd (Omaha) and Albert Gunn Redd (Southern Ute). She gained her love of art from her grandmother, mother, and aunt who made traditional clothing and beadwork, and her father who was an accomplished oil painter. In her own work, Ms. Redd often uses bright colors, batiks fabrics, and crystals. She enjoys teaching and is the mentor of Rhianna Carel, also exhibiting in Inside Out 2.0.

 

Rhianna Carel is 16 years old, a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and a rising senior at Ignacio Senior High School. Rhianna’s parents are Marie Joy and Vern Carel and she has a younger sister. Ms. Carel has been beading for more than a year now and she has been inspired by designing her own earrings.

 

“On behalf of the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, I would like to invite you to the reopening of Inside Out 2.0: Native American Artists in the 21st Century. The exhibit features acclaimed enrolled Southern Ute tribal members who utilize their talent and skill to carry on the traditions of our Ute people,” shared Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

 

An opening reception will be held Friday, October 8, 2021 to honor the artists and kick off the installation. Due to COVID restrictions, the reception will be limited to invited guests only and a limited number of invitations will be delivered to the media.

 

However, all members of the media are invited to attend a pre-reception session to interview artists, learn more about the works on display, and take photographs. To RSVP, please contact Mr. Logan Gasdia, Marketing and Media Coordinator, at 970.563.2997 or via email at lgasdia@southernute-nsn.gov.

 

The mission of the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum is to foster understanding of and respect for the unique origin, culture, language, history, and way of life of the Núuchiu (Ute People) and to advance people-to-people relations through inclusive and effective programming and services

 

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Photo Credit | Lindsay J. Box

20210920 – SUCCM Opens New Exhibit Inside Out 2.0 Native American Artists in the 21st Century (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Establishment of Tribal Historic Preservation Office

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.759.1494

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2021

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Establishment of Tribal Historic  Preservation Office

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Tribal Council is happy to announce the identification of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO). The National Park Service formally approved the Tribe’s plan to establish a THPO. The Tribe’s Cultural Preservation Department, Native American Graves & Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) staff will assume the responsibility of review pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act upon completion of the development of its THPO.

 

The Tribal THPO will assume the following functions: direct and conduct a comprehensive survey and maintain an inventory of historic and culturally significant properties on tribal lands, identify and nominate eligible properties to the National Register of Historic Places and otherwise administer applications for listing historic properties on the National Register, develop and implement a comprehensive, historic preservation plan covering historic, archeological, and traditional cultural properties on tribal lands, and advise and assist (where appropriate) Federal and State agencies and local governments in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities, among others.

 

“The idea of a THPO predates the establishment of the Cultural Preservation Department and it is a momentous time to see the visions of our past Tribal leaders come to fruition,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

 

According to the congratulatory letter sent to the Tribe from the National Park Service, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is the 203rd Tribe to assume such duties. The new responsibilities were previously that of the State Historic Preservation Officer. In 2006, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe along with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe signed the Process for Consultation, Transfer, and Reburial of Cultural Unidentifiable Native American Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects Originating From Inadvertent Discoveries on Colorado State and Private Lands with the State of Colorado. This was one of the very first within Indian Country and had since helped strengthen the relationship between the Tribe and State, Local Government, and Federal Officials.

 

“Now, the Tribe can continue to protect and preserve all cultural resources that include culturally significant places and resources within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation, but with greater emphasis – guaranteeing their existence for future generations to carry on our Ute way of life,” shared Mr. Garrett Briggs, NAGPRA Coordinator.

 

The Tribe will also be eligible to apply for federal funding for the newly established THPO Office. The Tribe will not assume the responsibility for assisting in the certification of local governments and evaluation of Investment Tax Credits rehabilitation projects as authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act.

 

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Photo Credit | Lindsay J. Box

 

20210909 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes establishment of Tribal Historic (FINAL)