Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans 2024 General Meeting Recording April 12, 2024 by sbegay The 2024 General Meeting recording is now available on the Tribal Member Portal. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319 or 970-563-2485. For technical assistance with your “so-ute” account, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555. -Summer Begay, Communication Specialist. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Missing Indigenous Person Alert Activation: 04/02/2024 April 2, 2024 by sbegay Missing Indigenous Person Alert Activation: 04/02/2024 Audrina Bartley was last seen on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 11:30 AM in Albuquerque, NM possibly headed to Durango, CO. Audrina was wearing a white hoodie with “faith over fear”, black skinny jeans, pink shirt, and a white puma backpack. She was not wearing glasses when she was last seen. If seen, please call 911 or the Southern Ute Police Department at970-563-4401. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans PSA: Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Trail Closure and Temporary Ute Road Closure April 1, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – (970) 563.0100 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – (970) 563.2313 FOR RELEASE: April 01, 2024 Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Trail Closure and Temporary Ute Road Closure Southern Ute Indian Reservation: On June 3, 2022, the Bear Dance Fire ignited on tribal trust land and burned eighty-nineacres north of the Bear Dance grounds and along the Los Pinos River. In the aftermath, the Environmental Programs Division (EPD) had observed hazardous materials mixed in with the burn area debris on the ground surface in areas paralleling Ute Road. The fire exposed these areas and the presence of hazardous materials, which created a concern for public health. Out of an abundance of caution, Tribal Council closed the Bear Dance Fire burn area. EPD and various environmental professionals have assessed air, soil, water, and vegetation samplings and determined that there is currently minimal risk to human health and the environment. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, Tribal Council has directed EPD to remove these surface materials and remediate the area. Remediation will commence on April 1, 2024, and the project will consist of debris pile removal and the capping of any remaining material in place. While the […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes new Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager March 27, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes new Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe warmly welcomes Mr. Thomas Frank as the new General Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort. Mr. Frank will be starting on April 3, 2024, following an impressive career of more than thirty years of experience in business development and casino operations spanning four states and three countries: Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. Throughout his career, Mr. Frank has played a key role in the development and implementation of over ten gaming start-up projects. This impressive track record includes work with the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe of California, Tolowa Dee-Ni’ Nation, and at the Dakota Sioux Casino. As General Manager, Frank will oversee the daily operations of the Sky Ute Casino Resort and all its amenities, including gaming and entertainment, hotel, restaurants, conference center, and bowling. “We believe his extensive experience and proven leadership will be instrumental in driving positive change and will continue Sky Ute Casino Resort’s legacy as the premier entertainment destination in Southwestern Colorado,” […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Advocates for Tribal Interests at the State Capitol March 20, 2024 / March 20, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2024 Tribal Council Advocates for Tribal Interests at the State Capitol Ute Day at the Capitol was officially designated by Governor Jared Polis in 2019 to publicly celebrate and honor the contributions and sovereignty of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Indian Tribe. In addition, this designation encourages Coloradans to actively seek knowledge about the history and heritage of the Ute people in Colorado’s past, present, and future. That history has long been one of broken promises and the infringement of Tribal lands and sovereignty. Agreements with the Ute bands have been dishonored for the economic gains of others. This disrespect is not a relic of a distant past but far too often continues today. To address ongoing violations and historical injustice, Tribal Council traveled to Denver last week to meet with state legislators and the Governor to emphasize the importance of the State to uphold its commitment to Tribal agreements, particularly those concerning Tribal land. On Friday, March 15, 2024, Chairman Baker gave a powerful address to the General Assembly. He […] Read more »
