Category: Tribal Members

SUIMA announces Red Ribbon Campaign Event 2023

In collaboration with the DEA, the Southern Ute Department of Education’s Montessori Academy, SUIMA, will kick off the annual Red Ribbon Campaign on October 11, 2023, with the arrival of the Colorado National Guard’s Army helicopter from Gypsum, CO, based out of the Buckley Space Force Base. During October, the DEA will be hosting and participating in Red Ribbon events throughout the country.

Please see the press release for additional information or visit the Red Ribbon Campaign website at: https://www.dea.gov/redribbon

History Colorado Publicly Releases Federal Indian Boarding School Research Final Report

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2023

History Colorado Publicly Releases Federal Indian Boarding School Research Final Report

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – History Colorado has fulfilled its legislative mandate under House Bill 22-1327 by releasing a comprehensive final report that promotes a greater understanding of the impacts of the Boarding School era in Colorado and investigates the lived experiences of students during this period. The report was prepared in consultation with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Fort Lewis College, and other entities. The final report has been made publicly available on the History Colorado website. Tribal members may also access the report through the Tribal Member Experience.

The report sheds light on the egregious history of Federal Indian Boarding Schools across the United States. This era, unfortunately, saw education being used as a tool to eliminate traditional Indigenous language, culture, knowledge, and identity, primarily targeting children for assimilation. “This report is a vital step toward acknowledging and understanding the painful legacy of Federal Indian Boarding Schools”, said Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

The report provides an overview of HB 22-1327, a general history of Federal Indian Boarding Schools across the US, a history of schools in Colorado with an emphasis on the Teller Institute and Fort Lewis Indian Boarding School, and the Ute Experience with the Federal Education System. Out of respect for survivors, oral testimonies were not included as their trauma and emotions are not owed to the State of Colorado. This report does affirm the historical strength, resiliency, and love of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute parents to protect Ute children despite coercion, threats, and pressure from the Federal government.

Additionally, the report addresses the sensitive issue of student deaths and potential burial sites, discussing matters of disease, abuse, and the burial of children. Readers are cautioned that this content may be triggering and emotionally disturbing. Southern Ute Behavioral Health is available to provide support at (970)-563-5700. You may also directly contact Dr. Mary Young at 970-563-2370. For media inquiries, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at (970)-563-2313.

The full report can be found here: https://www.historycolorado.org/federal-indian-boarding-scho…

-Summer Begay, Communication Specialist

The Ignacio School District and the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council Announce the Ignacio School District Indian Policies and Procedures (IPP) Meeting

Attached is an invitation from the Ignacio School Board and the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council to all parents of an American Indian student to attend the Ignacio School District Indian Policies and Procedures (IPP) meeting on Monday, October 6, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Ignacio High School Auditorium and light meal will be served. If you have any questions, please contact Chris deKay, Ignacio Superintendent of Schools, at (970) 563-0500 or Latitia Taylor, Director of Education for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, at (970) 563-0237.

The link to the annual IPP report that is handed out has been made available online for your viewing prior to the meeting taking place.

https://www.ignacioschools.org/indian-policies-and-procedures-0267fc7e

The links for the surveys are as follows:

Ignacio Early Learning Program

Ignacio Elementary School

Ignacio Middle School

Ignacio High School

 

Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera visit Southern Ute Indian Tribe

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2023

 

Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera visit Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Baker and Tribal Council, extended a warm welcome to Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, and the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs Director Kathryn Redhorse during a visit to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

During a productive meeting, a wide range of critical issues were discussed that hold significant importance for the Tribal community and the State of Colorado. These topics included Broadband, Behavioral Health, Housing, Transit, and legislative concerns, showcasing a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of both parties for the benefit of Tribal and Non-Tribal residents. Informative presentations were provided by the Southern Ute Shared Services and the Tribal Health Department.

Chairman Baker and Governor Polis highlighted the importance of maintaining and strengthening the sovereign-to-sovereign relationship. “This relationship is progressive and has been a model for State and Tribal relationships”, said Chairman Baker. Governor Polis expressed willingness to elevate and collaborate with the Tribe on issues. Both leaders expressed interest in identifying future opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera toured the SunUte Community Center with Representative Barbara McLachlan. The tour was led by Robin Duffy-Wirth and SunUte staff to showcase the facility, amenities, and its role in fostering physical health, wellness, and community engagement across all ages. Following the tour, Tribal youth shared with the State leadership about their roles in SunUte, educational goals, and future plans.

