Author: tehlers

Community latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Historic Signing of Tribal Energy Resource Agreement

/ by tehlers

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 Pooja Rao-Pennington, Communication Manager – 970.553.0033 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) has reached an historic milestone by becoming the first Tribe to sign a Tribal Energy Resource Agreement (TERA) with the U.S. Department of the Interior. Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose, Council Members Andrew Gallegos and Marty Pinnecoose, legal representatives including Tom Shipps and David C. Smith, Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency Superintendent, and members of the Growth Fund leadership joined Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland III this afternoon in Washington D.C., for a signing ceremony at the Department of Interior headquarters. The agreement marks a significant advancement in Tribal self-determination and formally recognizes the Tribe’s longstanding expertise in managing its own energy and mineral resources. Under the agreement, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, through its Department of Energy (DOE), may exercise its sovereign authority to approve energy- and mineral-related leases, agreements, and rights-of-way on Tribal trust lands. Such approvals were historically administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as an extension of federal trust […]

Read more »

Community Culture latest-news

Honoring Native Heritage: Southern Ute Collaboration with Denver Nuggets

/ by tehlers

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe was honored to collaborate with the Denver Nuggets for the Native American Heritage Game during Native American Heritage Month . This special halftime show on November 22, 2025 celebrated and honored the Nuuchiu and Native presence in Colorado. The program featured Heritage dancers, the Ignacio High School Boys Basketball team, Yellowjacket Singers, Tribal royalty, and representatives from Tribal Council and the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Denver Nuggets for providing a recording of the land acknowledgment and halftime performance, now available for viewing.

Read more »

Community latest-news Tribal Members

A Special Message from Chairman Baker – Welcome Back to School 2025!

/ by tehlers

 Before the first bell rings tomorrow, we have a special message from Chairman Melvin J. Baker to kick off the school year!  This video was created in partnership with Ignacio School District — and whether you’re starting school in Ignacio or at another school, have a wonderful school year!  Stay tuned for more back-to-school messages, tips, and cherished memories from Tribal Council and ISD staff.

Read more »

Community Culture Press Releases Tribal Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2025 Statement Regarding Public Use of Sacred Ceremonies

/ by tehlers

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTMelvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2025  Statement Regarding Public Use of Sacred Ceremonies The Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) is aware of a video and social media posts recently circulated by Congressional District Three candidate Hope Scheppelman, following a sweat ceremony held on the Southern Ute Reservation. The video and accompanying post inaccurately suggested that the Tribe had issued an invitation to the ceremony and have since been used as campaign material, further misrepresenting the nature of the event and the Tribe’s involvement.  Sweat ceremonies hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for our people. They are sacred spaces of healing, reflection, and renewal. While certain ceremonies may be open to the broader community, we ask that all visitors approach them with reverence, honoring the traditions and protocols that guide these sacred practices. The Tribe reaffirms its unwavering commitment to authentic, respectful, and government-to-government consultation—a process rooted in our sovereignty, cultural integrity, and the protocols of our duly authorized leadership. Any engagement that does not follow these formal channels is not recognized as legitimate or representative of the Tribe. We respectfully clarify that the perspectives or invitations extended […]

Read more »

Community Press Releases

PSA Tribal Broadband Modernization Project: Phase II Construction Update & Traffic Impacts

by tehlers

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970-563-2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970-563-2313 FOR RELEASE: May 30, 2024 Tribal Broadband Modernization Project: Phase II Construction Update & Traffic Impacts Where: Crews will be working within the Cedar Point and Ignacio Peak subdivisions along the following roads: Shadow Spirit St, Lodge Pole Way, Burning Cedar Ave, Arrow St, Fry Bread Ave, Sagebrush Ave, Elk St, Rolling Thunder Ave, Mountain Dew Cir, Red Dawn Ct, Gray Stroke Ct, Blue Moon Ct, Ignacio Peak Dr & Jefferson Dr. Crews will also be working along the following county roads: CR-516, CR-519, CR-520, CR-509, CR-509A, CR-514, CR-316, CR-317, CR-510 & CR-513. Construction will take place along the edge of the roadways and/or behind sidewalk. Please see attached maps for more precise locations. What: The broadband project will include trenching, boring, and plowing to install fiber, as well as reclamation and seeding. Construction vehicles and fiber spools will be visible on the edges of roadways. When: Construction is ongoing. Hours of operation will be from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Travel Impact: Parking lanes, road shoulders, sidewalks and alleyways may be temporarily closed during operations. Motorists will be required to reduce speeds and travel […]

Read more »

To top