Administration Community Press Releases Tribal Members For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Reaffirmation of AAA Credit Rating March 6, 2024 / March 6, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Reaffirmation of AAA Credit Rating Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is proud to announce the reaffirmation of its AAA credit rating by Fitch Ratings. Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings and research, has recognized the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s steadfast dedication to economic stability and prudent financial practices since 2001. The AAA rating reflects the Tribe’s ability to meet financial commitments and uphold a robust financial profile, even in the face of national and global economic challenges. “We are honored and grateful for the reaffirmation of our AAA credit rating by Fitch Ratings,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “This rating underscores our Tribe’s unwavering commitment to sound financial management, responsible governance, and the well-being of our Tribe.” The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has consistently demonstrated financial resilience, leveraging strategic investments and responsible fiscal policies to maintain its AAA credit rating. This prestigious rating not only reflects the Tribe’s financial strength but also enhances its ability to pursue economic development initiatives, secure favorable financing terms, and ensure continued […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Veterans Tribal Broadband Modernization Project: Phase II Construction Update & Traffic Impacts February 6, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970-563-2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970-563-2313 FOR RELEASE: February 05, 2024 Tribal Broadband Modernization Project: Phase II Construction Update & Traffic Impacts Project News: Phase II is underway and construction has begun to connect fiber to homes! Where: Crews will be working within the Ignacio town limits, CR-517 near the Sky Ute Casino and Ute Rd. Construction will take place along the edge of the roadways/alleyways. Please see the maps with construction zones indicated in red. What: The broadband project will include trenching, boring, and plowing to lay fiber, as well as reclamation and seeding. Construction vehicles and fiber spools will be visible on the shoulder. When: Construction is ongoing. Hours of operation will be from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Travel Impact: Parking lanes, sidewalks, and alleyways may be temporarily closed during operations. Motorists will be required to reduce speeds and travel safely around the construction taking place on the side of the road. Please remember to slow down in construction zones, eliminate distractions, and drive with extra caution. Motorists are also urged to watch for workers and equipment along the roadway. In the event of an emergency or […] Read more »
Administration Community Press Releases Tribal Members Current SUIT Job Openings – January 31, 2024 January 30, 2024 / January 31, 2024 by tehlers Southern Ute Permanent Fund Grants Coordinator – Open until filled. – Ignacio,COPermits & ROW Specialist – Closes 2/13/2024 – Ignacio,COAir Quality Scientist I – Permitting – Closes 2/12/2024 – Ignacio,COLands Technician Trainee – S. Ute Tribal Members Only – Closes 2/12/2024 – Ignacio,COTribal Apprenticeship Program – Southern Ute Members Only – Open Until Filled – Ignacio,COGrounds Maintenance Worker – Closes February 2, 2024 – Ignacio,COTribal Ranger Trainee – Closes February 1, 2024 – Southern Ute Members Only – Ignacio,COLifeguard Part-time – Closes February 1, 2024 – Ignacio,COSwimming Instructor Part-time – Closes February 1, 2024 – Ignacio,COProject Manager – Construction – Open until filled – Ignacio,COTERO Worker – Ignacio, COTEAM Worker – Southern Ute Tribal Members only – Ignacio, CODetention Transport Officer – Open until filled – Ignacio, COAir Quality Scientist II – Permitting – Open until filled. – Ignacio,COBoys & Girls Club Aide PT – Open until filled – Ignacio, CODeputy Tribal Historic Preservation Officer – So. Ute member only – Open until filled. – Ignacio,COAir Quality Scientist II – Enforcement – Open until filled. – Ignacio,COTribal Attorney – Prosecutor – Open until filled – Ignacio,COGaming Investigator I – Open until filled. – Ignacio,COAfter School Program Leader – Open until […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Stability and Renewal Baker Leads the Tribe into Second Term with New Council 12/18/2023 December 18, 2023 by abarry FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2023 Stability and Renewal: Baker Leads the Tribe into Second Term with New Council Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomed Chairman, Melvin J. Baker and Council Member, Marty Pinnecoose during the Inauguration Ceremony this morning at Sky Ute Casino Resort. Surrounded by family, tribal members, and visiting dignitaries, the ceremony marked a momentous occasion for the Tribe as it embraced Council Member Pinnecoose for his first term and Chairman Baker for his second term as Chairman. Chairman Melvin J. Baker, a dedicated advocate for tribal sovereignty, brings a wealth of experience to his new term. Baker previously served four terms on Tribal Council. With a commitment to preserving and enhancing the resources, tradition, and identity of the Pino Nuuchiu, Chairman Baker is poised to lead the Tribe with vision and resilience. “Your faith in my leadership is truly inspiring. I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support and the privilege of serving as Chairman for another term”, stated Chairman Baker. Council Member Marty Pinnecoose looks forward to beginning to his first term on Tribal […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Tribe issues Public Notice on Revised Title 4 – Criminal Procedure Code & Revised Title 5 – Criminal Code December 18, 2023 by abarry PUBLIC NOTICE On December 5, 2023, the Tribal Council adopted a revised Title 4 – Criminal Procedure Code and a revised Title 5 – Criminal Code. The effective date for both codes will be March 1, 2024. The current Southern Ute Tribal Criminal Procedure and Criminal Codes will be in effect until February 29, 2024. Both the current codes and the revised codes can be found on the Tribal government Law and Order Code website at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/ Please see the attached Public Notice for more information. Thank you – Leslie Barnhart Legal Department Southern Ute Indian Tribe P.O. Box 737 | Ignacio, CO | 81137 970.563.2144 lbarnhart@southernute-nsn.gov Read more »