Category: Elections

Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Welcomes New Education Director: Dr. Joseph Claunch 07012024

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 01, 2024 Tribal Council Welcomes New Education Director: Dr. Joseph Claunch Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Tribal Council, and Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box are delighted to welcome Dr. Joseph Claunch as the new Director of the Department of Education, effective today, July 1, 2024. “Dr. Claunch’s dedication to fostering academic success and cultural identity within Native American communities is truly inspiring,” said Chairman Baker.  “His extensive experience in education leadership, combined with his passion for serving Indigenous youth, makes him an ideal fit to lead our Department of Education. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to provide our students with a culturally rich and positive educational experience.” A member of the Puyallup Tribe of Tacoma, Washington, Dr. Claunch has dedicated nearly 20 years to educating and empowering Native American youth. Throughout his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, youth program leader, and most recently, the Executive Director of the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project for the Pueblo of Zuni in New Mexico. Dr. Claunch holds a Bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies […]

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tribal Council Welcomes New Directors: MacMillan and Langefels

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud, Tribal Council, and Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box welcomed Elizabeth Quinn MacMillan (photo right) as the new Director of the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum this morning. Ms. MacMillan brings a wealth of experience and a deep respect for Indigenous history and culture to this important role. “We welcome Elizabeth to the team,” said Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud. “Together we will preserve and share the history of the Nuuchiu.” MacMillan holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Washington College and a Master of Arts in Public History from Loyola University Chicago.  Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience working with cultural institutions and organizations dedicated to preserving the history of the Southwest.  Her previous positions include work with the Bureau of Land Management’s Canyons of the Ancients, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and most recently, the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College. Tribal Council also welcomed Lizette Langefels (photo left) as the Southern Ute Health Center Director last week. Langefels brings 17 years of experience from Animas Surgical Hospital in addition to holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Fort Lewis […]

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Bill Protecting Self-Determination

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Bill Protecting Self-Determination Southern Ute Indian Reservation – A major victory for tribal sovereignty unfolded yesterday as Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 24-193, the “Protect Tribal Lands from Unauthorized Annexation Bill,” into law on June 6, 2024. This legislation arose from the City of Durango’s attempt to annex land on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing unanimously through both houses of the Colorado legislature. This strong backing underscores the widespread recognition of Tribal self-governance. “This is a momentous day for Colorado,” shared Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is incredibly grateful to the sponsors of this bill for their unwavering support. We thank Senator Jessie Danielson, Senator Cleave Simpson, Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese. Their commitment echoes the deep respect Coloradans have for Tribal sovereignty and the sanctity of Reservation lands. Together, we are sending a clear message: collaboration thrives when we honor treaties and respect Tribal sovereignty.” Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud echoed these sentiments, “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe […]

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