For Immediate Release: Tribe Calls for Urgent Action from Enterprise Products to Address Pipeline Spill

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2025

Tribe Calls for Urgent Action from Enterprise Products to Address Pipeline Spill

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is calling on Enterprise Products to immediately act with more urgency and transparency to address and mitigate the gasoline pipeline failure that occurred five months ago on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

The pipeline failure, which happened on December 5, 2024 near County Road 219 and Riverview Ranch Road, has resulted in the largest gasoline pipeline spill in Colorado history with an estimated 23,000 gallons of gasoline being released on fee land within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation. This call-to-action was mandated by Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Tribal Council, and Tribal staff during a meeting on May 1st with representatives from Enterprise and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

“We will not stand by while our ground and surface water, Tribal resources, and the health of our Tribal Members are put at risk,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “Enterprise must treat this with the seriousness and urgency it deserves—not just from a regulatory standpoint, but from a moral and environmental one. Failure to move now will impact our water rights, wildlife, cultural sites, and properties for years to come. It is our duty as leaders and original stewards to protect the land that has been home to our ancestors since time immemorial and will be home for our future generations to come.”

The Tribe has been actively engaged from the beginning to address the pipeline failure and spill. The Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department immediately contacted CDPHE upon learning of the spill to ensure the Tribe was fully consulted and included in the response. Since then, although CDPHE has taken the lead in coordinating mitigation efforts with Enterprise, Tribal staff have worked tirelessly to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of Tribal Members, natural resources, the environment (particularly water quality), and the local community.

As a result of the spill and poor recovery efforts from Enterprise, benzene – a known carcinogen found in gasoline – has migrated away from the release and has been increasingly detected in a spring approximately 0.3 miles away from the Animas River. To date, current levels of groundwater contamination from the spill has forced Enterprise to install 12 cistern systems for homes whose wells have been completely contaminated and install 15 Point of Entry Treatment (POET) filtration systems, with many more under threat of the same. If the spill were to reach the nearby Animas River in elevated concentrations, the danger to plant, animal, and human life in the local area and potentially downstream along the river could be widespread. Despite this, Enterprise still does not have a site-specific contingency plan in place to protect the Animas River.

Due to the severity of the spill, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also issued a Notice of Federal Interest in the pipeline failure and spill, underscoring the Tribe’s call for urgency and the need for immediate action to protect the Reservation, Tribal Members, and surrounding communities from the escalating harms of continued inaction.

As the original stewards of this land, the Tribe has made multiple formal requests for data and timely information to assess and respond to the spill’s current and potential impacts. Additionally, with the limited data the Tribe has received, technical experts from the Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department and Growth Fund’s Department of Energy have requested specific action items to address discrepancies associated with the inadequate data associated with the geologic evaluation and engineering aspects of the response. These action items included a site-specific contingency plan which will assist in determining the actual threat and cleanup measures that would be implemented if this spill migrates to the Animas River and methods for gasoline source removal and recovery from the spill location. Despite these efforts, the response from Enterprise has lacked the urgency and transparency this situation demands to minimize impacts and risk to the Animas River and Tribal resources. Chairman Baker and Tribal Council emphasized this fact at the May 1st meeting.

At that meeting, Tribal Council also expressed concerns with CDPHE about why no one from the State had ever visited the site of the spill considering that it occurred five months ago, is the largest pipeline gasoline spill in Colorado history, and CDPHE has been the lead regulatory body. CDPHE visited the site for the first time on May 1st. In comparison, Tribal staff and consultants have visited the site numerous times and have been collecting their own samples. Because the spill occurred on the Tribe’s Reservation and near the Tribe’s water resources, the Tribe cannot ignore it and has proactively mobilized significant resources to address it. The citizens of southwestern Colorado and the Reservation deserve the same swift government response as the rest of the State, and where the Tribe sees an inadequate response to an environmental issue on the Reservation, the Tribe will address it. Tribal Council made clear during the meeting that, because of the potential spread of contamination, the Tribe would continue to work closely with the State as a stakeholder and would be monitoring the progress and ensuring it was adequately evaluated and addressed. Tribal Council informed both Enterprise and CDPHE that the Tribe’s technical experts are ensuring that all scientific and engineering aspects of the spill will adequately address the release. It would further hold Enterprise accountable for all damage to the Tribe and Tribal Members, and any impact on natural and cultural resources.

