Health – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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For Immediate Release: Leadership Continuity Maintained as Tribe Prepares for Run-Off Election

July 13, 2026 / July 13, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Tribal Council reaffirmed Marvin Pinnecoose as Acting Chairman this afternoon through Resolution 2026-129, providing continued leadership and stability as the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (“Tribe”) completes the election process. The action follows the Special Election held last Friday, which resulted in a tie between candidates, Christine Sage and Adam Red. Election results were certified this morning in Tribal Council Chambers with the Election Board. Following certification, it was determined that the Special Run Off Election will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The election process was initiated because more than six (6) months remained in former Chairman Melvin J. Baker’s term. The Special Runoff Election is being conducted in compliance with the Election Code and the Constitution. Chairman Pinnecoose expressed, “I am honored to continue serving our Tribe and remain committed to ensuring stability and continued progress for the Tribal Membership. I strongly encourage all eligible voters to participate in the upcoming Special Run Off Election as we continue working together for the future of our people.” To […]

Tribal Office Closure Notice 07/03/2026

June 23, 2026 / July 6, 2026 by sbegay

In observance of Independence Day, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, July 6, 2026. Have a safe and fun holiday with your family and loved ones. Thank you!

+ Stage II Fire Restrictions Implemented +

June 23, 2026 / June 23, 2026 by sbegay

Due to the continued drought and extremely dry fuel conditions, Stage II fire restrictions will be implemented for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Everyone on reservation land is asked to be very cautious and use common sense with fire this time of year. Stage II Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Reservation. The following acts are prohibited for the general public on reservation lands: STAGE I General Public Prohibited Acts: STAGE II Commercial Operators (logging, thinning, firewood gathering, etc.): Industrial restrictions are attached and also can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517. Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code. The Restrictions will become effective at 0600 on June 19, 2025, and will remain until conditions improve. To report fires contact: DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324 For more info or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact: BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

COYAC Tribal Youth Seats

June 22, 2026 / July 6, 2026 by sbegay

Calling all future leaders! Are you 14–19 and love The West Wing? Step into real-world government! The Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) is now accepting applications—deadline July 5. Two seats are reserved for:• Southern Ute Indian Tribe• Ute Mountain Ute Tribe 💡 Learn more: coyac.org/apply📧 Apply by emailing: director@coyac.orgDon’t miss your chance to make your voice heard!

For Immediate Release: Incident at Sky Ute Casino Resort

June 18, 2026 / June 18, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Early this morning at approximately 6:10 a.m., La Plata County received a report of suspicious activity in the east parking lot of Sky Ute Casino Resort, near the bowling alley. While the initial investigation indicates this matter is not criminal, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is cooperating fully with all regional law enforcement agencies. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe continues to collaborate with regional law enforcement, including the City of Farmington, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI Denver Field Office. The investigation remains ongoing under the lead of regional law enforcement partners in connection with other cases. Special thank you to our staff with the Southern Ute Police Department, Tribal Rangers, Division of Gaming, Sky Ute Casino Resort Surveillance, and Southern Ute Shared Services. ###

Tribal Office Closure Notice 06/19/2026

June 10, 2026 / June 10, 2026 by sbegay

In observance of Juneteenth, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, June 22, 2026. Thank you!

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Reservation Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

June 8, 2026 / June 8, 2026 by sbegay

United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency Branch of Fire Management Due to a historically low winter snowpack and recent hot, dry, and windy conditions, Stage I fire restrictions will be implemented for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The overall drought condition creates the potential for large fire development, and any ignition could grow rapidly. Fire Restrictions for the General Public include: Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517, Ignacio, CO 81137. Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code. The Restrictions will become effective at 0600 on Friday, May 22, 2026 and will remain until conditions improve.

Tribal Office Closure Notice 05/2026

May 18, 2026 / May 26, 2026 by sbegay

In observance of Bear Dance, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will close early at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 22, 2026, and remain closed for the remainder of the day. Tribal Offices will also be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. We wish you a safe and enjoyable time with your families and loved ones!

For Immediate Release: Recovery to Resilience: Advancing Safety and Quality of Life on the Reservation after the Enterprise Spill

May 15, 2026 / May 15, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – In December 2024, a catastrophic failure was identified on a 10-inch pipeline transmitting refined gasoline operated by Enterprise Products of Houston, Texas. Enterprise currently estimates that about 97,000 gallons of gasoline were released, making it the largest pipeline spill in Colorado and one of the largest in the country. It is impacting the groundwater on which residents rely for drinking water and agricultural development. As the contamination plume dissolves and migrates, it continues to pose a risk to the Animas River. Because the leak occurred on private fee land within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, the State has exercised jurisdiction, in collaboration with the Tribe and the EPA. However, due to lack of resources, the State’s ability to address the spill and require remediation has been limited. Therefore, the Tribe has been monitoring the spill to help ensure the health and safety of Reservation residents. The Enterprise spill highlights two pressing and immediate concerns. First, the aging Enterprise pipeline needs to be replaced. The pipeline is 40 years old and utilizes outdated technology. After discussions […]

For Immediate Release: Chairman Pinnecoose Appoints Box as Executive Officer