Category: Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Six Shooter Fire reaches 224 acres

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571

Lindsay J. Box, PIO – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 18, 2020

 

 

Crews contain Six Shooter Fire line; fire reaches 224 acres

 

 

Ignacio, CO – The Six Shooter Fire was reported on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation at approximately 15:30, June 16, 2020. The fire is located in the Six Shooter Canyon.

 

The Six Shooter Fire grew 4 acres and now reaches a total of 224 acres. Crews promptly responded to a slight break in the fire line and hold fire to less than 5 acres of growth in 24-hours. Ground crews, including a tribal dozer, are working on cutting more fire lines today. Aerial resources will remain on stand-by. There are a total of 105 personnel working to suppress the fire. The Six Shooter Fire remains 25% contained. Personnel look to make positive progress with favorable weather conditions.

 

The Durango Interagency IMT 3 will maintain management of the Six Shooter Fire and multiple agencies continue to work to fully suppress the fire. Agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southern Ute Agency Fire Management, Los Piños Fire Protection District, Durango Fire, Florida Mesa Fire, and modules from the States of Colorado and Oklahoma. Ground resources include fire personnel, hot shot crew, heavy equipment, and utility terrain vehicles. Air resources will remain ready today.

 

Smoke is visible from Colorado Highway 550 and County Road 318. Smoke will be visible to the local communities throughout the duration of the fire. Smoke from wildfires can cause health concerns and some individuals are more at risk of complications. To monitor the air quality related to the Six Shooter Fire, please go the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Environmental Programs Division Ambient Monitoring page at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/

 

The Six Shooter Fire is still not a threat to housing developments. Fire activity remains confined to the canyon. The Tribe is also working with oil and gas operators in the area to shut-in facilities in the vicinity of the fire in an effort to mitigate any potential impact from those operators to first responder’s ability to contain the fire.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Monday, May 11, 2020 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

 

STAGE I

General Public:

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.

 

  1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.

 

  1. CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.

 

  1. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the Six Shooter Fire, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more information or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

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20200618 – Six Shooter Fire reaches 224 acres

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Crew make progress on Six Shooter fire and hold fire to 220 acres

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571

Lindsay J. Box, PIO – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 17, 2020

 

 

Crews make progress on Six Shooter Fire and hold fire to 220 acres

 

 

Ignacio, CO – The Six Shooter Fire was reported on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation at approximately 15:30, June 16, 2020. The fire is located in the Six Shooter Canyon.

 

Both ground and aerial resources made positive progress, holding the fire to 220 acres. The fire is now 25% contained. Ground crews continued cutting lines by hand and with a tribal dozer while air attack focused on cooling hot spots burning on the interior of the fire boundary.

 

The Durango Interagency IMT 3 will maintain management of the Six Shooter Fire and multiple agencies continue to work to fully suppress the fire. Agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southern Ute Agency Fire Management, Los Piños Fire Protection District, Durango Fire, Florida Mesa Fire, and modules from the States of Colorado and Oklahoma. Ground resources include fire personnel, hot shot crew, heavy equipment, and utility terrain vehicles. Air resources will remain ready tomorrow.

 

Smoke is visible from Colorado Highway 550 and County Road 318. Smoke will be visible to the local communities throughout the duration of the fire. Smoke from wildfires can cause health concerns and some individuals are more at risk of complications. To monitor the air quality related to the Six Shooter Fire, please go the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Environmental Programs Division Ambient Monitoring page at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/

 

The Six Shooter Fire is still not a threat to housing developments. Fire activity remains confined to the canyon. The Tribe is also working with oil and gas operators in the area to shut-in facilities in the vicinity of the fire in an effort to mitigate any potential impact from those operators to first responder’s ability to contain the fire.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Monday, May 11, 2020 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

 

STAGE I

General Public:

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.

 

  1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.

 

  1. CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.

 

  1. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the Six Shooter Fire, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more information or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

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20200617 – Crews make progress on Six Shooter Fire and hold fire to 220 acres

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Six Shooter Fire burns to approximately 220 acres overnight

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4751

Lindsay Box, PIO – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2020

Six Shooter Fire burns to approximately 220 acres overnight

Ignacio, CO – The Six Shooter Fire was reported on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation at approximately 15:30, June 16, 2020. The fire is located in the Six Shooter Canyon and now estimated at 220 acres. Ground crews made headway on the fire which is now 15% contained.

