Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Sign Up for the Tribal Member Experience! June 4, 2024 by sbegay Southern Ute Tribal Members stay connected with news, departments, and resources by signing up for the Tribal Member Experience! Please note account holders must be enrolled in the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and be 18 years of age or older. To create a new account, please follow these steps: 1. Go to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s website at https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/ 2. Select “Members” at the top of the screen 3. Select “I need an account” 4. Complete the Tribal Member Access Request Form & click Submit The request will be sent to TIS Vital Statistics for verification. SUSS will approve your account. The login credentials will be sent to the email listed on the form. You may then create your password. If you already have an account and need help resetting your password: 1. Please visit https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/tmx/ 2. Under “Getting Started Resources” select “Password Reset Instructions” and follow the guide. 3. Direct link: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/TMx-Member-Website-Password-Reset.pdf Please do not create a new account. For information, contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313 or TIS Vital Statistics at 970-563-2248. For technical assistance with existing accounts, contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555. – Summer Begay, Communication Specialist Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Strands of Strength: The Indian Citizenship Act 100th Anniversary 06022024 June 3, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2024 Strands of Strength: The Indian Citizenship Act 100th Anniversary Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act, a landmark piece of legislation that granted U.S. citizenship to Native Americans born within reservation boundaries. Prior to the Snyder Act, the path to citizenship for Native Americans was a patchwork of treaties, federal policies, and court rulings that varied by Tribe and region. The Snyder Act, passed on June 2, 1924, was a complex and controversial measure. While it extended citizenship rights, it also aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. This followed a dark period of forced relocation and the establishment of Federal Indian Boarding Schools. Before 1924, paths to citizenship were limited and conditional. Common routes included land cessions, honorable military service, or marriage to a non-Tribal male. “The Snyder Act was a double-edged sword,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “It offered citizenship on paper, but also sought to dismantle our identity. We were expected to abandon our traditions and languages to fit a mold. […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Makes History with USDA to Conserve Natural Resources 05312024 May 31, 2024 / May 31, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313 Petra Popiel, CO USDA State Public Affairs Specialist – 720.544.2808 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Makes History with USDA to Conserve Natural Resources Southern Ute Indian Reservation – A historic partnership is forging between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Through the USDA or NRCS Agency’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the entities have jointly entered an alternative funding arrangement (AFA) to improve rangeland resiliency and health on Tribal lands. This project is funded through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). “This is an exciting partnership”, said Clint Evans, NRCS State Conservationist in Colorado. “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is the first Tribe in the nation to enter into an AFA through CSP. We’re proud of what that means for future relations between NRCS and the Tribe. We also get to play a role and join them as they expand their natural resource conservation journey.” CSP, a Farm Bill program, builds upon existing conservation efforts while strengthening agricultural operations. “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s forward thinking and resource conservation focused […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans SU Tribal Council Affairs: Strands of Strength Exhibit May 31, 2024 / May 31, 2024 by sbegay Strands of Strength The Indian Citizenship Act 1924-2024 Through this temporary exhibit, we invite you on a journey to explore the rich history of the Nuuchiu across the decades. A pivotal moment in this story is 1924, with the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act. This Act, while long overdue, marked a significant step towards recognizing the inherent rights of Native Americans. This exhibit is in the Hall of Warriors at the Leonard C. Burch building. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970.563.2313. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Statement on the passing of Jicarilla Apache Nation President Velarde May 14, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2024 Statement on the passing of Jicarilla Apache Nation President Velarde Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of President Edward Velarde of the Jicarilla Apache Nation. President Velarde was a pillar of his community and a dedicated leader who made significant contributions to the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the State of New Mexico throughout his life. A Vietnam War veteran, he served as President since 2019, guiding the Jicarilla Apache Nation with wisdom and compassion. The Jicarilla Apache Nation described President Velarde as “not only a leader but also a cherished member of our community, whose kindness, wisdom, and dedication touched the lives of all who knew him.” Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker and Tribal Council offers their condolences, stating, “The Jicarilla Apache Nation is a valued neighbor. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of President Velarde and the entire Jicarilla Apache Nation. President Velarde was a strong believer in the importance of tribal-to-tribal relationships, which he consistently exemplified throughout his leadership.” ### […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Tribal Member Career Fair 05142024 May 14, 2024 / May 14, 2024 by sbegay The Southern Ute Tribal Member Career Fair is going on right now at the Sky Ute Casino and Resort! There are plenty of wonderful opportunities provided by Tribal entities and Tribal departments. For more information, please contact Rochelle Aguilar at 970-563-2990 or raguilar@southernute-nsn.gov. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Trail Reopening 05142024 May 14, 2024 / May 14, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – (970) 563-0100 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – (970) 563-2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2024 Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Trail Reopening Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On June 3, 2022, the Bear Dance Fire ignited on tribal trust land and burned 89 acres north of the Bear Dance grounds and along the Los Pinos River. Following the fire, non-hazardous and hazardous debris was observed on the ground surface in areas paralleling Ute Road by the Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department (EPD). Exposed hazardous materials created a potential concern for public health. Out of an abundance of caution, Tribal Council closed the Bear Dance Fire burn area, including the hiking trail along the Los Pinos River. After extensive planning, EPD, Cottonwood Consulting, and Emergency Environmental Services initiated a remediation project on April 8, 2024. The project was successfully completed on May 6, 2024. This involved the removal and proper disposal of an estimated 2 million pounds of potentially hazardous materials and soil. Additionally, to enhance the visual appeal of the area, an estimated 340,000 pounds of non-hazardous debris was removed. The remediation area has been backfilled with clean soil and reseeded with […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Police Department: Dispatch Lines 05072024 May 7, 2024 / May 8, 2024 by sbegay Update: 05/07/2024 8:30 PM The Southern Ute Police Department phone lines are working. Thank you for your understanding! _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Southern Ute Police Department Dispatch is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Our phone lines are down, and we cannot receive incoming or outgoing calls. If you have an emergency: Please dial 911. Central Dispatch will answer and transfer you to Southern Ute Dispatch. Non-emergency calls: We apologize for the inconvenience. We are working hard to resolve the issue and will update you as soon as possible. In the meantime, you may call 970-563-2820 for non-emergencies. Thank you for your understanding! -Summer Begay, Communication Specialist Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Welcomes Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Touton 05062024 May 7, 2024 / May 7, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2024 Tribal Council Welcomes Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Touton Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Making history, Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton of the Bureau of Reclamation became the first Commissioner to visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s headquarters in the agency’s 133-year existence. Chairman Melvin J. Baker, the Tribal Council, and staff extended a warm welcome to the Commissioner and her team, who were joined by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and congressional staff from Senator Bennet and Senator Hickenlooper’s offices. The meeting provided a platform for Tribal leadership to elevate concerns about water challenges and express appreciation for the Bureau of Reclamation’s ongoing support in building tribal water resiliency. “This visit marks a new chapter in our collaborative efforts with the Bureau of Reclamation. We are grateful for Commissioner Touton’s commitment to understanding our needs and for this grant award that will assist our efforts to improve and strengthen our water security,” said Chairman Baker. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe was awarded a $4,666,719 grant, with $2.3 million coming from the federal government and $2.3 million provided by the Tribe as […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: “Land is Sacred”: Chairman Baker Urges Colorado to Block Durango’s Land Grab 05032024 May 3, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2024 “Land is Sacred”: Chairman Baker Urges Colorado to Block Durango’s Land Grab Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker delivered a powerful testimony last night, urging the Colorado House Committee on State, Civic, Military, and Veteran Affairs to defend a historical promise. Chairman Baker urged the Committee to support Senate Bill 24-193: Protect Tribal Lands from Unauthorized Annexation. This legislation stands as a crucial shield against the City of Durango’s egregious attempt to seize Southern Ute Indian Reservation land for economic gain. For generations beyond counting, the Utes have been the unwavering stewards of Colorado. Their ancestral lands stretch across the state’s mountains and valleys, a testament to their deep connection to the land. The rich culture, traditions, and language of the Utes are woven into the very fabric of Colorado. Their resilience is a testament to their spirit, having endured forced assimilation, brutal relocations, and the relentless theft of their land and cultural heritage. The Reservation, established by federal treaties, was a solemn vow: “absolute and undisturbed use and occupation” for the Utes. Yet, Durango’s […] Read more »
