Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes new Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager March 27, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes new Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe warmly welcomes Mr. Thomas Frank as the new General Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort. Mr. Frank will be starting on April 3, 2024, following an impressive career of more than thirty years of experience in business development and casino operations spanning four states and three countries: Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. Throughout his career, Mr. Frank has played a key role in the development and implementation of over ten gaming start-up projects. This impressive track record includes work with the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe of California, Tolowa Dee-Ni’ Nation, and at the Dakota Sioux Casino. As General Manager, Frank will oversee the daily operations of the Sky Ute Casino Resort and all its amenities, including gaming and entertainment, hotel, restaurants, conference center, and bowling. “We believe his extensive experience and proven leadership will be instrumental in driving positive change and will continue Sky Ute Casino Resort’s legacy as the premier entertainment destination in Southwestern Colorado,” […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Save the Date: QueerMunity Pride Conference March 22, 2024 by sbegay Save the Date: The Ignacio Out and Equal Alliance (IOEA) is hosting the first QueerMunity Pride Conference on June 29th, 2024 in Ignacio, CO. IOEA is accepting workshop proposals until April 25th, 2024. Please scan the QR code or visit the link. Additional details are forthcoming! For more information, please contact IOEA at ignaciooutandequal@gmail.com. -Summer Begay, Communication Specialist. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Advocates for Tribal Interests at the State Capitol March 20, 2024 / March 20, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2024 Tribal Council Advocates for Tribal Interests at the State Capitol Ute Day at the Capitol was officially designated by Governor Jared Polis in 2019 to publicly celebrate and honor the contributions and sovereignty of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Indian Tribe. In addition, this designation encourages Coloradans to actively seek knowledge about the history and heritage of the Ute people in Colorado’s past, present, and future. That history has long been one of broken promises and the infringement of Tribal lands and sovereignty. Agreements with the Ute bands have been dishonored for the economic gains of others. This disrespect is not a relic of a distant past but far too often continues today. To address ongoing violations and historical injustice, Tribal Council traveled to Denver last week to meet with state legislators and the Governor to emphasize the importance of the State to uphold its commitment to Tribal agreements, particularly those concerning Tribal land. On Friday, March 15, 2024, Chairman Baker gave a powerful address to the General Assembly. He […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Tribal Members Uncategorized Southern Ute Election Board: Vacancy February 28, 2024 / February 28, 2024 by sbegay 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 […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Veterans Tribal Broadband Modernization Project: Phase II Construction Update & Traffic Impacts February 6, 2024 by sbegay 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 […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Chairman Baker Welcomes Box as Executive Officer January 3, 2024 by abarry 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 […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Stability and Renewal Baker Leads the Tribe into Second Term with New Council 12/18/2023 December 18, 2023 by abarry 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 […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans The Southern Ute Election Board Announces Notice of Run-Off Election for Tribal Chairman and (1) Tribal Council Seat November 15, 2023 / November 15, 2023 by abarry 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 Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Election Board Announces 2023 Run-Off Election November 7, 2023 by abarry 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 Read more »
Community Culture Elections Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Unofficial November 2023 General Election Results November 6, 2023 / November 6, 2023 by abarry 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. Read more »