 

The Durango Interagency IMT 3 has assumed the fire management role today. Multiple agencies are working to fully suppress the fire, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southern Ute Agency Fire Management, Los Piños Fire Protection District, Durango Fire, Florida Mesa Fire, and modules from the States of Colorado and Oklahoma. Ground resources include fire personnel, hot shot crew, heavy equipment, and utility terrain vehicles. Air resources aided in the initial fire response and remain on standby today.

 

Smoke is visible from Colorado Highway 550 and County Road 318. Smoke will be visible to the local communities throughout the duration of the fire. Smoke from wildfires can cause health concerns and some individuals are more at risk of complications. To monitor the air quality related to the Six Shooter Fire, please go the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Environmental Programs Division Ambient Monitoring page at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/

 

Lightening from the previous weekend’s storm had been determined to be the cause of the Six Shooter Fire. The Tribe is also working with oil and gas operators in the area to shut-in facilities in the vicinity of the fire in an effort to mitigate any potential impact from those operators to first responder’s ability to contain the fire.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Monday, May 11, 2020 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

STAGE I

General Public:

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.

 

  1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.

 

  1. CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.

 

  1. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the Six Shooter Fire, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more information or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

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20200617 – Six Shooter Fire burns to approximately 220 acres overnight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Continues Safety Measures and Reaffirms ‘Stay at Home’ Order

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Amy Barry, SUIT IMT PIO – 970.563.2281

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2020 – 12:10 P.M.

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Continues Safety Measures and Reaffirms ‘Stay at Home’ Order

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council issued a “Stay at Home Order”. To slow and/or stop the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial the Tribe continues to adhere to the order requiring tribal members to stay home unless it is for essential activities. The continuation of the order is based on Tribal Council’s continuous assessment of the rapidly-changing and serious public health emergency.

 

The Southern Ute leadership is very aware that over the last few days the State of Colorado has announced a relaxation of some social distancing standards under the banner of a “Safer at Home” program. Having reviewed the basis of the State’s decision, and more importantly, considered the special needs concerns and vulnerabilities of the Southern Ute people, it has been determined that any relaxation of social distancing standards or practices is premature. It is our belief that this premature relaxation of standards poses a threat to the Tribe that is unwarranted given local circumstances and the near total lack of evidence regarding the degree to which the disease has entered this community. In exercise of its sovereignty, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe has chosen to maintain all current social distancing orders, particularly, the Stay at Home order of March 25, 2020 until further notice.

 

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, Shared Services and the Sky Ute Casino and Resort, will continue to telework and modify programs and services to ensure the protection and safety of tribal members, tribal employees, and our community. Identified operations have been modified in accordance with the recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) which includes guidelines for social distancing and restrictions on congregated groups no larger than 5 people, and at least 6 feet apart. Social distancing guidelines also include limitations for person-to-person contact, group meetings, and other social activities.

 

The non-essential functions have been identified and a comprehensive list of modified services and hours of operations continue to be updated through the established Southern Ute COVID-19 Call Center, KSUT Tribal Radio, Southern Ute DRUM E-Edition, social media, and tribal websites.

 

As initially recommended by the CDC, the tribe recommends the use of face coverings when leaving your home for essential activities such as trips to the grocery store, visits to the doctor’s office or work as an essential employee. The coronavirus is spread by droplets in the air and individual contraction of COVID-19 by direct contact with someone who has tested positive or may have been exposed to the virus.

 

The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council has also directed the Southern Ute Incident Management Team (IMT) to distribute face masks to Southern Ute Tribal Elders and the disabled/at-risk population of tribal members who reside on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, the Southern Ute Community Health Representatives staff, caregivers (Visiting Angels and Comfort Keepers), and the Southern Ute Elders Services began distributing face masks to Southern Ute tribal elders and high risk elders who reside on the reservation. Please contact the Southern Ute Tribal Health CHR Division at (970) 563-0154 or (970) 563-2348 or the Southern Ute Elders Services Division at (970) 563-2323. The remaining masks will be held in reserve to ensure adequate supplies remain on hand for health care professionals and first responders if the situation deteriorates and Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) is required.

 

Tribal parks remain closed to gatherings of more than 5 people, but exercising is still encouraged while practicing social distancing.

 

We would like to applaud the Southern Ute Indian tribal membership for adhering to the Stay at Home Order, promoting social distancing, unity within our tribal community, supporting one another, sharing information and taking opportunities to create solutions that benefit the safety and wellness of the Southern Ute people and community. As this health pandemic continues to evolve, we will continue to provide information in a timely and consistent manner.

