Tribal Members – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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Save the Date: Inauguration Ceremony

June 23, 2026 / June 23, 2026 by sbegay

Please save the date for Monday, July 13, 2026, at 9:30 AM, for the Inauguration Ceremony for the Chairman, to be held in the Tribal Council Chambers at 356 Ouray Drive, Ignacio, CO 81137. Please note, the incoming Chairman will not be determined until the Special Election concludes on Friday, July 10, 2026. This term will run through November 30, 2026, completing the remainder of Chairman Melvin J. Baker’s term. Additional details and information are forthcoming.

Tribal Office Closure Notice 07/03/2026

June 23, 2026 / June 23, 2026 by sbegay

In observance of Independence Day, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, July 6, 2026. Have a safe and fun holiday with your family and loved ones. Thank you!

+ Stage II Fire Restrictions Implemented +

June 23, 2026 / June 23, 2026 by sbegay

Due to the continued drought and extremely dry fuel conditions, Stage II fire restrictions will be implemented for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Everyone on reservation land is asked to be very cautious and use common sense with fire this time of year. Stage II Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Reservation. The following acts are prohibited for the general public on reservation lands: STAGE I General Public Prohibited Acts: STAGE II Commercial Operators (logging, thinning, firewood gathering, etc.): Industrial restrictions are attached and also can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517. Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code. The Restrictions will become effective at 0600 on June 19, 2025, and will remain until conditions improve. To report fires contact: DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324 For more info or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact: BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

COYAC Tribal Youth Seats

June 22, 2026 / June 22, 2026 by sbegay

Calling all future leaders! Are you 14–19 and love The West Wing? Step into real-world government! The Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) is now accepting applications—deadline July 5. Two seats are reserved for:• Southern Ute Indian Tribe• Ute Mountain Ute Tribe 💡 Learn more: coyac.org/apply📧 Apply by emailing: director@coyac.orgDon’t miss your chance to make your voice heard!

For Immediate Release: Incident at Sky Ute Casino Resort

June 18, 2026 / June 18, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Early this morning at approximately 6:10 a.m., La Plata County received a report of suspicious activity in the east parking lot of Sky Ute Casino Resort, near the bowling alley. While the initial investigation indicates this matter is not criminal, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is cooperating fully with all regional law enforcement agencies. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe continues to collaborate with regional law enforcement, including the City of Farmington, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI Denver Field Office. The investigation remains ongoing under the lead of regional law enforcement partners in connection with other cases. Special thank you to our staff with the Southern Ute Police Department, Tribal Rangers, Division of Gaming, Sky Ute Casino Resort Surveillance, and Southern Ute Shared Services. ###

Tribal Office Closure Notice 06/19/2026

June 10, 2026 / June 10, 2026 by sbegay

In observance of Juneteenth, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, June 22, 2026. Thank you!

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Reservation Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

June 8, 2026 / June 8, 2026 by sbegay

United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency Branch of Fire Management Due to a historically low winter snowpack and recent hot, dry, and windy conditions, Stage I fire restrictions will be implemented for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The overall drought condition creates the potential for large fire development, and any ignition could grow rapidly. Fire Restrictions for the General Public include: Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517, Ignacio, CO 81137. Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code. The Restrictions will become effective at 0600 on Friday, May 22, 2026 and will remain until conditions improve.

Tribal Office Closure Notice 05/2026

May 18, 2026 / May 26, 2026 by sbegay

In observance of Bear Dance, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will close early at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 22, 2026, and remain closed for the remainder of the day. Tribal Offices will also be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. We wish you a safe and enjoyable time with your families and loved ones!

For Immediate Release: Recovery to Resilience: Advancing Safety and Quality of Life on the Reservation after the Enterprise Spill

May 15, 2026 / May 15, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – In December 2024, a catastrophic failure was identified on a 10-inch pipeline transmitting refined gasoline operated by Enterprise Products of Houston, Texas. Enterprise currently estimates that about 97,000 gallons of gasoline were released, making it the largest pipeline spill in Colorado and one of the largest in the country. It is impacting the groundwater on which residents rely for drinking water and agricultural development. As the contamination plume dissolves and migrates, it continues to pose a risk to the Animas River. Because the leak occurred on private fee land within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, the State has exercised jurisdiction, in collaboration with the Tribe and the EPA. However, due to lack of resources, the State’s ability to address the spill and require remediation has been limited. Therefore, the Tribe has been monitoring the spill to help ensure the health and safety of Reservation residents. The Enterprise spill highlights two pressing and immediate concerns. First, the aging Enterprise pipeline needs to be replaced. The pipeline is 40 years old and utilizes outdated technology. After discussions […]

For Immediate Release: Chairman Pinnecoose Appoints Box as Executive Officer

May 15, 2026 / May 15, 2026 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose has announced that Lindsay J. Box will serve as Executive Officer of the Permanent Fund. This appointment supports the continued delivery of government services and operational stability during the leadership transition. Chairman Pinnecoose was confirmed as Acting Chairman through Resolution No. 2026-096. “This appointment reflects our commitment to stability, continuity, and a strong future for our Tribe. Lindsay brings the experience, vision, and dedication needed to guide the Permanent Fund, and I am confident her leadership will help us build on our strengths while creating new opportunities for our Tribal Membership,” shared Chairman Pinnecoose. Ms. Box brings a proven record of leadership and a deep understanding of Tribal operations to her new role. Having served in several key positions, she offers both institutional knowledge and a forward-looking perspective essential for guiding the Permanent Fund’s strategic growth. Box most recently served as Executive Officer under Chairman Melvin J. Baker starting in January 2024. Rooted in her Nuuchiu heritage, Ms. Box remains dedicated to ensuring that cultural values continue to guide the Tribe’s development. Her educational background […]

Category: Tribal Members

Save the Date: Inauguration Ceremony

Tribal Office Closure Notice 07/03/2026

+ Stage II Fire Restrictions Implemented +

COYAC Tribal Youth Seats

For Immediate Release: Incident at Sky Ute Casino Resort

Tribal Office Closure Notice 06/19/2026

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Reservation Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Tribal Office Closure Notice 05/2026

For Immediate Release: Recovery to Resilience: Advancing Safety and Quality of Life on the Reservation after the Enterprise Spill

For Immediate Release: Chairman Pinnecoose Appoints Box as Executive Officer