Press Releases – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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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 […]

+ 2025 Meet the Candidates Night +

October 2, 2025 / October 2, 2025 by sbegay

Please save the date for an upcoming event, Meet the Candidates Night: Tribal Council Seats (2) on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Event Center at Sky Ute Casino Resort. Please note this event is for Southern Ute Tribal Members only. Additional information is forthcoming. For more information or if you have questions, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Appoints Dr. Ryan Duvall as Chief Medical Officer

October 1, 2025 / October 1, 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 1, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Appoints Dr. Ryan Duvall as Chief Medical Officer Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Tribal Council, in a special meeting, approved Dr. Ryan Duvall, MD, to serve as the new Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Southern Ute Health Center. Dr. Duvall is an experienced family medicine physician with over 15 years of experience. A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 2009, Dr. Duvall has dedicated his career to providing experienced, comprehensive care to families on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, the local community and beyond. In his new role as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Duvall will lead the Southern Ute Health Center’s clinical operations and strategic medical initiatives. His key responsibilities include: · Direct Patient Care: Providing primary and comprehensive medical services to patients. · Clinical Oversight: Supervising clinical services to ensure the highest standards of patient care. · Strategic Alignment: Aligning medical strategies with the health center’s broader business objectives. · Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all medical services meet applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. · Collaboration: Working closely with the Chief Nursing Officer to support day-to-day operations and patient […]

Election Board: Ballots Are In!

September 23, 2025 / September 23, 2025 by sbegay

The Election Board has received the ballots and determined the following dates for the 2025 General Election: 🔹 New Voter Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, by 5:00 PM 🔹 Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, by 5:00 PM 🔹 Emergency Ballot Request Deadline: Thursday, November 6, 2025, by 5:00 PM 🔹 Election Day: Friday, November 7, 2025Polls Open: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMLocation: 285 Lakin St., Ignacio, Colorado This election will determine the successors for outgoing Council Members Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose and Marjorie Barry. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Election Board at 970-563-0100 (extensions 2303, 2305, 2729, or 2728) or email election@southernute-nsn.gov. Thank you for participating in this important process!

Drone Activity Notice – Florida Mesa Area

September 22, 2025 / September 22, 2025 by sbegay

Enterprise and GHD are notifying the community of scheduled drone operations in the Florida Mesa area, specifically near Highway 550, County Road 219, and Rainbow Road from Tuesday, September 23rd through Thursday, September 25th. These operations will support high-resolution aerial mapping of the broader gasoline pipeline spill area at approximately 400 feet above ground level during daylight hours. Additionally, thermal scanning will be conducted over a smaller, northern portion of the project area at approximately 200 feet above ground level during evening, nighttime, and early morning hours. Thermal scanning is scheduled outside of daylight hours to minimize interference from solar radiation, which can impact the accuracy of thermal sensors. If you see or hear drones in the area, please be assured that a GHD staff member is nearby, operating the equipment safely, and respectfully in accordance with all applicable guidelines. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!

Listening Session: Tribal Member Concerns

September 15, 2025 / September 22, 2025 by sbegay

Tribal Council invites Tribal Members to attend an in-person Listening Session for Tribal Member Concerns on September 17, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 in Tribal Council Chambers (365 Ouray Dr., Ignacio, CO). This session offers a respectful space for Tribal Members to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue on matters impacting the Tribe and its future. Session Guidelines:– Please be respectful of all speakers and attendees.– Each Tribal Member will be allotted 3 minutes to speak.– Recording devices and livestreaming are prohibited due to the sensitive nature of the topics raised by Tribal Members. If you are unable to attend this session, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319 to schedule an individual Tribal Member Concern meeting with leadership.

Category: Press Releases