 

The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council urges all tribal members to listen for radio announcements, continue to check the Tribe’s official social media and website or call the COVID-19 Call Center. The Tribe will continue to make every effort to keep the membership informed.

 

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s COVID-19 Call Center will remain live through the duration of the modified government services being provided. In addition to fielding calls, the call center will be making proactive calls to all Southern Ute tribal members who have current addresses and phone numbers on file at TIS, Finance, Southern Ute Education and the Southern Ute Health Center. For enrolled Southern Ute tribal members who have not received communication from a tribal department, they are encouraged to contact the Southern Ute COVID-19 Call Center at (970) 563-0214, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to establish a communication stream going forward. The Tribe would like to account for each tribal member’s safety and wellness through this pandemic. Beginning Monday, May 4, 2020, the Southern Ute COVID-19 Call Center will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

 

As stated previously, if you are a tribal member and are concerned about your health or any symptoms you may be experiencing, please contact your primary care provider or call the Southern Ute Health Center at (970) 563-4581 to speak with a health care professional.

 

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20200423 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe Continues Safety Measures and Reaffirms ‘Stay at Home’ Order

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Demands Investigation into Unlawfully Leaked Information for CARES Act Funds

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2020 – 1:00 P.M.

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Demands Investigation into Unlawfully Leaked Information for CARES Act Funds

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On March 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. This act provided $150 billion for governments, including $8 billion to be allocated among the 574 federally recognized Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages The funds were to be distributed within 30 days.

 

On Monday, April 13, 2020, all state, local and tribal governments were instructed to download information in to a secure portal at the Department of Treasury so that they could receive their CARES Act funds. For Tribes and tribal businesses, the information to be provided included tribal membership, lands held in trust and in fee, expenditures, and bank account information in which the funds were to be deposited. The first portion of the funds were to be deposited in to the Tribe’s bank account within approximately 24 hours of filing the certification.

 

Although the Southern Ute Indian Tribe filed its certification on Wednesday morning, no funds have been received. To make matters worse, on Friday evening we learned that the information provided to the Department of Treasury by every Tribe in the country had been unlawfully released.

 

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has taken steps to make sure that its bank account is secure. But more importantly, the unlawful actions by one or more individuals at the federal government to leak this confidential information must be immediately investigated. We call upon the Department of Justice to immediately do so. The history of relations between the United States and tribal nations is replete with broken promises. The unlawful release of information is evidence that those broken promises by the federal government continue to this day.

 

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20200418 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe demands investigation into unlawfully leaked inforamtion for CARES Act funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Recommends Face Coverage for Health Safety

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Amy Barry, SUIT IMT PIO – 970.563.2281

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2020 – 09:30 A.M.

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Recommends Face Coverage for Health Safety

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, in a collaborative response with the San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) to COVID-19 and recommends to individuals to cover your nose and mouth when leaving home for essential travel to the grocery store, doctor, or pharmacy. Individuals could practice extra precaution by using a bandana or homemade facemask coverings. It is important to reserve healthcare grade personal protective equipment (ppe) for the healthcare professionals.

 

Individuals who need to leave their homes are able to use a face covering over their nose and mouth as a precaution. Symptoms of COVID-19 have a long incubation period and individuals who leave their home for necessary reasons could contact the virus or unknowingly spread COVID-19 to others. “The spread of the virus occurs primarily through droplets from an infected individual, which fabrics can filter. A face covering helps lessen the risk for a healthy individual to breathe in droplets as well as spread from one who may not realize they are sick, or their symptoms are mild,” stated the SJBPH press release New San Juan Basin Public Health Recommendation: Cover Your Face issued on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

 

Face coverings convey the seriousness of this pandemic, as well as serving as a reminder to practice safe hygiene including washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, restricting touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and sneezing or coughing into your elbow or a tissue then throwing the tissue away.

 

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe issued a ‘Stay at Home’ Order on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and encourages the tribal membership to stay home and practice social distancing, through these best practices we can flatten the curve and help stop the spread of COVID-19.

 

The San Juan Basin Public Health has shared the following tips:

 

How to safety adhere a face covering

  • Tie long hair back.
  • Wash your hands well.
  • Secure the face covering over your nose and mouth.
  • DO NOT touch your face or the face covering. If you do, sanitize your hands thoroughly.
  • Leave the covering on until you can safety remove it.
  • Remove your face covering immediately if it becomes wet or if you feel you’ve been in contact with someone who is sick.