The Tribe remains committed to ensuring a thorough and accountable cleanup process and will continue to advocate for the health, safety, and rights of its community.

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Tribe Calls for Urgent Action from Enterprise Products to Address Pipeline Spill Press Release 05052025 PDF

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day

Today, May 5th, we recognize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day as declared by a Presidential proclamation.
In solemn remembrance and to shine a light on this crisis, Tribal Council and staff wore red to honor the lost loved ones and stand with their families. Every name, every story, every relative matters ❤️🪽.

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Calls for Referral of Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment to November Ballot

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2025

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Calls for Referral of Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment to November Ballot

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, today calls on the Colorado General Assembly to refer SCR25-002, the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment, to a vote of the people of Colorado this November. The amendment is currently under consideration by the full Colorado State Senate.

The amendment, sponsored by Senators Danielson and Michaelson Jenet and Representative Duran, would allow for Colorado lawmakers to pass laws that permit victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring a civil claim for the sexual abuse regardless of when the sexual abuse occurred.

“Our reason for supporting this amendment is simple. We must protect our most precious resource – our children – and keep our communities safe for all. Now is the time to get this done,” Chairman Melvin J. Baker said. “We thank Senators Danielson and Michaelson Jenet and Representative Duran for their leadership on this critical issue.”

Sexual violence against Native children is a documented and ongoing crisis. Historical federal policies mandated that Native children attend residential boarding schools, with the stated goal of assimilating them and eliminating Native cultural practices. These institutions, while failing to erase Native cultures, became sites of widespread abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence.

Extensive research has identified thousands of cases of sexual abuse perpetrated against Native children by staff and caretakers at these schools. These figures reflect only reported and documented incidents; experts believe the actual number of cases is significantly higher. Presently, additional research has shown Native children experience sexual abuse at rates three to four times higher than average. A disproportionate number of these offenses are committed by non-Native individuals.

Research consistently shows that survivors of childhood sexual abuse are at higher risk for long-term psychological and social challenges, including depression, substance abuse, suicide, and experiences of domestic violence. Without intervention, the effects of this trauma can persist across generations.

Numerous barriers – legal, societal and psychological – have historically prevented Native victims from pursuing justice or confronting perpetrators. As a result, many offenders have not been held accountable and may even have continued to offend. The proposed amendment aims to address this gap by enabling survivors to pursue civil action, thereby creating a legal pathway for accountability and healing. This amendment represents a step toward addressing long-standing injustices and mitigating the intergenerational impact of trauma in Native communities.

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For Immediate Release: Incident on Southern Ute Indian Reservation Under Investigation

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2025
Incident on Southern Ute Indian Reservation Under Investigation
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 13, an incident occurred at a residence on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old non-Native juvenile.
Details regarding this incident are currently under investigation. The Southern Ute Police Department (SUPD) responded first to the scene, followed by the Los Pinos Fire Protection District (LPFPD) and the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office (LPCSO). Due to the nature of the incident, part of which occurred outside the Reservation boundaries, SUPD and LPCSO will be collaborating in their investigation of the circumstances that led to the death.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.
Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box shared, “My heart breaks for the family and community impacted by this tragic loss. To our youth, your lives are sacred – and there are resources available, please reach out if you need them. You owe it to yourself and your future to protect your life – one choice can change everything.”
Chairman Melvin J. Baker stated, “We are all grieving this tragic loss. Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young person involved. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Southern Ute Police Department, Los Pinos Fire Protection District, and the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and compassionate response. In the meantime, we extend our hand to our community, especially our youth, and urge them to seek the support offered by our Behavioral Health Team.”
The Southern Ute Behavioral Health Team will accept walk-in appointments for youth throughout the week. The Mesa Building (4101 CR 222, Durango, CO), provides a safe and supportive space for the community to talk, reflect, or simply be in the company of others. The Behavioral Health Team is committed to the well-being of youth and offers this resource to provide comfort and support.
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BIA Southern Ute Agency: Prescribed Burn/Pile News Release

