The 2025 Tribal Energy Associates Program is accepting applications for a six-week summer experiential learning opportunity for enrolled Tribal Members ages 18 years and older. The deadline for applications is tomorrow, April 30, 2025 so apply today at www.tribalalternatives.org đź’ˇ
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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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.
3. Recording: If you are not able to attend, the live stream recording will be available on the Tribal Member Portal.
We are excited to announce our sponsorship of “Indigenous Rights in 2025: A Symposium on Current Legal Issues in Indigenous Communities”, hosted by the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights! Join us on Friday, March 28th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM MT online via Zoom ⚖️ Attendees opting for in-person participation will be responsible for their personal travel and lodging arrangements.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from leading Indigenous scholars, activists, and organizers from across the country. Topics will include Federal Indian Law, Tribal sovereignty, and environmental justice. Registration is FREE! 👉 bit.ly/TJCLCR25
There will be a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary “SUGARCANE,” with a special introduction by the Director, following the symposium.