 

How to safely remove a face covering

  • Wash your hands.
  • Grab the face covering by the area that goes over your ears.
  • Take the covering off, keeping the outside of it away from your face, and place directly in the washing machine or a site where you will appropriately sanitize.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

 

To find updates from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on COVID-19, please observe the tribal social media, tribal websites, and by calling the Southern Ute Indian Tribe COVID-19 Call Center at 970.563.0214 which will operate from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

 

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20200401 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe Recommends Face Coverage for Health Safety

Technical Advisory Bulletin for Tribal Title V Owners and Operators (COVID-19) March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020
Technical Advisory Bulletin

To: All Tribal Title V Owners and Operators:

This technical advisory bulletin is being issued to address compliance concerns or non-compliance that could result at Title V permitted facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state, local, and the Southern Ute Indian tribal government have been forced to take drastic actions to limit social contact including stay-at-home orders for non-critical employees and closures of certain businesses. The Tribe’s Air Quality Program (AQP) understands that owners and operators are facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is issuing this guidance to help operators take measures to document these challenges for compliance reporting purposes.

To document compliance concerns and issues that are directly resultant from challenges relating to the pandemic, the AQP recommends, at a minimum, that operators keep detailed logs, including the reason for non-compliance and maintain all relevant data to support claims (e.g., correspondence with operations personnel, stack test companies, contractors, etc.). Additionally, AQP recommends keeping in contact with the AQP regarding issues as they arise. For urgent matters and prompt deviation reporting during this time, reports can be submitted to: airquality@southernute-nsn.gov. All other logs and records can be submitted to the AQP at a later date.

If owners and operators are able to comply with their Title V permit requirements on time, we strongly encourage you to do so using the processes normally used. Where compliance is impacted by orders aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, the AQP expects owners and operators to exercise reasonable due diligence. Correspondingly, the AQP will exercise discretion in granting administrative and enforcement relief for various reporting requirements and deadlines of regulated entities as conditions warrant in response to COVID-19.

It is the AQP’s expectation that permittees will take actions minimizing the effects and duration of any noncompliance caused by COVID-19 and will use “best efforts” to return to compliance at the earliest opportunity
If you have any questions regarding compliance during this time, please contact Mr. Oakley Hayes, Air Quality Technical Manager, at (970) 563-2244 or me at (970) 563-2265.

Danny Powers
Air Quality Program Manager
The Southern Ute Air Quality Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Indian Tribe confirms two positive cases of COVID-19

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Amy Barry, SUIT IMT PIO – 970.563.2281

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2020 – 09:30 A.M.

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe confirms two positive cases of COVID-19

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Two employees of the Southern Ute Indian Tribal government have tested positive for COVID 19. They are in self-quarantine and we wish them the best in their recovery.  All appropriate steps are being taken to identify anyone who may have been exposed for notification to self-quarantine and self-monitor for symptoms of the disease. San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (DCPHE) are providing assistance during this investigation.  Anyone who is contacted by SJBPH and CDPHE are encouraged to cooperate to assist them in protecting the health and welfare of our Southern Ute tribal membership and government.  It is important to know that, by definition of the Centers for Disease Control, you have not been “exposed” unless you have had close contact with a person who has tested positive.

 

The definition of close contact is:

“being about six (6) feet (approximately two (2) meters) from an infected person or within the room or care area of an infected patient for a prolonged period while not wearing recommended PPE. Close contact also includes instances where there is direct contact with infectious secretions while not wearing recommended PPE. Close contact generally does not include brief interactions, such as walking past a person.”

 

All previous advisories about how to protect yourself, self-monitor and avoid exposing others to any illness you may have are doubly important now.  In addition to all precautions already in effect being maintained the following new procedure will take effect immediately:

 

Any staff reporting to work at any tribal facility in Ignacio must report to the tents behind the Health Center before proceeding to their work location. Employees will be screened and cleared to work that day by Health Center staff if they have no fever or other symptoms of COVID-19.

 

The only exception to this rule are law enforcement personnel who will be screened upon arrival at the Justice Center.

 

Please remain calm and vigilant.  Protect yourself and protect others by staying at home if you are ill.  We knew this day would come, but we will overcome this in due time.

 

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20200329 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe confirms two positive cases of COVID-19 (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Increases Safety Measures and Issues ‘Stay at Home’ Order

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Amy Barry, SUIT IMT PIO – 970.563.2281

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020 – 3:30P.M.