United States Department of the Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency News Release

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Southern Ute Agency will be conducting a Prescribed Burn/Pile at the Sundance Grounds.
The legal description for the burn is township 33N, Range 7W, Section 5. The purpose of the burn is to dispose of brush from last year’s ceremony and the Bear Dance Fire.
Smoke will be visible from Ignacio, CO, and surrounding areas. Drivers are encouraged to use caution in the event smoke settles into the road corridor and for vehicles entering/leaving these areas.

For more information regarding the project, please contact the Southern Ute Agency, Fire Management Office at (970)-563-4780.

SU Powwow Committee: Bear Dance Powwow Bids

The Southern Ute Powwow Committee is requesting bids for the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow on May 23 and May 24, 2025.
CLEANING CREW
Sky Ute Casino Resort – Events Center
Friday, May 23 – 6PM to 11PM
Saturday, May 24 – 11AM to 12PM
Cleaning supplies will be provided, Cleaning Crew should consist of (3) cleaning staff.
Must provide One Million Dollar Insurance with the Sky Ute Casino Resort as the Insurer.
SOUNDSYSTEM:
Sky Ute Casino Resort – Events Center
Friday, May 23 – 3PM (set up) to 11:00PM
Saturday, May 24 – 9AM to 11PM
Must provide One Million Dollar Insurance with the Sky Ute Casino Resort as the Insurer.
DEADLINE April 18, 2025 AT 5:00PM
Please submit bids to:
Southern Ute Powwow Committee
P.O. Box 737 #16,
Ignacio, CO 81137
For questions, please contact: Vice-Chairman: Karen Washington 970-759-5880.

For Immediate Release: Measles Case Identified in Archuleta County: Staying Informed and Protected

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2025
Measles Case Identified in Archuleta County: Staying Informed and Protected
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD), and the Silver Thread Public Health District have confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Archuleta County. We are sharing this information to ensure the Tribal Membership is informed and can take proactive steps to protect themselves.
While measles is highly contagious, it is also highly preventable. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) offers excellent protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles. Vaccination is the most effective way to safeguard yourself, your family, and our community.Measles Case Identified in Archuleta County Staying Informed and Protected Press Release
To make vaccination easily accessible, the Southern Ute Health Center is offering the MMR vaccine through Tribal Health. If you were born before 1957, you may already have immunity and not require the vaccine. If you are unsure about your immunity status or have any questions, please contact Tribal Health at 970-563-4581 for guidance.
We encourage everyone to be aware of measles symptoms, which can include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Rash
Staying informed and taking proactive steps, such as vaccination, helps ensure our community’s well-being. We are working diligently to monitor the situation and provide accurate information.
Additional Information:
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General Meeting Attendance Options

The General Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 starting at 9:00 AM at Sky Ute Casino Resort in the Event Center. This is a closed meeting for the Southern Ute Tribal Membership only. There are 3 ways to join the General Meeting:
1. In-Person: Registration is not required, and we look forward to seeing you there!
2. Live Stream: Registration is required. Please use the following link or QR code to register with your information and census number. To expedite the process please use your “so-ute” email address. Please do not share your registration information with anyone. Link: https://bit.ly/2025gm
      *This link is case-sensitive

3. Recording: If you are not able to attend, the live stream recording will be available on the Tribal Member Portal.

The agenda is forthcoming and will be made available on the Tribal Member Portal in advance of the General Meeting. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319. For technical assistance with your “so-ute” account, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555.