Press Releases – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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For Immediate Release: Senator Jessie Danielson Calls for Full Investigation of Major Gasoline Spill in La Plata County

May 14, 2026 / May 14, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On Wednesday, May 13, Senator Jessie Danielson (CO Senate District 22) delivered a Tribute on the State Senate floor, calling on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Attorney General to fully investigate and address the spill of refined gasoline from a 40-year-old pipeline operated by Houston, TX-based Enterprise Products (Enterprise). Senator Danielson further expressed appreciation to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) for its leadership in monitoring and responding to the ongoing environmental impacts of the spill and all measures taken to ensure the safety of Coloradoans. The Tribute was signed by Senate President James Coleman and received unanimous bipartisan approval by the Senate. The Enterprise spill, which was first identified in December 2024, occurred on private fee land in the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation near the Animas River. Today, Enterprise estimates the spill to be 97,000 gallons, while other estimates determined that the spill was substantially greater. It is the largest spill of refined gasoline in the state and one of the largest nationwide. […]

For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Appoints Marvin Pinnecoose as Acting Chairman

May 12, 2026 / May 12, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Tribal Council has appointed Marvin Pinnecoose as Acting Chairman, effective Friday, May 15, 2026. Chairman Pinnecoose brings extensive leadership experience and a strong record of service to his new role. He has previously served the Tribe in multiple capacities, including as a Tribal Council Member, Treasurer, and most recently Vice Chairman. In his role as Acting Chairman, Pinnecoose will provide leadership and continuity for the Tribe until the conclusion of the upcoming Special Election. Additional information regarding the election will be released in the coming weeks. “It is an honor to serve the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in this capacity,” said Acting Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose. “I am committed to upholding our values, supporting our membership, and ensuring stability and strong leadership during this important transition period.” Chairman Pinnecoose’s proven dedication and commitment to the Tribe and the Tribal Membership position him as a valued leader during this transition period. ###

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Historic Signing of Tribal Energy Resource Agreement

May 11, 2026 / May 12, 2026 by tehlers

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 Pooja Rao-Pennington, Communication Manager – 970.553.0033 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) has reached an historic milestone by becoming the first Tribe to sign a Tribal Energy Resource Agreement (TERA) with the U.S. Department of the Interior. Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose, Council Members Andrew Gallegos and Marty Pinnecoose, legal representatives including Tom Shipps and David C. Smith, Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency Superintendent, and members of the Growth Fund leadership joined Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland III this afternoon in Washington D.C., for a signing ceremony at the Department of Interior headquarters. The agreement marks a significant advancement in Tribal self-determination and formally recognizes the Tribe’s longstanding expertise in managing its own energy and mineral resources. Under the agreement, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, through its Department of Energy (DOE), may exercise its sovereign authority to approve energy- and mineral-related leases, agreements, and rights-of-way on Tribal trust lands. Such approvals were historically administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as an extension of federal trust […]

For Immediate Release: Chairman Baker Announces Leadership Transition

May 4, 2026 / May 4, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – After much thought and consideration, Chairman Melvin J. Baker has announced his resignation due to personal reasons, effective Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM. “It has been an honor to serve our people,” said Chairman Baker. “I am grateful for the trust and support of the Tribal Membership throughout my years in leadership. I extend my sincerest gratitude to my fellow Tribal Council Members, Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose, Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box, and our staff.” Tribal Council will ensure a smooth and orderly transition, and all government operations and services will continue without interruption including appointed positions such as the Executive Office. Tribal Council remains committed to serving the Tribal Membership and maintaining strong partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe thanks Chairman Baker for his years of service spanning nearly 15 years in office. ###

Buckskin Charlie Apartments Ribbon Cutting & Open House

April 24, 2026 / April 24, 2026 by sbegay

✨ You’re Invited ✨ Southern Ute Tribal Members are invited to celebrate the opening of Buckskin Charlie Apartments with a special Ribbon Cutting & Tribal Member Open House. 📅 Friday, May 1, 2026⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM📍 172 Buckskin Charlie Drive, Ignacio, CO Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided apartment tours, light refreshments, and music. Tribal Members will also have the opportunity to learn more about future leasing opportunities for this new housing development. Additional open house tours will be held Saturday, May 2, from 1:00–4:00 PM. Questions? Contact Kathleen Castellot at ☎️ 970‑563‑2325 or 📧 kcastellot@southernute-nsn.gov This is a Southern Ute Tribal Member–only event.

