Press Releases – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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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

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 – Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose has announced that Lindsay J. Box will serve as Executive Officer of the Permanent Fund. This appointment supports the continued delivery of government services and operational stability during the leadership transition. Chairman Pinnecoose was confirmed as Acting Chairman through Resolution No. 2026-096. “This appointment reflects our commitment to stability, continuity, and a strong future for our Tribe. Lindsay brings the experience, vision, and dedication needed to guide the Permanent Fund, and I am confident her leadership will help us build on our strengths while creating new opportunities for our Tribal Membership,” shared Chairman Pinnecoose. Ms. Box brings a proven record of leadership and a deep understanding of Tribal operations to her new role. Having served in several key positions, she offers both institutional knowledge and a forward-looking perspective essential for guiding the Permanent Fund’s strategic growth. Box most recently served as Executive Officer under Chairman Melvin J. Baker starting in January 2024. Rooted in her Nuuchiu heritage, Ms. Box remains dedicated to ensuring that cultural values continue to guide the Tribe’s development. Her educational background […]

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.

Category: Press Releases