Press Releases – Page 11 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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For Immediate Release: Monitoring Underway After Pipeline Spill Near Riverview Ranch Road

January 31, 2025 / January 31, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 31, 2025 Monitoring Underway After Pipeline Spill Near Riverview Ranch Road Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On December 5, 2024, a pipeline owned and operated by Enterprise Products, out of Houston, Texas, experienced a fracture resulting in a gasoline spill on County Road 219 near Riverview Ranch Road. The spill occurred on fee land within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation. As of today, January 31, 2025, it is estimated that 22,000 gallons of gasoline were released. Groundwater has been impacted. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) is the lead agency and is working with Enterprise to mitigate risks and damage to surrounding private property. Because this spill occurred within the Reservation boundaries, the Tribe immediately reached out to CDPHE to ensure it was consulted. Since that time, the Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department has been heavily engaged and is proactively monitoring the spill to ensure the continued protection of Tribal Members, Tribal resources and community health. Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box shared, “We deeply value our strong and robust relationship with CDPHE and La Plata County. Their commitment […]

For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Welcomes Representative Jeff Hurd

January 30, 2025 / January 30, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2025 Tribal Council Welcomes Representative Jeff Hurd Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Tribal Council met with Representative Jeff Hurd (CO-3) on Tuesday in the Tribal Council Chambers. The meeting was both productive and insightful, fostering a meaningful dialogue on how both the Tribe’s leadership and the newly elected Representative can work together to serve both Tribal Membership and the region. This marks Representative Hurd’s second visit with Tribal Council, and his first such meeting with a governmental entity in his capacity as a Member of Congress. Tribal Council commended his commitment to maintaining an open line of communication and his willingness to engage with the issues that matter most to the Tribe and the surrounding community. The discussions covered several key topics of shared interest and importance, including: Recent Presidential executive orders and their impact on Tribal sovereignty and governance and the wellbeing of the community, The protection of vital water rights, Concerns regarding the implementation and adequacy of federal programs serving Tribal needs, Collaborative approaches to energy development and sustainability. “We appreciate Representative Hurd’s willingness to engage in open and […]

ICE Concern Update 01/29/2025

January 29, 2025 by sbegay

The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council provides this update to the Tribal Membership to address the concerns and anxieties arising from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activities across the nation. We understand and validate the fear this may generate among our youth, elders, and community, particularly given the current climate surrounding immigration and any contact with ICE agents. The Tribe’s current and ongoing engagement with ICE has been focused and responsive to these issues through our Justice & Regulatory Department being in regular communication with ICE agents regarding any activity on the Reservation. Through those conversations, we have been informed that current ICE efforts are focused on undocumented individuals who have committed serious crimes, have an existing deportation order, and pose a potential risk to our community. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our Tribal community. We strongly advise Tribal Members who reside on or off the Reservation to carry their forms of identification with them such as a Tribal ID and at least one (1) other form of identification, such as a driver’s license. Protecting and upholding the rights of our Tribal Members, sovereignty, and Reservation remains our utmost priority. We understand that various Tribal Nations […]

Statement Regarding the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum

January 29, 2025 by abarry

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2025 Statement Regarding the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council would like to provide an update to the Tribal Membership on their ongoing efforts to address the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum issued on Monday under the Trump Administration. The White House rescinded this action this morning. No official explanation has been given for the OMB’s decision to withdraw the memo. The Tribe had proactively contacted the offices of Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet as well the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Colorado. In addition, Tribal Council met with Representative Jeff Hurd on this matter to express concerns and gather clarification while highlighting the need for the continuation of the federal funding. “The federal government has a solemn obligation to honor its trust responsibility and financial commitments. We recognize the critical importance of the programs and services that rely on these funds, and we are committed to working proactively to ensure their continued operation for the benefit of the Tribal Membership,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. […]

Immigration and Custom Enforcement Concern

January 24, 2025 by sbegay

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is aware of information, posts, and articles circulating regarding the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, stopping individuals who they believe may be illegal immigrants. There has been a recent federal response on illegal immigration in this country and those who are citizens may be improperly detained as part of these operations. There have been no reports of ICE presence or improper detentions in our area. What is ICE? Since 2003, ICE has been the division of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration. ICE was created by combining the investigative and enforcement arms of the former US Customs Service and Immigration and Naturalization Service. Ways to empower yourself and your families: Ensure your state and Tribal identification are up to date. For Southern Ute Tribal identification, please contact Tribal Information Services at 970-563-2248. Always carry identification with you, including your Tribal ID and at least one (1) other form of identification such as a driver’s license. If you are detained, make sure you request identification to verify that the individual stopping you is actually an enforcement officer with ICE. If you […]