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Increases Safety Measures and Issues ‘Stay at Home’ Order

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Chairman, Tribal Council, and Incident Management Team (IMT) are replacing the advisory issued on March 23, 2020 with a ‘Stay at Home’ Order effective today, Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. Because it is crucial to slow down the spread of COVID-19, the Tribe is requiring all tribal members to stay at home unless it is essential. The Order is based on Tribal Council’s continuous assessment of this rapidly-changing and serious public health emergency. The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council urges all tribal members to listen for radio announcements, check the Tribe’s official social media and website, or call the COVID-19 Call Center at 970.563.0214 for the most up-to-date information. The Tribe will make every effort to keep the membership informed.

 

At the time of this release, there are no presumptive cases of COVID-19 on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

Tribal members may leave their residence only to perform essential activities. Essential activities consist of the following:

 

  • Care for elders, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or other vulnerable people.
  • To buy food, pet supplies and essential household products for themselves, a household member, a family member, an elder, person with disabilities, or other persons in need of immediate assistance.
  • To obtain medical supplies or medication or to visit a health-care professional for yourself, a family member, a household member, an elder, person with disabilities, any other person in need of immediate assistance, or a pet.
  • To care for a family member or pet in another household.
  • To engage in banking or other financial transactions or services.
  • To go to work in an essential or critical business activity or service as determined by their employer or a governmental authority.
  • To engage in outdoor activities like walking, running, fishing, hunting, or walking a dog, as long as they maintain a safe social distance from others. Group sports are prohibited.
  • To provide for the funeral arrangements of a family or household member.
  • Travel required by law enforcement or court order or as necessary for participation in a legal proceeding.
  • Going to or from educational facilities to support distance learning or to get meals or related services.
  • To get supplies to work from home.
  • To perform other necessary household functions to maintain cleanliness of the home and to ensure the health and safety of the membership and their families, including for purposes of disposing of trash and using laundry services.
  • To engage in other essential activities as authorized in writing by the Executive Office after consultation with the Tribe’s Incident Command Team.

 

 

The order also restricts the following:

 

  • All public and private gatherings of five or more people.
  • All visitors on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation (“Reservation”) located on Tribal or Trust land are directed to return home. For purposes of this order a visitor is a person who is not a tribal member, is not an invited guest of a tribal member, does not maintain his or her permanent home on tribal or trust land on the Reservation, or who is not an employee of the Tribe.

 

No visitors will be allowed to come on the Reservation, other than to pass through on a county, state, or federal highway, except for the following purposes:

 

  • To provide medical or home care.
  • To provide emergency services.
  • To provide and allow for the continuation of essential and critical government services as determined by the Tribe.
  • To provide deliveries of water.
  • To provide deliveries of oil, natural gas, and other fuel for personal and tribal use.
  • To provide for delivery of food, pharmaceutical products, and any other essential personal and household products.
  • To provide for essential household and building maintenance, safety, and sanitation.
  • To provide for vehicle maintenance.
  • To participate in legal proceedings in the Southern Ute Tribal court.
  • For public transportation such as taxis and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for purposed expressly authorized in this Order.
  • For the delivery of mail by the postal service and other shipping services.
  • For the delivery of groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences or other businesses.
  • To provide professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally necessary activities such as representation in court or preparation of estate planning documents.
  • To provide any additional essential services to tribal members and authorized residents on Trust or Tribal land.

 

Any individual who exhibits symptoms must isolate themselves.

 

The Call Center has modified its hours to 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week. The Call Center is strictly an information gathering and dissemination resource for the tribal membership during this time.

 

If you are a tribal member and concerned about your symptoms, please contact your primary care provider or call the Southern Ute Health Center at 970.563.4581 to speak with a health care professional.

 

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20200324 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe Increases Safety Measures and Issues Stay at Home Order FINAL (002)

20200325 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe Issues Stay at Home Order

 

 

 

Summary of Continuing Core Services for the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Membership During COVID-19

Summary of Continuing Core Services for the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Membership During COVID-19

As of March 24, 2020

In response to the rapidly developing events surrounding COVID-19, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Permanent Fund government will modify the programs and services to ensure the protection and safety of tribal members, tribal employees, and our community. The identified operations have been modified in accordance with the recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) which includes guidelines for social distancing and restrictions on congregated groups no larger than 10 people, and at least 6 feet apart. Social distancing also includes limits on person-to-person contact, group meetings, and other social activities.

The non-essential functions have been identified and a comprehensive list of modified services and hours of operations are detailed below.

Please be advised this information is subject to change. Tribal staff will continue updating the document as modifications to tribal services and tribal business are necessary.

 

Summary of SUIT core services (As of 3.24.2020)