Category: Elections

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

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 life – one choice can change everything.”
Chairman Melvin J. Baker stated, “We are all grieving this tragic loss. Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young person involved. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Southern Ute Police Department, Los Pinos Fire Protection District, and the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and compassionate response. In the meantime, we extend our hand to our community, especially our youth, and urge them to seek the support offered by our Behavioral Health Team.”
The Southern Ute Behavioral Health Team will accept walk-in appointments for youth throughout the week. The Mesa Building (4101 CR 222, Durango, CO), provides a safe and supportive space for the community to talk, reflect, or simply be in the company of others. The Behavioral Health Team is committed to the well-being of youth and offers this resource to provide comfort and support.
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BIA Southern Ute Agency: Prescribed Burn/Pile News Release

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

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
For questions, please contact: Vice-Chairman: Karen Washington 970-759-5880.

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

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 970-563-4581 for guidance.
We encourage everyone to be aware of measles symptoms, which can include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Rash
Staying informed and taking proactive steps, such as vaccination, helps ensure our community’s well-being. We are working diligently to monitor the situation and provide accurate information.
Additional Information:
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General Meeting Attendance Options

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

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

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.

Agriculture Producers Gathering 03222025

Tribal Members involved in agriculture, whether currently assigned, interested in future assignments, or designated as beneficiaries, are invited to a gathering hosted by Treasurer James “Mike” Olguin and Tribal Council. This will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Facility in the Large Room. A lunch will be provided and prepared by Treasurer Olguin.
Discussion topics will include:
  • Formation of an Experienced Farmer Work Group:
    • Gauge interest in establishing a collaborative work group of experienced farmers to guide and support new Tribal farmers.
  • Comprehensive Agricultural Land Management Plan:
    • Discussion on the Agricultural Land Management Plan, its goals and objectives.
  • Producer Needs and System Improvement:
    • Openly addressing the needs of agricultural producers, exploring new ideas, and providing a platform for constructive feedback on current systems.
For more information or questions, please contact Treasurer James “Mike” Olguin at 970.563.2404 or miolguin@southernute-nsn.gov.

For Immediate Release: Preserving Ute Culture: Committee passes Free State Park Access Bill 02252025

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2025

Preserving Ute Culture: Committee passes Free State Park Access Bill

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the unanimous passage of Colorado House Bill 25-1163, granting enrolled Tribal Members free access to all 43 Colorado State Parks, out of the House Agricultural, Water & Natural Resources committee. This landmark state legislation acknowledges our enduring connection to our ancestral homelands and ensures our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

This bill, sponsored by Representatives Katie Stewart and Rick Taggert, recognizes the Ute Tribes as the original stewards of these lands, honoring our deep historical and cultural ties to the natural resources within Colorado’s state parks. For countless generations, the Nuuchiu have utilized and respected these lands, waters, and wildlife. The ability to freely access these parks is crucial for Tribal Members to continue our responsibility to care for these lands, as our ancestors have done for centuries.

While we recognize the advocacy from other Tribes for expanded access, this legislation reflects the distinct sovereign-to-sovereign relationship between the State of Colorado and the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes, whose traditional territories lie within Colorado. We believe this bill serves as a valuable model and encourages other Tribal Nations to build similar partnerships with the states where their reservations are located.

Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose testified virtually in support of this bill, sharing, “The precious land, water, agriculture, and wildlife that make up our Colorado State Parks contain important cultural sites and trail systems that have long been used by the Ute people. Today, it is critical that our Tribal youth be able to access and visit these sites and traditional areas to ensure that our cultural practices are carried forward to future generations.”

This significant milestone marks a crucial step in honoring the Ute people’s legacy. As HB25-1163 advances to the House Appropriations Committee, we look forward to the continued progress of this vital legislation.
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For Immediate Release: Statement on Sky Ute Casino Resort

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2025

Statement on Sky Ute Casino Resort

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Tribal Council remains steadfast in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our Tribal Members, guests, staff, and community. We are working closely with Tribal and local law enforcement, who are actively collaborating to address the situation. We will continue to provide appropriate and timely updates while remaining committed to protecting the integrity of the investigation.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Sky Ute Casino Resort are taking every necessary precaution to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. We deeply appreciate the patience, trust, and support of our community and staff as we work diligently toward a positive resolution. Your safety is our top priority, and we are fully committed to ensuring peace of mind for all.

At our After Action Report Meeting this afternoon, there were several positive takeaways that can serve as comfort to the community. The response time from the initial call to evacuation and relocation was mere minutes. This is evidence of the committed and knowledgeable staff within the Tribal organization, as well as the reciprocal relationships with key community partners: Ignacio Police Department, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, and Los Pinos Fire Protection District.

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