FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2019 – 1:00 P.M.
Chairman Sage appoints Barbara Scott-Rarick to Administration
Southern Ute Indian Reservation –Chairman Christine Sage announced the appointment of Mrs. Barbara Scott-Rarick as second Executive Officer. More information will be forthcoming.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Cheryl A. Frost, Vice Chairman – 970.563.0100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2019 – 5:35 P.M.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe clarifies relationship with the Town of Ignacio and on-going water and wastewater rate discussion
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Over the past two years the Tribal Council has focused on reducing the Permanent Fund’s budget. In fiscal year 2019, Tribal Council cut the budget by over $14 million. In looking at the 2020 budget and performance metrics of the departments, Council continued to look at ways to reduce costs. One area of focus has been the Southern Ute Tribal Detention Center, which serves very few Southern Ute tribal members but costs millions of dollars to operate. This week, the Tribal Council made a decision to close the Detention Center no later than December 31, 2019.
The Detention Center opened in 1999. Since that time, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe has operated a safe and clean 57 bed facility that provides inmates with Native American-focused programs. The Detention Center has been available not only to inmates from this Tribe, but those sentenced from other Tribal Courts as well.
However, in recent years the inmate population has declined. Alternatives to incarceration can be more effective for many crimes, particularly those involving alcohol and drug abuse. Community programs and Wellness Court have helped reduce the number of Southern Ute repeat offenders. Over the past fiscal year, the Detention Center held an average of 13 inmates per day, with approximately four of those sentenced through our Tribal Court. The remainder are contract inmates from other tribes. Therefore, most of these inmates are not Southern Ute tribal members. The cost to operate the Detention Center is over $2 million dollars per year. By using the services of either the LaPlata County jail or the Archuleta County jail, which is scheduled to open next year, we can save the tribal membership between $1.5 and $2 million dollars per year.
The Tribal Council realizes the Detention Center benefited some Southern Ute tribal members. It was helpful to have a facility on the Reservation close to the inmate’s friends and family. However, due to the high cost and the small number of Southern Ute tribal members who benefitted from the service, maintaining the Detention Center was not in the economic interests of the Tribe. It is best if these funds can be used for prevention services that benefit the membership more broadly.
Over the next few months, Tribal Council will consider options for the vacated Detention Center space. Tribal members are welcome to reach out to any Council member with questions and comments.
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Lindsay Box, Tribal Council Communications Specialist – 970.563.2313
IGNACIO: Southern Ute Agency Fire Management Fire Management plans to begin prescribed burn operations this week in the Cabezon Canyon area 5 miles west of Archuleta County Road 700 (Cat Creek) on Southern Ute Indian Reservation lands. The project is weather dependent yet expected to start Tuesday, October 8 and run through Thursday, October 10, 2019.
The E Cabezon burn is located 10 miles NE of Arboles, CO and is comprised of 230 acres. The approximate center of the burn is 37° 6’ 11” x -107° 16’ 10” and covers, all of portions of Sections 10 & 15, T-33N, R-4W.
The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and to improve wildlife habitat. Smoke may be visible from Pagosa Springs, Arboles, the US Highway 160 corridor and surrounding areas.
The operation will include 30 firefighters from several tribes and agencies including Southern Ute, Zuni, Ramah Navajo and the SW Regional office of the BIA.
Southern Ute Agency Fire Management has an active and ongoing fire program and has treated several thousand acres in the project area. For more information regarding the project, please contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fire Management Office and (970) 563-4571.
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Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Sky Ute Casino Resort is the premier entertainment venue in Southwest Colorado. The Casino is located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and owned and operated by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council has selected Mr. Travis Garlick as the Assistant General Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort.
“Mr. Garlick has been employed with the Sky Ute Casino Resort for twenty-three years. On behalf of the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, I look forward to working with Mr. Garlick in his new role as the Assistant General Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort,” said Chairman Christine Sage.
“Working for the Tribe for the last 23 years, I am honored to take on this new role and responsibility,” said Garlick.
Since 1996, Mr. Garlick has dedicated his career to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, holding positions as the Guest Services Manager, Sales Manager and then as the Director of Operations.
Garlick graduated with honors with his Bachelor’s of Science, Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He also holds certificates in Certified Rooms Division Executive from the American Hotel & Lodging Association Education Institute and Hospitality Management from the University of Phoenix.
Originally from California, Mr. Garlick moved to Bayfield, CO in 1982 and was raised in the area. He is married with five children and enjoys outdoor activities including skiing, boating, and rafting. When time permits his true passion is traveling with his wife, Jennifer.
Garlick will assume the new position on Monday, September 16, 2019.
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20190912 – Travis Garlick takes new role as Sky Ute Casino Resort Assistant General Manager
Please share this letter with your healthcare provider regarding the recent change in Third Party Administrator (TPA) for the Tribal Member Health Benefits Plan. If providers have questions regarding claims and payment, please direct them to Tribal Member Health Benefits Coordinators:
Click on the link below to open the letter which can be saved and emailed or printed.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 2, 2019 – 9:05 A.M.
Shane Seibel selected as Executive Director of Southern Ute Growth Fund
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Growth Fund operates and manages the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s businesses and business investments, overseeing a significant portfolio of companies and investments in energy, real estate, construction, and private equity. The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Shane Seibel, as the Southern Ute Growth Fund Executive Director.
“On behalf of the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, I look forward to working with Mr. Seibel as he assumes the role of Executive Director of the Southern Ute Growth Fund,” said Chairman Christine Sage.
“I am humbled and excited to be selected as the new Southern Ute Growth Fund Executive Director and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. The challenges are coming from all directions and assembling a team of professionals that exemplify a great attitude, honest, and willingness to work hard for the membership’s equity will be paramount to our continued success,” said Seibel.
For the last five years, Mr. Seibel has been the owner and operator of ONE Enterprises, LLC. He previously spent 20 years working in various leadership positions within the Southern Ute Growth Fund.
Seibel obtained his Bachelor’s of Science, Business Management in 2013 from Fort Lewis College. Seibel, and his wife Melanie, have six children: Roman, Dylan, Trae, Cloe, Ellie, Clay and one exchange daughter Miriam and six grandchildren. He is a lifelong learner, farmer/rancher, coach, Sundancer, and entrepreneur.
Seibel will assume the new position on Monday, July 8, 2019.
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Please tune in to Tribal Council’s Council Connect aired on KSUT Tribal Radio every other Monday from 2:30-3:00 p.m. The show’s guest will rotate through Tribal Officials and the topics will vary with current Tribal information.