sbegay – Page 6 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day

May 5, 2025 / May 5, 2025 by sbegay

Today, May 5th, we recognize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day as declared by a Presidential proclamation. In solemn remembrance and to shine a light on this crisis, Tribal Council and staff wore red to honor the lost loved ones and stand with their families. Every name, every story, every relative matters ❤️🪽.

2025 Tribal Energy Associates Program

April 29, 2025 / April 29, 2025 by sbegay

The 2025 Tribal Energy Associates Program is accepting applications for a six-week summer experiential learning opportunity for enrolled Tribal Members ages 18 years and older. The deadline for applications is tomorrow, April 30, 2025 so apply today at www.tribalalternatives.org 💡

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Calls for Referral of Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment to November Ballot

April 24, 2025 / April 24, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Calls for Referral of Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment to November Ballot Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, today calls on the Colorado General Assembly to refer SCR25-002, the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment, to a vote of the people of Colorado this November. The amendment is currently under consideration by the full Colorado State Senate. The amendment, sponsored by Senators Danielson and Michaelson Jenet and Representative Duran, would allow for Colorado lawmakers to pass laws that permit victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring a civil claim for the sexual abuse regardless of when the sexual abuse occurred. “Our reason for supporting this amendment is simple. We must protect our most precious resource – our children – and keep our communities safe for all. Now is the time to get this done,” Chairman Melvin J. Baker said. “We thank Senators Danielson and Michaelson Jenet and Representative Duran for their leadership on this critical issue.” Sexual violence against Native children is a documented and ongoing crisis. Historical federal policies mandated that […]

For Immediate Release: Incident on Southern Ute Indian Reservation Under Investigation

April 15, 2025 / April 15, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2025 Incident on Southern Ute Indian Reservation Under Investigation Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 13, an incident occurred at a residence on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old non-Native juvenile. Details regarding this incident are currently under investigation. The Southern Ute Police Department (SUPD) responded first to the scene, followed by the Los Pinos Fire Protection District (LPFPD) and the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office (LPCSO). Due to the nature of the incident, part of which occurred outside the Reservation boundaries, SUPD and LPCSO will be collaborating in their investigation of the circumstances that led to the death. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time. Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box shared, “My heart breaks for the family and community impacted by this tragic loss. To our youth, your lives are sacred – and there are resources available, please reach out if you need them. You owe it to yourself and your future to protect your […]

BIA Southern Ute Agency: Prescribed Burn/Pile News Release

April 10, 2025 / April 10, 2025 by sbegay

United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency News Release On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Southern Ute Agency will be conducting a Prescribed Burn/Pile at the Sundance Grounds. The legal description for the burn is township 33N, Range 7W, Section 5. The purpose of the burn is to dispose of brush from last year’s ceremony and the Bear Dance Fire. Smoke will be visible from Ignacio, CO, and surrounding areas. Drivers are encouraged to use caution in the event smoke settles into the road corridor and for vehicles entering/leaving these areas. For more information regarding the project, please contact the Southern Ute Agency, Fire Management Office at (970)-563-4780.

SU Powwow Committee: Bear Dance Powwow Bids

April 9, 2025 / April 9, 2025 by sbegay

The Southern Ute Powwow Committee is requesting bids for the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow on May 23 and May 24, 2025. CLEANING CREW Sky Ute Casino Resort – Events Center Friday, May 23 – 6PM to 11PM Saturday, May 24 – 11AM to 12PM Cleaning supplies will be provided, Cleaning Crew should consist of (3) cleaning staff. Must provide One Million Dollar Insurance with the Sky Ute Casino Resort as the Insurer. SOUNDSYSTEM: Sky Ute Casino Resort – Events Center Friday, May 23 – 3PM (set up) to 11:00PM Saturday, May 24 – 9AM to 11PM Must provide One Million Dollar Insurance with the Sky Ute Casino Resort as the Insurer. DEADLINE April 18, 2025 AT 5:00PM Please submit bids to: Southern Ute Powwow Committee P.O. Box 737 #16, Ignacio, CO 81137 or soutepowwow@southernute-nsn.gov For questions, please contact: Vice-Chairman: Karen Washington 970-759-5880.

For Immediate Release: Measles Case Identified in Archuleta County: Staying Informed and Protected

April 9, 2025 / April 9, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2025 Measles Case Identified in Archuleta County: Staying Informed and Protected Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD), and the Silver Thread Public Health District have confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Archuleta County. We are sharing this information to ensure the Tribal Membership is informed and can take proactive steps to protect themselves. While measles is highly contagious, it is also highly preventable. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) offers excellent protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles. Vaccination is the most effective way to safeguard yourself, your family, and our community.Measles Case Identified in Archuleta County Staying Informed and Protected Press Release To make vaccination easily accessible, the Southern Ute Health Center is offering the MMR vaccine through Tribal Health. If you were born before 1957, you may already have immunity and not require the vaccine. If you are unsure about your immunity status or have any questions, please contact Tribal Health at […]

General Meeting Attendance Options

March 18, 2025 / March 19, 2025 by sbegay

The General Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 starting at 9:00 AM at Sky Ute Casino Resort in the Event Center. This is a closed meeting for the Southern Ute Tribal Membership only. There are 3 ways to join the General Meeting: 1. In-Person: Registration is not required, and we look forward to seeing you there! 2. Live Stream: Registration is required. Please use the following link or QR code to register with your information and census number. To expedite the process please use your “so-ute” email address. Please do not share your registration information with anyone. Link: https://bit.ly/2025gm *This link is case-sensitive 3. Recording: If you are not able to attend, the live stream recording will be available on the Tribal Member Portal. The agenda is forthcoming and will be made available on the Tribal Member Portal in advance of the General Meeting. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319. For technical assistance with your “so-ute” account, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555.

Ute Day at the Capitol 2025

March 17, 2025 by sbegay

Tribal and State leadership will celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the Nuuchiu to the State of Colorado during Ute Day at the Capitol on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Denver, Colorado at the State Capitol (200 E. Colfax Ave). The Speaking Program will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 9:45 a.m. The agenda is detailed below: – Invocation – Drum Group: Yellow Jacket – Color Guard: Ute Mountain Ute Veterans – Remarks: Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera, & Ute Tribal Chairmen Manuel Heart and Melvin J. Baker – Ute Youth Council & Royalty Introductions A lunch will be held at History Colorado (1200 Broadway, Denver, CO) starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by presentations until 3:30 p.m. This event is open to Tribal Members and the public. Attendees are responsible for arranging their transportation and accommodations. Specialty Tours will be available and led by Capitol staff. Sign-up sheets will be available at the event on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs at 720-402-4206, SUIT Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313, or the UMUT Administration Office at 970-564-5600.

Indigenous Rights in 2025: A Symposium on Current Legal Issues in Indigenous Communities

March 17, 2025 / March 17, 2025 by sbegay

We are excited to announce our sponsorship of “Indigenous Rights in 2025: A Symposium on Current Legal Issues in Indigenous Communities”, hosted by the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights! Join us on Friday, March 28th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM MT online via Zoom ⚖️ Attendees opting for in-person participation will be responsible for their personal travel and lodging arrangements. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from leading Indigenous scholars, activists, and organizers from across the country. Topics will include Federal Indian Law, Tribal sovereignty, and environmental justice. Registration is FREE! 👉 bit.ly/TJCLCR25 There will be a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary “SUGARCANE,” with a special introduction by the Director, following the symposium.

Author: sbegay