The commitment to forging a brighter, more prosperous future remains steadfast, as Chairman Baker, Tribal Council, Governor Polis, and his team continue to work hand in hand as separate sovereign governments to address the challenges and opportunities. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.

 

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Summer R. Begay

Communication Specialist | Tribal Council Affairs

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137

Office: 970-563-2313

Work Cell: 970-553-0052

 

Southern Ute Wildlife Announces 2023 1st Descendant Cow Elk Hunt

The application is now open for the 2023 first Descendant Hunt. Please refer to the attached flyer with additional information regarding the hunt below via the links.

https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/natural-resources/wildlife-resource-management/hunting/first-descendant-elk-hunt/

https://store.southernute-nsn.gov/product-category/hunting-fishing/

If you have any questions, please feel to reach the Wildlife Division at (970) 563-0130.

 

Southern Ute Health Center Announces Vaccine Clinics

The Southern Ute Health Center Walk-In vaccine clinics will be held on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-4:00PM, for Southern Ute Health Center patients beginning October 12, 2023, through the end of the year (with the exception of Thursday, November 23, 2023, no clinic due to the Thanksgiving Holiday). Patients can also schedule by calling (970) 563-4581.   Available vaccines are the following:

COVID 19 (adult and pediatric),

Flu (adult and pediatric),

RSV (60 years of age+ and pediatric ages younger than 20 months old)

All three vaccines can be administered on the same day, if desired. CDC recommends patients remain under observation for 15 minutes, or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergic reaction after a COVID-19 vaccination.

 

Please feel free to call the Southern Ute Health Center with any additional questions at (970) 563-4581.

Thank you,

Lee Williamson, RN

Chief Nursing Officer-Southern Ute Health Center

 

Southern Ute Air Quality Alert – Smoke Particulate Matter – Very Unheathly

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Environmental Programs Division operates three air quality stations on the Reservation and maintains a website that provides real-time air pollutant and EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) health alerts from data collected at these stations. Smoke from wildfires can cause unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter (PM) in the air.

Particulate matter is continuously measured at the Ute 3 monitoring station near Bondad Hill and the Ute 1 monitoring station in Ignacio.

As of Friday 9/29/2023, 7:30am, the Ute 1 station is currently reading high PM concentrations with a corresponding AQI of Hazardous.  Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

To view the ambient monitoring program website, and for more information about how to understand the AQI forecast, follow the links below:

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Ambient Monitoring Program Website

 

EPA Air Quality Index Information Website

 

Wildfire Smoke Resources to Protect Your Health | US EPA

 

EPA Air Now Article – How Smoke From Fires Can Affect Your Health

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

EPD, Air Quality – 970.563.2244

 

Jacob Henry

Air Quality Technician

Environmental Programs Division

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

970-563-2296

jhenry@southernute-nsn.gov

 

For Immediate Release: Biden Administration Initiative Allocates Vital Resources to Address Legacy Pollution

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2023

Biden Administration Initiative Allocates Vital Resources to Address Legacy Pollution

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Department of the Interior has announced an initial allocation of nearly $40 million as part of President Biden’s “Investing in America” initiative. This substantial funding represents the first phase of a comprehensive effort to support Tribal communities in addressing abandoned oil and gas wells across Indian Country. The primary goals of this investment include advocating for Tribal land rights, promoting economic opportunities, addressing legacy pollution, and mitigating environmental hazards.

The Southern Ute Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the Tribe’s Contracts and Grants Department, applied for a grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Section 40601 Orphaned Well Program from the Department of Interior. Their grant application was specifically tailored to secure funds for conducting technical and field investigations into legacy plugged and abandoned wells, ensuring their integrity and long-term environmental protection. Andy Wetherell, Energy Manager at the Southern Ute Department of Energy, said, “the team is appreciative of Tribal Council’s support and the collaboration with the Tribe’s Contracts and Grants Department to proactively manage the Tribe’s resources and ensure legacy issues related to energy development are managed appropriately.”

Chairman Melvin J. Baker expressed, “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is honored to have been awarded this funding, which will serve as a valuable resource in furthering our commitment to a clean and sustainable future.” In recognition of their dedication and proactive efforts, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe has been granted $497,850. This financial support will enable the Tribe to play a pivotal role in the broader mission of addressing legacy pollution and enhancing the well-being of Tribal communities.

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Summer R. Begay

Communication Specialist | Tribal Council Affairs

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137

Office: 970-563-2313

Work Cell: 970-553-0052

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