Category: Administration

Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

+ 2026 State of the Tribes Address +

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To conclude a productive week in Denver, Chairman Melvin J. Baker delivered his third annual address to the Colorado General Assembly, joined by Council Member Marilyn House of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. These annual addresses—established through Colorado Senate Bill 22‑105—require the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate to invite representatives from both resident Tribes to speak before a joint session of the legislature each year, strengthening ongoing governmental dialogue and recognition since the bill was signed into law in 2022. During his remarks, Chairman Baker provided a brief history of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, highlighted the Tribe’s enduring presence and contributions to southwest Colorado, and addressed key priorities including: – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) – Securing support for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – Progress on Enterprise Spill remediation – Collaboration to address unlawful use and trespass on Tribal lands by Lumen – Resolutions related to sports betting. As the state and nation mark the upcoming anniversaries of Colorado 150 and America 250, Chairman Baker reflected: “Long before statehood and long before the founding of this nation, the Ute people have been here since time immemorial. Our history did not begin […]

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Returning Leaders: Barry & Pinnecoose

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Following the certification of the election results, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomed Marjorie D. Barry and Marvin J. Pinnecoose back to leadership during a swearing-in ceremony held on Monday, December 22, 2025. The ceremony took place in the Tribal Council Chambers, where Chief Judge Scott Moore administered the oaths of office. The Council Chamber was filled with families, Tribal Members, and staff, who joined together to celebrate the occasion. Dignitaries in attendance included leaders from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Jicarilla Apache Nation, as well as officials from Archuleta County, the City of Durango, and the Town of Ignacio. Federal representation included staff from the offices of U.S. Representative Hurd, U.S. Senator Hickenlooper, and U.S. Senator Bennet. Council Member Marjorie D. Barry returns for her third term, having first been elected to Tribal Council in 2019. Council Member Marvin J. Pinnecoose begins his second term following his initial election in 2022. During the ceremony, Chairman Melvin J. Baker announced his selection of Marvin Pinnecoose to serve as Vice Chairman for the upcoming term. “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is fortunate […]

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Noon as Chief of Police

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT                                                               Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 12, 2025  Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Department of Justice and Regulatory is proud to announce the appointment of Daryl T. Noon as Chief of Police for the Southern Ute Police Department. Chief Noon brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and a proven record of leadership to his new role. As a member of the Navajo Nation, his clans are Honágháahnii, born for Bilagáana. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Noon has demonstrated expertise in managing complex operations, developing personnel, and implementing strategic initiatives. He previously served as Police Commander with the Navajo Nation Police Department (NNPD), where he spent 7 years in executive leadership. Most recently, he held the position of Chief of Police for NNPD, overseeing a force of more than 300 employees and ensuring public safety across a vast and diverse jurisdiction. Chief Noon expressed, “I am thrilled and honored to serve the people of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.  In my 31 years of law enforcement experience, I have found my time in serving Native American people to be the most rewarding.  I am looking forward to bringing […]

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