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

January 21, 2025 by sbegay

As we welcome the season of tomotu (winter), please see our helpful tips to protect your home and prevent frozen pipes. As temperatures drop, water slowly expands and builds internal pressure that may result in bursts. Keep the heat on: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even when you are away. A minimum of 65°F is recommended. Insulate exposed pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Seal air leaks: Close off any gaps around windows, doors, and vents to prevent cold air from entering your home. Let faucets drip: During very cold weather, allow a trickle of water to flow from faucets served by exposed pipes. Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. Please stay safe and warm! For more information or assistance, contact the Construction Services Division at 970-563-0260. For emergencies or after-hours calls, contact SUPD at 970-563-4401. Tribal Elders, may contact Elder Services at 970-563-2309 for additional assistance.

For Immediate Release: Significant Funding Secured: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Awarded $16.7 Million for Colorado River Initiatives

January 17, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2025 Significant Funding Secured: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Awarded $16.7 Million for Colorado River Initiatives Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe expresses its deep appreciation to the Bureau of Reclamation for awarding funding to support the replacement of the heading for the Pine River Canal. Announced this morning, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will provide $16.7M to support the replacement of the heading for the Pine River Canal, improving fish passage and riparian habitat. The new heading will include a fish screen and a bypass that will ensure the proper amount of water is sent downstream. The project also includes the restoration of over a half mile of Beaver Creek, a tributary to the Pine River to enhance fish habitat and promote a healthier river ecosystem for vulnerable fish species. The project is a collaboration between the Tribe, the Pine River Canal Company, and the Spring Creek Extension Ditch Company. The reconstruction will also improve the efficiency and reliability of water delivery to approximately 23,000 acres of Tribal and non-Tribal agricultural land in Southwestern Colorado. […]

For Immediate Release: Chairman Baker Addresses the Colorado General Assembly

January 17, 2025 / January 17, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2025 Chairman Baker Addresses the Colorado General Assembly Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, joined by Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, delivered a powerful address before a Joint Session of the Colorado General Assembly yesterday. Chairman Baker’s address marked the third annual address to state legislators since the passage of Senate Bill 22-105, a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the Colorado Ute Tribes and the State of Colorado. “In honoring the legacy of our ancestors, past Tribal leaders, and past state legislators, we pledge to continue their work and build a brighter tomorrow for all,” stated Chairman Baker. “Colorado serves as a model for state-tribal relations. This relationship underscores our inherent sovereignty and commitment to collaborative governance. In Colorado, we strive to consult and collaborate for the common good.” Chairman Baker’s address highlighted the rich history of the Nuuchiu, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting the Tribes’ sovereign rights as outlined in federal treaties. He highlighted the need for continued collaboration and relationship-building based on […]

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Receives Two Federal Grants to Enhance Climate Resilience 01/08/2025

January 8, 2025 / January 8, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Receives Two Federal Grants to Enhance Climate Resilience Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the award of two significant federal grants totaling $4.25 million. These grants awarded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Community Resilience Annual Awards Program will support Tribes in preparing for climate-related environmental threats proactively. The Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department received $250,000 for the “Pine River Watershed Assessment and Restoration Plan.” This funding will support the development of a comprehensive plan to restore and protect the Tribe’s waterways. Key objectives include: Ecological Restoration: Implementing measures to improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. Soil Conservation: Implementing best practices to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention. Drought Mitigation: Developing strategies to minimize the impact of drought on water resources and agricultural activities. The Tribe’s Water Resources Division received $4 million to support the “Building Drought Resiliency to Irrigation Infrastructure Vulnerability” project. This funding will be used to: Improve Irrigation Infrastructure: Install Long Crested Weirs on the Pine River Canal to enhance water delivery efficiency and minimize water losses during drought periods. Rebuild […]

For Immediate Release: Chairman Baker Attends Opening of the 75th Session of the Colorado General Assembly