Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans BIA Vacancy: Irrigation System Operator April 17, 2024 / April 17, 2024 by sbegay The BIA Southern Ute Agency is hiring for an Irrigation System Operator. Please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/786304400 and apply today! The Application period closes April 25, 2024. -Summer Begay, Communication Specialist Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: For Our Children’s Future: Vice Chairman Cloud supports SCR24-001 04/16/2024 April 16, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2024 For Our Children’s Future: Vice Chairman Cloud supports SCR24-001 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud joined several Colorado Senators and advocates at the State Capitol in Denver this afternoon in support of the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment (Senate Concurrent Resolution 24-001). If passed, this Amendment would retrospectively permit victims of child sexual assault to make civil claims against an abuser or an institution regardless of how much time has passed. “Our Ute and Native youth are the heart of our future. As a leader, I believe we must work together to ensure and protect their safety and success,” said Vice Chairman Cloud. For generations, Native communities have faced an epidemic of sexual violence and trauma, starting with children being the most vulnerable targets in the federal boarding schools. Tribal Courts, due to limitations in authority and jurisdiction, are unable to prosecute non-Native perpetrators. The perpetrators are often in positions of authority such as government officials, trustees, teachers, and religious leaders. The cycle of trauma persists, silencing many young victims. Fear, intimidation, and the struggle to […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans 2024 General Meeting Recording April 12, 2024 by sbegay The 2024 General Meeting recording is now available on the Tribal Member Portal. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319 or 970-563-2485. For technical assistance with your “so-ute” account, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555. -Summer Begay, Communication Specialist. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Missing Indigenous Person Alert Activation: 04/02/2024 April 2, 2024 by sbegay Missing Indigenous Person Alert Activation: 04/02/2024 Audrina Bartley was last seen on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 11:30 AM in Albuquerque, NM possibly headed to Durango, CO. Audrina was wearing a white hoodie with “faith over fear”, black skinny jeans, pink shirt, and a white puma backpack. She was not wearing glasses when she was last seen. If seen, please call 911 or the Southern Ute Police Department at970-563-4401. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans PSA: Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Trail Closure and Temporary Ute Road Closure April 1, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – (970) 563.0100 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – (970) 563.2313 FOR RELEASE: April 01, 2024 Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Trail Closure and Temporary Ute Road Closure Southern Ute Indian Reservation: On June 3, 2022, the Bear Dance Fire ignited on tribal trust land and burned eighty-nineacres north of the Bear Dance grounds and along the Los Pinos River. In the aftermath, the Environmental Programs Division (EPD) had observed hazardous materials mixed in with the burn area debris on the ground surface in areas paralleling Ute Road. The fire exposed these areas and the presence of hazardous materials, which created a concern for public health. Out of an abundance of caution, Tribal Council closed the Bear Dance Fire burn area. EPD and various environmental professionals have assessed air, soil, water, and vegetation samplings and determined that there is currently minimal risk to human health and the environment. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, Tribal Council has directed EPD to remove these surface materials and remediate the area. Remediation will commence on April 1, 2024, and the project will consist of debris pile removal and the capping of any remaining material in place. While the […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes new Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager March 27, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes new Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe warmly welcomes Mr. Thomas Frank as the new General Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort. Mr. Frank will be starting on April 3, 2024, following an impressive career of more than thirty years of experience in business development and casino operations spanning four states and three countries: Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. Throughout his career, Mr. Frank has played a key role in the development and implementation of over ten gaming start-up projects. This impressive track record includes work with the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe of California, Tolowa Dee-Ni’ Nation, and at the Dakota Sioux Casino. As General Manager, Frank will oversee the daily operations of the Sky Ute Casino Resort and all its amenities, including gaming and entertainment, hotel, restaurants, conference center, and bowling. “We believe his extensive experience and proven leadership will be instrumental in driving positive change and will continue Sky Ute Casino Resort’s legacy as the premier entertainment destination in Southwestern Colorado,” […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Save the Date: QueerMunity Pride Conference March 22, 2024 by sbegay Save the Date: The Ignacio Out and Equal Alliance (IOEA) is hosting the first QueerMunity Pride Conference on June 29th, 2024 in Ignacio, CO. IOEA is accepting workshop proposals until April 25th, 2024. Please scan the QR code or visit the link. Additional details are forthcoming! For more information, please contact IOEA at ignaciooutandequal@gmail.com. -Summer Begay, Communication Specialist. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Advocates for Tribal Interests at the State Capitol March 20, 2024 / March 20, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2024 Tribal Council Advocates for Tribal Interests at the State Capitol Ute Day at the Capitol was officially designated by Governor Jared Polis in 2019 to publicly celebrate and honor the contributions and sovereignty of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Indian Tribe. In addition, this designation encourages Coloradans to actively seek knowledge about the history and heritage of the Ute people in Colorado’s past, present, and future. That history has long been one of broken promises and the infringement of Tribal lands and sovereignty. Agreements with the Ute bands have been dishonored for the economic gains of others. This disrespect is not a relic of a distant past but far too often continues today. To address ongoing violations and historical injustice, Tribal Council traveled to Denver last week to meet with state legislators and the Governor to emphasize the importance of the State to uphold its commitment to Tribal agreements, particularly those concerning Tribal land. On Friday, March 15, 2024, Chairman Baker gave a powerful address to the General Assembly. He […] Read more »
Administration Community Press Releases Tribal Members For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Reaffirmation of AAA Credit Rating March 6, 2024 / March 6, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Reaffirmation of AAA Credit Rating Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is proud to announce the reaffirmation of its AAA credit rating by Fitch Ratings. Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings and research, has recognized the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s steadfast dedication to economic stability and prudent financial practices since 2001. The AAA rating reflects the Tribe’s ability to meet financial commitments and uphold a robust financial profile, even in the face of national and global economic challenges. “We are honored and grateful for the reaffirmation of our AAA credit rating by Fitch Ratings,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “This rating underscores our Tribe’s unwavering commitment to sound financial management, responsible governance, and the well-being of our Tribe.” The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has consistently demonstrated financial resilience, leveraging strategic investments and responsible fiscal policies to maintain its AAA credit rating. This prestigious rating not only reflects the Tribe’s financial strength but also enhances its ability to pursue economic development initiatives, secure favorable financing terms, and ensure continued […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Tribal Members Uncategorized Southern Ute Election Board: Vacancy February 28, 2024 / February 28, 2024 by sbegay The Southern Ute Election Board is seeking two Regular Board Members and two Alternate Board Members 🗳️ The Election Board is a paid committee that follows IRS guidelines, and eligibility for Southern Ute Employee benefits are based on hours. A criminal background check is required and as an appointed official of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, you are subject to the Code of Ethics. Qualifications; 11-2-102, (1) & (3): Must be a Southern Ute Tribal Registered Voter Must reside within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation Shall not have been convicted of a felony Shall not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty or fraud within five years immediately preceding the appointment To apply, please submit a Letter of Intent to Human Resources, PO Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137. Please see the graphic for a full list of requested information to be included in the letter: Full Name Contact Information (i.e. address, phone number, email address) Date It is suggested and helpful to include one or more of the following details: Description of why you are a good fit for the position Explanation of your motivation to join the Committee List relevant experience Outline ideas of […] Read more »