Category: Culture

The Southern Ute Election Board Announces Notice of Run-Off Election for Tribal Chairman and (1) Tribal Council Seat

The Southern Ute Election Board has determined the Run-Off Election dates and deadlines according to the Southern Ute Constitution and Election Code of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Run-Off Election will be held Friday, December 15, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Election will be held at 285 Lakin Street, Ignacio, CO. A sample ballot has been provided containing Tribal Council Chairman candidates James M. Olguin and Melvin J. Baker. The Tribal Council candidates are Marty M. Pinnecoose and Cedric J. Chavez. Please call the Southern Ute Election Board at (970) 563-2303/2305/2730. Off reservation tribal members can call (800)772-1236 Ext, 2303. Email correspondence can be sent to election@southernute-nsn.gov

Southern Ute Election Board Announces 2023 Run-Off Election

Greetings,

The Election Board has determined the dates for the upcoming 2023 Run-off Election according to the Constitution and Election Code.  Run-off Election will be on Friday, December 15, 2023, 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. with voting located at the Election Office, 285 Lakin Street, Ignacio, CO.

Tribal Council Chairman candidates are James M. Olguin and Melvin J. Baker.

The Tribal Council candidates are Marty M. Pinnecoose and Cedric J. Chavez.

For further inquiry, please call (970) 563-2303 or 2305/2730; Off Reservation Tribal Members:  1-800-772-1236 ext. 2303; Email is also an option at election@southernute-nsn.gov

Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Unofficial November 2023 General Election Results

The 2023 Tribal General Election vote count has concluded.
The “unofficial” results for Tribal Council are:
• Tara Vigil: 111
• Andrew Gallegos: 204
• Conrad Thompson: 93
• Cedric Chavez: 147
• Marty Pinnecoose: 134
Andrew Gallegos has received the majority of votes. A runoff election will be between Marty Pinnecoose and Cedric Chavez.
A special meeting was scheduled by the Election Board for Monday, November 6th to certify the vote count. Runoff dates are forthcoming.
The 2023 Tribal General Election vote count has concluded.
The “unofficial” results for the Chairman seat are:
• Christine Baker Sage: 42
• Byron Frost: 37
• Renee Cloud: 17
• James “Mike” Olguin: 72
• Ramona Eagle: 71
• Melvin J. Baker: 141
A runoff election will be between James “Mike” Olguin and Melvin J. Baker. A special meeting was scheduled by the Election Board for Monday, November 6th to certify the vote count. Runoff dates are forthcoming.

PC: The Southern Ute Drum

– Summer Begay, Communication Specialist.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe/State of Colorado Environmental Commission To Meet

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe/State of Colorado Environmental Commission (Commission) will meet on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Justice & Regulatory Administration Building- EPD Large Conference Room located at 71 Mike Frost Way, Ignacio, Colorado 81137. The agenda will include Call to Order/Introductions, New Business, Tribal Air Quality Program Updates, Tribal Air Initiatives, CDPHE Updates, Open Discussion/Questions and Public Comment, and Schedule Next Commission Meeting. For more information on the meeting, how to attend virtually, or to obtain a copy of the meeting agenda please contact Mr. Michael Kirsch, Air Quality Scientist at (970) 563-2258 or visit the Commission website at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/departments/epd/a….

Michael J. Kirsch

Air Quality Scientist II – Planner

Environmental Programs Department

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Phone: (970) 563-2258

Growth Fund Announces Arrowhead Propane as Strategic Supplier

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2023
Growth Fund Announces Arrowhead Propane as Strategic Supplier
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – In early 2023, the Southern Ute Tribal Council became aware of instances where propane fuel suppliers had failed to make timely deliveries, leaving Tribal Members without reliable and consistent heat during the winter months, in some cases for extended periods of time. Tribal Council requested the Growth Fund’s assistance to evaluate and propose options for improved reliability of propane delivery to Tribal Members.
To assess Tribal Members’ experiences, the Growth Fund partnered with Tribal Information Services to conduct a survey, which was released in July 2023 on the Tribal Member Portal and paper surveys were mailed to Tribal elders for inclusion of all voices.
The results of the survey indicated a significant difference between the suppliers in the area. The overall conclusion is that four of the six suppliers were the most prominent. Two national suppliers, which provide service to many survey respondents, were given an average customer satisfaction rating, while two of regional suppliers scored very high in customer satisfaction. After further consultation, one highly rated regional supplier offered the Tribe and its Members a beneficial rate without additional conditions. The survey summary data is available on the Tribal Member Portal.
Concurrently with the Tribal Member survey, the Growth Fund completed an assessment of area suppliers as well as evaluated developing its own propane supply company. However, the challenges associated with market pricing, cost, safety, infrastructure, and timing on execution outweighed the potential benefits and could result in higher costs to Tribal Members. Following a comprehensive review of the survey and assessment results, the Growth Fund Management Committee recommended that Tribal Council name Arrowhead Propane as a strategic supplier.
Arrowhead Propane will extend favorable pricing on both tank rental and propane fuel to enrolled Tribal Members. Tribal Council recommends Tribal Members choose a propane supplier that meets their own needs, and there is no requirement to use the strategic supplier or change suppliers.
“Safety is our greatest consideration and elimination of supply disruption is our top priority,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “Arrowhead’s outstanding customer service ratings and favorable pricing will bring improved service and savings to our Membership. However, this is an individual choice, and only an option, we encourage Tribal Members to make the decision that is right for them and their home.”
Mike Helms, General Manager of Arrowhead Propane, commented, “Arrowhead Propane is pleased to offer beneficial pricing to Southern Ute Tribal Members. We are proud of the service we provide and enjoy working with several members of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe today. Safety is our first priority, but excellent customer service is a close second, and Arrowhead has equipment and capacity to meet the needs of new Southern Ute customers.”
Running out of propane during cold winter months can create potentially dangerous situations, so it is imperative to communicate regularly with your propane supplier for options to best suit your heating needs. For additional information please contact, Mr. Meade Harbison with the Growth Fund Business Development at 970-563-5037. To contact Arrowhead Propane, please find them at https://arrowheadpropaneco.com or at 970-422-5280.
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-Summer Begay, Communications Specialist.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) conducts its Annual Lake Nighthorse Kokanee Salmon Giveaway

With permission from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Animas-La Plata Association, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) is again conducting its annual Lake Nighthorse kokanee salmon spawning operation. This spawning operation is important for fisheries within the Southwest Region and across the State of Colorado.

CPW wants to let the Southern Ute Tribe and its members know about the spawning and fish giveaways. We are inviting Southern Ute Tribal members to share this fish resource.

Please see the flyer for additional information on the Salmon Giveaway Event.

The SUIT Environmental Programs Department is now accepting applications for the 2024 Cost-share Program (CSP)

The SUIT Environmental Programs Department is now accepting applications for the 2024 Cost-share Program (CSP). The purpose of the CSP is to work cooperatively with landowners to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) on lands within the Reservation. BMPs are designed to improve our rivers, keep our water clean, and protect wildlife habitat. Water quality, fish/wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities deteriorate when sediment and nutrients flow into our creeks and rivers.

The CSP pays 95% of the cost of selected BMPS and the participant provides 5% cost assistance via monetary or “in-kind” labor/materials.

Applications are due November 12, 2023. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: HTTPS://WWW.SOUTHERNUTE-NSN.GOV/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/SITES/15/2023/09/2024-CSP-APPLICATION.PDF

Contact project coordinator Dylan Ruckel at (970) 563-2295 or Druckel@southernute-nsn.gov for more information.