Tribal Members – Page 13 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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Immigration and Custom Enforcement Concern

January 24, 2025 by sbegay

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is aware of information, posts, and articles circulating regarding the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, stopping individuals who they believe may be illegal immigrants. There has been a recent federal response on illegal immigration in this country and those who are citizens may be improperly detained as part of these operations. There have been no reports of ICE presence or improper detentions in our area. What is ICE? Since 2003, ICE has been the division of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration. ICE was created by combining the investigative and enforcement arms of the former US Customs Service and Immigration and Naturalization Service. Ways to empower yourself and your families: Ensure your state and Tribal identification are up to date. For Southern Ute Tribal identification, please contact Tribal Information Services at 970-563-2248. Always carry identification with you, including your Tribal ID and at least one (1) other form of identification such as a driver’s license. If you are detained, make sure you request identification to verify that the individual stopping you is actually an enforcement officer with ICE. If you […]

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

January 21, 2025 by sbegay

As we welcome the season of tomotu (winter), please see our helpful tips to protect your home and prevent frozen pipes. As temperatures drop, water slowly expands and builds internal pressure that may result in bursts. Keep the heat on: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even when you are away. A minimum of 65°F is recommended. Insulate exposed pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Seal air leaks: Close off any gaps around windows, doors, and vents to prevent cold air from entering your home. Let faucets drip: During very cold weather, allow a trickle of water to flow from faucets served by exposed pipes. Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. Please stay safe and warm! For more information or assistance, contact the Construction Services Division at 970-563-0260. For emergencies or after-hours calls, contact SUPD at 970-563-4401. Tribal Elders, may contact Elder Services at 970-563-2309 for additional assistance.

For Immediate Release: Significant Funding Secured: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Awarded $16.7 Million for Colorado River Initiatives

January 17, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2025 Significant Funding Secured: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Awarded $16.7 Million for Colorado River Initiatives Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe expresses its deep appreciation to the Bureau of Reclamation for awarding funding to support the replacement of the heading for the Pine River Canal. Announced this morning, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will provide $16.7M to support the replacement of the heading for the Pine River Canal, improving fish passage and riparian habitat. The new heading will include a fish screen and a bypass that will ensure the proper amount of water is sent downstream. The project also includes the restoration of over a half mile of Beaver Creek, a tributary to the Pine River to enhance fish habitat and promote a healthier river ecosystem for vulnerable fish species. The project is a collaboration between the Tribe, the Pine River Canal Company, and the Spring Creek Extension Ditch Company. The reconstruction will also improve the efficiency and reliability of water delivery to approximately 23,000 acres of Tribal and non-Tribal agricultural land in Southwestern Colorado. […]

For Immediate Release: Chairman Baker Addresses the Colorado General Assembly

January 17, 2025 / January 17, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2025 Chairman Baker Addresses the Colorado General Assembly Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, joined by Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, delivered a powerful address before a Joint Session of the Colorado General Assembly yesterday. Chairman Baker’s address marked the third annual address to state legislators since the passage of Senate Bill 22-105, a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the Colorado Ute Tribes and the State of Colorado. “In honoring the legacy of our ancestors, past Tribal leaders, and past state legislators, we pledge to continue their work and build a brighter tomorrow for all,” stated Chairman Baker. “Colorado serves as a model for state-tribal relations. This relationship underscores our inherent sovereignty and commitment to collaborative governance. In Colorado, we strive to consult and collaborate for the common good.” Chairman Baker’s address highlighted the rich history of the Nuuchiu, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting the Tribes’ sovereign rights as outlined in federal treaties. He highlighted the need for continued collaboration and relationship-building based on […]

Administration Community Tribal Members

Tribal Office Closure Notice – 1/20/2025

January 17, 2025 / January 21, 2025 by qlansing

The Tribal Wills Project from University of Denver offers a March Clinic

January 15, 2025 by abarry

In March, there will be another tribal wills clinic in the Farmington area at the Nenahnezad Chapter House. The clinic will take place March 24-28, 2025. The Tribal Wills Clinic is a group of volunteers including law students and licensed attorneys, who donate their time to help Tribal Members write wills. The services are free and the process takes about 4 hours, spread over two days. Please contact Mr. John Roach at (505) 716-6788 for more information.

The Southern Ute Wildlife Division’s Big Game Survey underway

January 15, 2025 by abarry

The week of January 13 – 17, 2025 the Wildlife Division will be conducting its annual aerial big game survey across the Southern Ute Reservation. If you are out in the field during the week you can expect to see a helicopter flying at low elevation during day light hours across trust lands on both the east and west sides of the reservation. The Wildlife Division conducts this annual census of mule deer, elk and other wildlife to gauge population trends and herd health. Please contact the Southern Ute Wildlife Division at (970) 563-0130 with any questions about this project.

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Receives Two Federal Grants to Enhance Climate Resilience 01/08/2025

January 8, 2025 / January 8, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Receives Two Federal Grants to Enhance Climate Resilience Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the award of two significant federal grants totaling $4.25 million. These grants awarded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Community Resilience Annual Awards Program will support Tribes in preparing for climate-related environmental threats proactively. The Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department received $250,000 for the “Pine River Watershed Assessment and Restoration Plan.” This funding will support the development of a comprehensive plan to restore and protect the Tribe’s waterways. Key objectives include: Ecological Restoration: Implementing measures to improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. Soil Conservation: Implementing best practices to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention. Drought Mitigation: Developing strategies to minimize the impact of drought on water resources and agricultural activities. The Tribe’s Water Resources Division received $4 million to support the “Building Drought Resiliency to Irrigation Infrastructure Vulnerability” project. This funding will be used to: Improve Irrigation Infrastructure: Install Long Crested Weirs on the Pine River Canal to enhance water delivery efficiency and minimize water losses during drought periods. Rebuild […]

For Immediate Release: Chairman Baker Attends Opening of the 75th Session of the Colorado General Assembly