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For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Noon as Chief of Police

November 12, 2025 / November 12, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 12, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Department of Justice and Regulatory is proud to announce the appointment of Daryl T. Noon as Chief of Police for the Southern Ute Police Department. Chief Noon brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and a proven record of leadership to his new role. As a member of the Navajo Nation, his clans are Honágháahnii, born for Bilagáana. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Noon has demonstrated expertise in managing complex operations, developing personnel, and implementing strategic initiatives. He previously served as Police Commander with the Navajo Nation Police Department (NNPD), where he spent 7 years in executive leadership. Most recently, he held the position of Chief of Police for NNPD, overseeing a force of more than 300 employees and ensuring public safety across a vast and diverse jurisdiction. Chief Noon expressed, “I am thrilled and honored to serve the people of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. In my 31 years of law enforcement experience, I have found my time in serving Native American people to be the most rewarding. I am looking forward to bringing […]

Veterans Day Celebration

November 4, 2025 / November 4, 2025 by sbegay

We invite our Veterans to enjoy coffee and breakfast as a token of our appreciation for your service, duty, and honor. Please join Tribal Council in recognition of Veterans Day on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Hall of Warriors in the Leonard C. Burch Building at 365 Ouray Dr., Ignacio, CO 81137. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313

SU Tribal Office Closure 11/10-11/2025

November 3, 2025 / November 12, 2025 by sbegay

In observance of Veterans Day, we honor and extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms are deeply appreciated—not just today, but every day 🇺🇸. In observance of Veterans Day, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will be closed from Monday, November 10, 2025 to Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Normal business hours will resume on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

2025 Meet the Candidates Night

October 23, 2025 / November 3, 2025 by sbegay

Friendly reminder that the Meet the Candidates Night for Tribal Council Seats (2) will take place this evening, Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Sky Ute Casino Resort in the Event Center. Please note, this event is exclusively for Southern Ute Tribal Members. Attendance Options:– In-Person: Attend at the Event Center– Live Audio Broadcast: KSUT Tribal Radio – 91.3 FM (Ignacio) – 100.9 FM (Towaoc) – 89.7 FM (Farmington)– Virtual: Register to attend via WebEx: https://bit.ly/2025mtcn The agenda is available on the Tribal Member Portal: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/tmx/For questions or additional information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.

Colorado Experience: Sacred Hot Springs

October 17, 2025 / October 17, 2025 by sbegay

Earlier this spring, Rocky Mountain PBS partnered with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to explore the deep and enduring relationship between the Nuuchiu and Colorado’s natural hot springs. We are honored to be part of this meaningful project, sharing the Ute connection to Colorado’s hot springs as the state’s oldest continuous residents. Indigenous knowledge and traditional medicine have long recognized the healing power of these precious waters—laying the foundation for many modern practices. This episode features Cassandra Atencio, former Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, and voices from across the state, highlighting the healing properties, cultural significance, and geological wonders of these sacred sites. It also touches on modern challenges like land stewardship and the potential of geothermal energy. This episode is now streaming on YouTube and Rocky Mountain PBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvxmD9nFalM

PSA: Avian Influenza Advisory: Staying Safe Around Wild Birds

October 16, 2025 / October 16, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313 FOR RELEASE: October 16, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Reservation: The Southern Ute Division of Wildlife Resource Management is monitoring a recent detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or “bird flu,” in wild birds within the Reservation boundary. While HPAI can affect wild and domestic birds, the risk to human health is very low. This notice is intended to provide clarity and guidance to help protect the Tribal Membership, our Reservation, and the beings we live alongside. What You Should Know:HPAI is a virus that spreads among birds, especially when flocks of wild birds congregate during migration seasons. It can be transmitted through contact with infected birds, droppings, or contaminated surfaces. What We Are Doing:Wildlife staff are actively monitoring and testing affected birds. We are working closely with veterinarians and public health partners to protect wildlife and the community. How You Can Help Stay Informed, Stay SafeSeeing sick or deceased birds can be distressing, but outbreaks like this are not unusual during migration. The Tribe is taking proactive steps, and your awareness helps. Updates will be shared as available.

SUDEP: Garmin Fitness Trackers Available

October 14, 2025 / October 14, 2025 by sbegay

🎉 Free Garmin Fitness Trackers for Southern Ute Tribal Members! 🎉 SUDEP is excited to offer Garmin Fitness Trackers to all Southern Ute Tribal Members—bringing together technology and wellness! 🏃‍♀️💓 Track your steps, heart rate, and energy levels to stay on top of your health goals.📦 One device per Tribal Member — Complete the form using the link: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/sudep/📞 Call SUDEP at 970-563-5555 today!

Weather Alert: Heavy Rainfall Expected

October 9, 2025 / October 9, 2025 by sbegay

Significant rainfall is forecasted for Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners region this weekend, October 10–12. The Justice & Regulatory team is actively coordinating with regional partners including Archuleta County, CDOT, and La Plata County to prepare for potential flooding and hazardous road conditions. Safety Reminders: – Monitor local weather updates closely. – Avoid driving through flooded roads—seek alternate routes. – SUPD and Tribal Rangers are placing warning signs in areas prone to flash flooding. Flood Preparation Resources: In response to the forecast, the La Plata County Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with Durango Fire & Rescue, Upper Pine River Fire Protection District, and Los Pinos Fire District, is offering free sandbags to the public. LPC Sandbag Pickup Locations: – La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center North side of the arena 2500 Main Avenue, Durango – Upper Pine Fire Protection District Station 1 75 South Clover Drive, Bayfield Finally, please be cautious if you are heading to the mountains this weekend for hunting, hiking, or gathering firewood as weather conditions can change rapidly. If you need assistance, please contact the Southern Ute Police Dispatch at 970-563-4401.

SU Tribal Office Closure 10/13/2025

October 6, 2025 / October 16, 2025 by sbegay

In observance of Indigenous Peoples Day, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Prepared Amid Federal Government Shutdown

October 2, 2025 / October 2, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – As of 12:01 a.m. EST yesterday morning, the United States federal government was officially shut down due to a lack of agreement in Congress on a Continuing Resolution for federal government funding. Despite this development, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe will continue to operate as usual. Through prudent financial management, the Tribe is well-positioned to maintain essential services and support for the Tribal Membership. The Southern Ute Health Center, operated under a 638 contract, is tribally managed and will continue normal business operations. It is important to note that this update is specific to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Other Tribal Nations may experience different impacts depending on their funding structures and federal agency involvement. At the federal level, essential services such as active-duty military, law enforcement, air traffic control, VA hospitals, and Social Security and Medicare payments are expected to continue. However, non-essential services—including National Parks and Monuments—are likely to be suspended. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency will not be operational during federal shutdown. However, Fire Management and Branch of […]

Category: Health