Southern Ute Election Board: Vacancy

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 how you can improve this committee
    • Disclosure of any other Boards/Committees you currently serve on

For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319 or email swhyte@southernute-nsn.gov.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970-563-2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970-563-2313

FOR RELEASE: February 05, 2024

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

Project News: Phase II is underway and construction has begun to connect fiber to homes!

Where: Crews will be working within the Ignacio town limits, CR-517 near the Sky Ute Casino and Ute Rd. Construction will take place along the edge of the roadways/alleyways. Please see the maps with construction zones indicated in red.

What: The broadband project will include trenching, boring, and plowing to lay fiber, as well as reclamation and seeding. Construction vehicles and fiber spools will be visible on the shoulder.

When: Construction is ongoing. Hours of operation will be from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Travel Impact: Parking lanes, sidewalks, and alleyways may be temporarily closed during operations. Motorists will be required to reduce speeds and travel safely around the construction taking place on the side of the road. Please remember to slow down in construction zones, eliminate distractions, and drive with extra caution. Motorists are also urged to watch for workers and equipment along the roadway.

In the event of an emergency or to report a reckless driver, please contact the Southern Ute Police Department at 970-563-4401.

For more information about the Tribal Broadband Modernization Project, please visit the link in the image.
Toghoyaqh!

Southern Ute Agency plans the Annual Sundance Pile Rx Burn tomorrow, January 17, 2024

Making notification that the Southern Ute Agency will be conducting the annual Sundance Pile Rx burn tomorrow, Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Attached is the News Release regarding the project.

Corey Francis will be the qualified Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3).  For further information, Mr. Francis can be reached directly at (505) 330-4015.

Thanks,

Corey Francis

Tribal Council adopts NEW Title 32 – Civil Truancy Code as part of the SUIT Law and Order Code.

On January 2, 2024, the Tribal Council adopted new Title 32 – Civil Truancy Code as part of the SUIT Law and Order Code.

Please see the attached Public Notice for more information.

A copy of the code can be found at:  https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/

Leslie Barnhart

Legal Department

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

P.O. Box 737  | Ignacio, CO | 81137

970.563.2144

lbarnhart@southernute-nsn.gov

Chairman Baker Welcomes Box as Executive Officer

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 03, 2024

Chairman Baker Welcomes Box as Executive Officer

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – In a strategic move to enhance leadership and organizational stewardship, Chairman Melvin J. Baker proudly announces the appointment of Ms. Lindsay J. Box as the Executive Officer of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Permanent Fund.

Ms. Box, with a proven track record of leadership brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Having traversed key positions within the Tribe, she possesses invaluable insights and a versatile skill set crucial for the strategic management and growth of the Permanent Fund. Box’s journey includes roles such as Tribal Council Communication Specialist, where she fostered crucial relationships and established robust communication channels to advance the Tribe’s vision. Her expertise as an HR Compliance Specialist contributed to operational excellence at the Southern Ute Growth Fund, showcasing her adeptness in policy formulation and human resources management.

Box’s connection to her Nuuchiu heritage fuels her dedication to ensuring traditions thrive alongside modern advancements. Serving on the Board of Directors for the National Tribal Energy Association and CommonSpirit’s Mercy Hospital, she has demonstrated leadership in promoting sustainable resource management and advocating for community well-being. Her educational background, including a BA in Sociology Criminology and a BA in American Indian Studies, forms a strong foundation. Pursuing an MA in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Leadership from Boise State University and an MA in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, Box underscores her commitment to continuous growth.

Box will capitalize on her strengths in strategic planning and policy development to guide the Permanent Fund toward achieving the priorities and goals set forth by Tribal Council. Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Box stated, “As I step into the role of the Executive Officer, I am acutely aware of the profound responsibility it entails. I will remain committed to delivering the highest quality programs and services to our Tribal membership, upholding the preservation and advocacy of our reservation’s resources, and fostering an environment where Ute heritage and economic development walk hand in hand. Together, we will write the next chapter in our Tribe’s storied legacy, striving always for a future that honors the past while embracing the innovations that pave the way forward.”

As the daughter of Janis Smith and the late Orian L. Box, Lindsay is a proud mother living on the reservation with her partner, Arnulfo, and her children, Tavian (15) and Kiko (5). Her commitment to heritage is evident in her beadwork and sewing, preserving and celebrating Ute culture with every stitch.

For more information, please contact the Executive Office at 970-563-2301.

Photo Credit | Allison Ragsdale

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Summer R. Begay

Communication Specialist | Tribal Council Affairs

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137

Office: 970-563-2313

Work Cell: 970-553-0052

For Immediate Release: Stability and Renewal Baker Leads the Tribe into Second Term with New Council 12/18/2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2023

Stability and Renewal: Baker Leads the Tribe into Second Term with New Council

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomed Chairman, Melvin J. Baker and Council Member, Marty Pinnecoose during the Inauguration Ceremony this morning at Sky Ute Casino Resort. Surrounded by family, tribal members, and visiting dignitaries, the ceremony marked a momentous occasion for the Tribe as it embraced Council Member Pinnecoose for his first term and Chairman Baker for his second term as Chairman.

Chairman Melvin J. Baker, a dedicated advocate for tribal sovereignty, brings a wealth of experience to his new term. Baker previously served four terms on Tribal Council. With a commitment to preserving and enhancing the resources, tradition, and identity of the Pino Nuuchiu, Chairman Baker is poised to lead the Tribe with vision and resilience. “Your faith in my leadership is truly inspiring. I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support and the privilege of serving as Chairman for another term”, stated Chairman Baker.

Council Member Marty Pinnecoose looks forward to beginning to his first term on Tribal Council. Pinnecoose had a multi-faceted career that included working as a journeyman ironworker, actor, teacher, role model, businessman. “I would like to thank the Tribal Membership for their vote of confidence, I am eager to learn, to listen, and to grow alongside you. This is not my seat alone, it is a shared space built on trust and collaboration”, stated Council Member Pinnecoose.

Chairman Baker has selected Lorelei Cloud to serve as his Vice Chairman. The appointment for the Executive Office will be announced in the coming days.

For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319.

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Summer R. Begay

Communication Specialist | Tribal Council Affairs

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137

Office: 970-563-2313

Work Cell: 970-553-0052

Southern Ute Tribe issues Public Notice on Revised Title 4 – Criminal Procedure Code & Revised Title 5 – Criminal Code

PUBLIC NOTICE

On December 5, 2023, the Tribal Council adopted a revised Title 4 – Criminal Procedure Code and a revised Title 5 – Criminal Code.

The effective date for both codes will be March 1, 2024.

The current Southern Ute Tribal Criminal Procedure and Criminal Codes will be in effect until February 29, 2024.

Both the current codes and the revised codes can be found on the Tribal government Law and Order Code website at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/

Please see the attached Public Notice for more information.

Thank you –

Leslie Barnhart
Legal Department
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
P.O. Box 737 | Ignacio, CO | 81137
970.563.2144
lbarnhart@southernute-nsn.gov

SU Utilities Notice of Temporary Water Loss of Water Service

Southern Ute Utilities customers who live on CR 516 and CR 517 will be impacted by a planned loss of water service Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. while construction activity is performed.

If your residence has a pressure boosting system, please disconnect power to turn off pump during this time.

Please read the attached notice and call (970) 563-5500 with any questions or concerns.

If you encounter water service problems beyond the planned outage, please contact the Southern Ute Police Department at (970) 563-0246.

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