Category: Tribal Members

Southern Ute Cultural Preservation Seeks Input on Ute Language

The Southern Ute Cultural Preservation Department is seeking Tribal Member and community engagement to assist in the development of future Ute language programming and resources. Your participation is completely voluntary and greatly appreciated. The Department wants to ensure we are developing programming and resources that meet the needs and desires of our community. Upon completion of the survey, you will be entered into a drawing for several prizes.

For more information on Ute language programming, reach out to Dr. Stacey Oberly at soberly@southernute-nsn.gov or 970-563-2986.

General Meeting Attendance Options

The General Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 starting at 9:00 AM at Sky Ute Casino Resort in the Event Center. This is a closed meeting for the Southern Ute Tribal Membership only. There are 3 ways to join the General Meeting:
1. In-Person: Registration is not required, and we look forward to seeing you there!
2. Live Stream: Registration is required. Please use the following link or QR code to register with your information and census number. To expedite the process please use your “so-ute” email address. Please do not share your registration information with anyone. Link: https://bit.ly/2025gm
      *This link is case-sensitive

3. Recording: If you are not able to attend, the live stream recording will be available on the Tribal Member Portal.

The agenda is forthcoming and will be made available on the Tribal Member Portal in advance of the General Meeting. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319. For technical assistance with your “so-ute” account, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555.

Southern Ute Construction Services Secures Additional Funding Available for Home Rehabilitation

The Southern Ute Construction Services Division has secured additional funding for the home rehabilitation program and, as a single instance, will be selecting additional applicants this year. The department remains committed to supporting the tribal membership with home repair funds, which are allocated to
families with the most pressing housing needs.

Applications will be available on our department website at

https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/tribal-housing/construction-services-division/

Applications must be completed and submitted no later than April 28th at 5pm. Please see the attached flyer for additional information on how to apply along with the QR code. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact the Construction Services Division at (970) 563-0260.

 

Ute Day at the Capitol 2025

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 Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Denver, Colorado at the State Capitol (200 E. Colfax Ave). The Speaking Program will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 9:45 a.m. The agenda is detailed below:
– Invocation
– Drum Group: Yellow Jacket
– Color Guard: Ute Mountain Ute Veterans
– Remarks: Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera, & Ute Tribal Chairmen Manuel Heart and Melvin J. Baker
– Ute Youth Council & Royalty Introductions

A lunch will be held at History Colorado (1200 Broadway, Denver, CO) starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by presentations until 3:30 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 Administration Office at 970-564-5600.

Indigenous Rights in 2025: A Symposium on Current Legal Issues in Indigenous Communities

We are excited to announce our sponsorship of “Indigenous Rights in 2025: A Symposium on Current Legal Issues in Indigenous Communities”, hosted by the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights! Join us on Friday, March 28th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM MT online via Zoom ⚖️ Attendees opting for in-person participation will be responsible for their personal travel and lodging arrangements.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from leading Indigenous scholars, activists, and organizers from across the country. Topics will include Federal Indian Law, Tribal sovereignty, and environmental justice. Registration is FREE! 👉 bit.ly/TJCLCR25

There will be a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary “SUGARCANE,” with a special introduction by the Director, following the symposium.

Southern Ute Department of Transportation to Conduct Mowing Operations in Designated Areas

Please be advised that the Southern Ute Department of Transportation (SUDOT) will be conducting mowing operations in designated areas next week. The schedule is as follows:

  1. Monday, March 17th & Tuesday, March 18th 
    • Mountain Dew Circle / SU188 & SU189 

 

  1. Wednesday, March 19th to Friday, March 21st 
    •  Ignacio Peak & Jefferson/ SU315 

We ask that the Tribal Staff & the Tribal Membership that may be on or near the work site, exercise caution when traveling in these areas and be mindful of equipment and crew members actively working. Traffic control measures will be in place to ensure safety.

For questions, please contact Roman Seibel, Transportation Project Coordinator, at (970) 563-2283.

Southern Ute Water Resources Announces PRIIP Billing Notice Updates

With irrigation season starting soon, the Southern Ute Water Resources Division (WRD) wanted to update PRIIP water users on a slight change this year. Beginning this irrigation season (2025), the timing of sending PRIIP bills in the mail for Tribal Assignments has changed. This notice is to provide information regarding the billing process for Tribal Assignments.

The BIA is expecting to have PRIIP irrigation water available for many users by April 15th. Irrigation water on the east side of the PRIIP will receive water about a week later due to the Pine River Canal’s schedule. The BIA also has new office phone numbers. The BIA Main Office phone number is 970-200-8613, and the BIA Branch of Irrigation’s phone number is 970-236-4161.
Please feel free to contact the Southern Ute Water Resources Division at 970-563-9482 if you have any questions.

Agriculture Producers Gathering 03222025

Tribal Members involved in agriculture, whether currently assigned, interested in future assignments, or designated as beneficiaries, are invited to a gathering hosted by Treasurer James “Mike” Olguin and Tribal Council. This will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Facility in the Large Room. A lunch will be provided and prepared by Treasurer Olguin.
Discussion topics will include:
  • Formation of an Experienced Farmer Work Group:
    • Gauge interest in establishing a collaborative work group of experienced farmers to guide and support new Tribal farmers.
  • Comprehensive Agricultural Land Management Plan:
    • Discussion on the Agricultural Land Management Plan, its goals and objectives.
  • Producer Needs and System Improvement:
    • Openly addressing the needs of agricultural producers, exploring new ideas, and providing a platform for constructive feedback on current systems.
For more information or questions, please contact Treasurer James “Mike” Olguin at 970.563.2404 or miolguin@southernute-nsn.gov.

Southern Ute Department of Natural Resources Announces Agricultural Survey

The Southern Ute Department of Natural Resources has been tasked with creating a Comprehensive Agricultural Land Management Plan with long-term and short-term ideas for the plan that includes conceptual goals and objectives for further planning and development.  The department would like to encourage the Southern Ute tribal membership to complete the survey regarding assigned tribal agricultural lands.  The survey can be obtained by scanning the attached QR code or by visiting the following survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/dTv0KjjKCx through June 30, 2025. The survey will also be available during the Southern Ute Tribal Membership General Meeting in April.  For further information, questions, or concerns, please call: 970-563-2237. Thank you and have a wonderful day.

 

The Southern Ute Lands Division Shares (2) 45-day Notices for Land Assignments

The Southern Ute Lands Division is currently advertising two, 45-day notices of availability of tribal land for assignment.

To apply for a Land Assignment or Lease Request, eligible tribal member applicants must submit an Application for Assignment of Tribal Lands and Homesite Development Plan along with a drawing card containing their name, address, and contact information (including phone number and email). The Lands Division will review the submitted applications, homesite development plans, and drawing cards to ensure only eligible Tribal members’ names are placed in the drawing.

Those interested can mail, email, or deliver in person your submission to the Department of Natural Resources – Lands Division at PO Box 737, Ignacio, CO 81137, or contact us via email at sluzar@southernute-nsn.gov or via phone at 970-563-0126.

The Department of Natural Resources has also received an application from Ms. Nalani Thompson for an assignment on tribal lands. The land she has applied for is a relinquishment of a homesite assignment from a non-immediate family member. The easement to this assignment is off of CR 324 and it will be included in the proposed assignment.

If you have any comments or objections about the assignment, you can submit them as well. You can mail, email, or deliver in person your submission to the Department of Natural Resources – Lands Division at PO Box 737, Ignacio, CO 81137, or via email at sluzar@southernute-nsn.gov or via phone at 970-563-0126.