Tribal Members – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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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 24, 2026 by sbegay

Please save the date for the 2026 General Meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Sky Ute Casino Resort in the Event Center. Details on attendance options and the agenda are forthcoming. As a friendly reminder, this is a closed meeting for the enrolled Southern Ute Tribal Membership only. If you have any questions, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319.

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, […]

Tribal Court Closure 03/09/2026

March 9, 2026 / March 9, 2026 by sbegay

March 9, 2026 In observance of memorial services for Jack Frost Jr. (Egap), the Tribal Court will be closed from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. All scheduled hearings will proceed as planned. Thank you for your understanding!

Let’s Patch Things Up: Road Maintenance

March 2, 2026 / March 2, 2026 by sbegay

Warmer weather is approaching and with it, road wear may become more noticeable. The La Plata County Public Works Department oversees the maintenance of 653 miles of county roads. To report road concerns to the County, please use the link below or scan the QR code. For road concerns within Tribal jurisdiction, please contact the Southern Ute Division of Transportation (SUDOT) at 970-563-4755 or email suroadmaintenance@southernute-nsn.gov, use the link below or scan the QR code. La Plata County: https://www.lpcgov.org/departments/road_and_bridge/repair_request_form.phpSUDOT: https://bit.ly/sudot

2026 Ute Day at the Capitol

February 25, 2026 / March 23, 2026 by sbegay

Tribal and State leadership will celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the Nuuchiu to the State of Colorado during Ute Day at the Capitol on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Denver, Colorado at the State Capitol in the West Foyer (200 E. Colfax Ave). The Speaking Program will begin at 10:15 a.m. and conclude at 10:55 a.m. The agenda is detailed below:– Color Guard & Drum Group, Yellow Jacket Singers– Invocation– Remarks from Southern Ute Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose, Ute Mountain Ute Council Member Conrad Jacket, & Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera– Ute Youth Council & Royalty Introductions For those unable to attend, the event will be livestreamed on the Tribe’s Facebook page. A lunch will be held at History Colorado (1200 Broadway, Denver, CO) starting at 12:00 p.m., followed by presentations until 3:00 p.m. This event is open to Tribal Members and the public. Attendees are responsible for arranging their transportation and accommodations. Specialty Tours will be available and led by Capitol staff. Sign-up sheets will be available at the event on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please contact the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs at 720-402-4206, SUIT Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313, or the UMUT […]

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Technology Leader, Imad Sweidan

February 24, 2026 / February 24, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to formally welcome Imad Sweidan, an information technology executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience in IT strategy, infrastructure, and operations. Mr. Sweidan serves as the Chief Information Officer for Southern Ute Shared Services. Mr. Sweidan has built an accomplished international career across the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, contributing to major advancements in cybersecurity, telecommunications, and large‑scale IT service delivery. He previously held senior leadership positions at the Prince Mohamed University, Abu Dhabi Media Company, AlMansoori Specialized Engineering LLC, Etisalat, and McMurry University. Mr. Sweidan holds a degree in Engineering Science from Colorado State University, providing him with a strong technical foundation that has guided his long-standing success in modernizing and managing complex IT environments. Outside of his professional achievements, Imad is married and a proud father of seven. He enjoys volleyball, soccer, and swimming, and carries the same spirit of teamwork, resilience, and enthusiasm into his leadership approach—leading by example in all that he does. Chairman Melvin J. Baker […]

Tribal Office Closure: Inclement Weather 2/20/2026

February 20, 2026 / February 24, 2026 by sbegay

Due to inclement weather, Chairman Baker has granted administrative leave for employees today, February 20, 2026. Tribal Offices will be closed. Normal business hours will resume at 8:00 AM on February 23, 2026. Tribal Members and the general public are encouraged to reschedule any business that would have been conducted during the closure. The Boys and Girls Club will be closed. Patients with appointments at the Southern Ute Health Center will be contacted to reschedule at the earliest convenience. For urgent needs, the triage line will remain available at 970-563-4581. Please continue to monitor weather-related updates via Tribal social media platforms, Tribal website, and the Tribal Hotline at 970-563-4800. Stay Warm!

Notice of Proposed Amendments to Title 17: TERO Code

February 4, 2026 / February 24, 2026 by sbegay

The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council is seeking comments from Southern Ute Tribal Members, First Descendants, and the public on proposed amendments to Title 17 – Southern Ute Tribal Employment Rights Code (TERO Code). A copy of the amended TERO Code can be found on the following website: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/proposedsouthern-ute-tribal-code/. Please use the contact number at the end of this notice to obtain a hard copy of the proposed TERO Code amendments. The link will direct you to the TERO Code showing the proposed changes, a summary of changes, and a survey and comment form. Use the survey and comment form on the website to answer the survey and provide any additional comments about the amendments. You can also provide comments and answer the survey by phone, email, or in-person by contacting Hilda Burch, TERO Division Head, at the contact information below. Public Comments:The Tribal Council requests that Tribal Members, First Descendants, and family members ofTribal members review the amended code and provide comments no later than February 23,2026, to the TERO Division at:Email: Hilda Burch at: hburch@southernute-nsn.govMail: Hilda Burch, TERO Division, 71 Mike Frost Way, Ignacio, Colorado, 81137.Hand delivery: Justice and Regulatory/TERO Building, 71 Mike Frost Way, Ignacio, Colorado,81137Phone: (970) […]

Notice of Proposed Amendments to Title 13: Wildlife Conservation Code