Tribal Member Travel Opportunity: Agriculture Revitalization

April 2, 2026 / April 8, 2026 by sbegay

As part of the Agricultural Revitalization Initiative led by Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose, the Executive Office is offering a unique opportunity for two (2) adult Southern Ute Tribal Members to visit a meat processing facility in Missoula, Montana. This trip directly supports ongoing efforts to strengthen and revitalize agricultural knowledge and opportunities within the Tribe. This trip will take place April 14–15, 2026, with travel scheduled to depart on April 13th and return on April 16th. Related travel expenses will be fully covered by the Executive Office, including airfare. Adult Tribal Members who are interested in agriculture, food systems, or meat processing are encouraged to participate. Those interested should email the following to be entered into the drawing with their name and contact information no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 6, 2026: The selection drawing will be held at the next Regular Meeting on April 7, 2026 where two participants will be chosen. We encourage eligible members to apply and take advantage of this learning experience. For more information, please contact the Executive Office at 970.563.2314 or Vice Chairman Pinnecoose at 970.563.2402.

For Immediate Release: Notice of Royalty Committee Dissolution and Transition

March 30, 2026 / March 30, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTMelvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2026 Effective today, March 30, 2026, the Royalty Committee has been dissolved by decision of Tribal Council through Resolution 2026-060. This was a difficult decision made after careful deliberation, with the primary goal of protecting and supporting the Royalty title holders and preserving the integrity of the program. Tribal Council’s decision was based on concerns related to conduct that did not align with the standards required of Tribal representatives including parents/guardian, as well as the committee’s failure to operate in accordance with its approved bylaws. These issues compromised the integrity of the Royalty program and detracted from the dignity and respect our title holders are expected to embody. Tribal Council remains committed to the well being, growth, and success of our Royalty and believes this action encourages renewed accountability, unity, and respect reflective of our values as Nuuchiu. For questions, please contact the Chairman’s Office at 970-563-2319 or swhyte@southernute-nsn.gov. ###

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Warns Against Erasure in National Park Signage

March 26, 2026 / March 26, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Tribal Council is aware of a circulating article from the Vail Daily and affirms the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s stance on the ongoing effort by federal agencies to remove educational materials that federal officials deem to be disparaging of the United States. Many of today’s National Parks were once Tribal lands, as evidenced through oral histories and countless archaeological sites. What is now known as Mesa Verde National Park was formerly part of the Consolidated Ute Indian Reservation under the terms of a treaty negotiated with the federal government. That treaty—like many treaties between the United States and Tribal Nations—was ultimately violated by the federal government, resulting in the significant reduction of our Reservation lands today. It is important that visitors to our National Parks learn about the people who called – and still call –these places home. The United States tried to eradicate our people and our culture. We still exist. Eliminating mention of Tribes and our histories from educational materials is the modern-day version of Indian boarding schools and Tribal Termination. The history […]

+ 2026 General Meeting +

March 24, 2026 / March 27, 2026 by sbegay

The General Meeting will be held starting at 9:00 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Sky Ute Casino Resort in the Event Center. This is a closed meeting for the Southern Ute Tribal Membership. 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/2026sugm 3. Recording: If you are not able to attend, the live stream recording will be available on the Tribal Member Portal (TMX). The agenda is forthcoming and will be made available on the Tribal Member Portal in advance of the General Meeting. For technical assistance with your “so-ute” account, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555. To create an account for TMX, please visit, https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/tmx/. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.

For Immediate Release: Texaco Hill Tanker Truck Incident: Response, Accountability, and Remediation Efforts

March 23, 2026 / March 23, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – At approximately 4:30 a.m. on March 22, 2026, a tanker truck and trailer overturned on Texaco Hill, resulting in a release of oil-based drilling fluids. The operator of the vehicle was transported to an area medical facility and is reported to be in stable condition. The operator of the vehicle was not affiliated with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund (Growth Fund) and was engaged as an independent subcontractor by a non-Tribal operator. Mitigation and containment efforts began at approximately 6:00 a.m. Initial estimates indicate that approximately 80–120 barrels of oil-based drilling fluids may have been released as a result of the incident. An immediate response was initiated, involving approximately 75 personnel from the respective operators and its sub-contractors. Their prompt actions focused on securing the site, protecting surrounding areas, and beginning cleanup and mitigation measures. Based on current assessments, the location of the spill is not expected to impact surface water, groundwater, agricultural areas, wildlife, or identified cultural resources. We extend our sincere appreciation to Tribal departments and first responders for their coordination and support, […]

Category: Press Releases