Category: Tribal Members

Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

Inclement Weather: Closure

/ by sbegay

Tribal Office Closure Due to inclement weather, Chairman Baker has granted administrative leave for employees today, February 14, 2025. Tribal Offices will be closed. Normal business hours will resume at 8:00 AM on February 18, 2025. Tribal Members and the general public are encouraged to reschedule any business to be conducted during this closure. Please continue to monitor weather-related updates via Tribal social media platforms, Tribal website, and the Tribal Hotline at 970-563-4800. Safe Travels and Stay Warm!

Read more »

Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Tribal Leaders Meet to Discuss Shared Interests and Opportunities

by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2025 Tribal Leaders Meet to Discuss Shared Interests and Opportunities Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker and Tribal Council welcomed Jicarilla Apache Nation President Adrian Notsinneh and the Jicarilla Apache Legislative Council to the Growth Fund yesterday afternoon for a productive meeting. The meeting included a presentation by Growth Fund Executive Director Shane Seibel, and Operating Director Kourtney Hadrick. The meeting focused on fostering collaboration and strengthening the relationship between the two Tribes. Discussions included sharing ideas and experiences, recognizing that mutual cooperation is crucial for identifying solutions and advancing shared goals. “True progress comes from collaboration. We gained valuable insights from the Jicarilla Apache Nation’s experiences, and we were able to share our own. These exchanges are essential for building a solid foundation of understanding and cooperation, enabling us to tackle complex issues and achieve meaningful results for our Tribes. President Notsinneh and I look forward to future meetings and opportunities,” shared Chairman Baker. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe looks forward to continuing this important dialogue and working together with the Jicarilla Apache Nation. ###

Read more »

Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

SUDEP: Cybersecurity and Internet Safety Basics Training

by sbegay

Are you confident in your online safety? 🤔 The Southern Ute Digital Equity Program (SUDEP) is here to help! Join the Cybersecurity & Internet Safety Basics Training on February 28th or March 7th. Learn how to protect your personal information and navigate the digital world safely. In-person and Webex options available! Contact SUDEP for more information or sign up by calling 970-563-5555. Those in attendance are eligible to win an iPad!

Read more »

Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

2025 General Meeting Save the Date

by sbegay

Save the Date for the General Meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, 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 Tribal Membership only. If you have any questions, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319.

Read more »

Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Monitoring Underway After Pipeline Spill Near Riverview Ranch Road

/ by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 31, 2025 Monitoring Underway After Pipeline Spill Near Riverview Ranch Road Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On December 5, 2024, a pipeline owned and operated by Enterprise Products, out of Houston, Texas, experienced a fracture resulting in a gasoline spill on County Road 219 near Riverview Ranch Road. The spill occurred on fee land within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation. As of today, January 31, 2025, it is estimated that 22,000 gallons of gasoline were released. Groundwater has been impacted. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) is the lead agency and is working with Enterprise to mitigate risks and damage to surrounding private property. Because this spill occurred within the Reservation boundaries, the Tribe immediately reached out to CDPHE to ensure it was consulted. Since that time, the Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department has been heavily engaged and is proactively monitoring the spill to ensure the continued protection of Tribal Members, Tribal resources and community health. Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box shared, “We deeply value our strong and robust relationship with CDPHE and La Plata County. Their commitment […]

Read more »

Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Welcomes Representative Jeff Hurd

/ by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2025 Tribal Council Welcomes Representative Jeff Hurd Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Tribal Council met with Representative Jeff Hurd (CO-3) on Tuesday in the Tribal Council Chambers. The meeting was both productive and insightful, fostering a meaningful dialogue on how both the Tribe’s leadership and the newly elected Representative can work together to serve both Tribal Membership and the region. This marks Representative Hurd’s second visit with Tribal Council, and his first such meeting with a governmental entity in his capacity as a Member of Congress. Tribal Council commended his commitment to maintaining an open line of communication and his willingness to engage with the issues that matter most to the Tribe and the surrounding community. The discussions covered several key topics of shared interest and importance, including: Recent Presidential executive orders and their impact on Tribal sovereignty and governance and the wellbeing of the community, The protection of vital water rights, Concerns regarding the implementation and adequacy of federal programs serving Tribal needs, Collaborative approaches to energy development and sustainability. “We appreciate Representative Hurd’s willingness to engage in open and […]

Read more »

Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

ICE Concern Update 01/29/2025

by sbegay

The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council provides this update to the Tribal Membership to address the concerns and anxieties arising from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activities across the nation. We understand and validate the fear this may generate among our youth, elders, and community, particularly given the current climate surrounding immigration and any contact with ICE agents. The Tribe’s current and ongoing engagement with ICE has been focused and responsive to these issues through our Justice & Regulatory Department being in regular communication with ICE agents regarding any activity on the Reservation. Through those conversations, we have been informed that current ICE efforts are focused on undocumented individuals who have committed serious crimes, have an existing deportation order, and pose a potential risk to our community. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our Tribal community. We strongly advise Tribal Members who reside on or off the Reservation to carry their forms of identification with them such as a Tribal ID and at least one (1) other form of identification, such as a driver’s license. Protecting and upholding the rights of our Tribal Members, sovereignty, and Reservation remains our utmost priority. We understand that various Tribal Nations […]

Read more »

Administration Community Culture Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

Statement Regarding the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum

by abarry

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2025 Statement Regarding the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council would like to provide an update to the Tribal Membership on their ongoing efforts to address the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum issued on Monday under the Trump Administration. The White House rescinded this action this morning. No official explanation has been given for the OMB’s decision to withdraw the memo. The Tribe had proactively contacted the offices of Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet as well the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Colorado. In addition, Tribal Council met with Representative Jeff Hurd on this matter to express concerns and gather clarification while highlighting the need for the continuation of the federal funding. “The federal government has a solemn obligation to honor its trust responsibility and financial commitments. We recognize the critical importance of the programs and services that rely on these funds, and we are committed to working proactively to ensure their continued operation for the benefit of the Tribal Membership,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. […]

Read more »

To top