Category: Uncategorized

Southern Ute Cultural Preservation Announces Brush Sites Available for Sundance Preparation

The Southern Ute Sun Dance will be held July 10-14, 2025, on the Southern Ute Reservation. Please find attached the maps for shade brush locations which can be downloaded in the Avenza app. The GIS Division can be reached at 970-563-2226 to answer any questions and assist with downloading Avenza. If you have questions related to specific maps and permissions to cut, please contact the Lands Division at 970-563-2236.

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

United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency

Branch of Fire Management
For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Reservation Initiates Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Due to the current high temperatures, dry fuel conditions and the occurrence of recent wildland fires, Stage I fire restrictions will be implemented July 1, 2025, 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 I 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:
OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.
AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.
CAMPFIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited. The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.
FIREWORKS. Possession, discharging or use of any type of fireworks is prohibited.
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 July 1, 2025 and will remain until conditions improve.

SUDEP: Cybersecurity and Internet Safety Basics Training

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 July 22nd and July 24th. Learn how to protect your personal information and navigate the digital world safely 🌎💻 This is open to Southern Ute Tribal Members and First Descendents.
Contact SUDEP for more information or sign up by calling 970-563-5555. Those in attendance are eligible to receive a gift card!

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Leonard Redhorse III as New Justice and Regulatory Director

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2025
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Leonard Redhorse III as the new Director of the Department of Justice and Regulatory. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Redhorse brings nearly two decades of distinguished service in law enforcement and public safety. He is Tábaahá, born for Tódích’íi’nii. His maternal grandfather is Tsi’najinnie and his paternal grandfather is Tł’ááshchí’í.
Mr. Redhorse has served with the Navajo Police Department since 2006, holding various leadership roles including police officer, criminal investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, and most recently, Deputy Chief of Police. His career reflects a deep commitment to justice, community safety, and the advancement of Indigenous leadership in law enforcement.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Redhorse has worked extensively with federal, state, and county agencies to strengthen public safety initiatives. He is especially proud of his work in establishing the Navajo Nation’s first ever comprehensive strategic assessment report for law enforcement and contributing to the development of Next Generation 911 services—both critical efforts in enhancing emergency response and addressing systemic issues affecting Native communities.
“Southern Ute is fortunate to welcome a leader whose roots and experience in Indian Country will strengthen our foundation and move our justice system with dignity and purpose. Mr. Redhorse’s leadership philosophy aligns deeply with the values we must uphold. He brings operational expertise and supervisory strength, but also a profound respect for community-centered policing and tribal sovereignty,” stated Lindsay J. Box, Executive Officer. “His understanding that every individual deserved to be treated with care, compassion, and fairness speaks to the heart of what public safety should be in Indian Country.”
Mr. Redhorse holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s prestigious School of Police Staff and Command. He maintains multiple law enforcement commissions, including Arizona and Navajo POST certifications, as well as a Federal Special Law Enforcement Commission. In addition, he has completed advanced leadership training through the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, further preparing him to lead with integrity, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to public service.
“It is a profound honor to serve the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in this capacity. I am committed to upholding and advancing the Tribe’s sovereignty through strong, culturally grounded justice systems and collaborative public safety efforts. My goal is to foster trust, transparency, and innovation while ensuring the protection and well-being of the Tribal Membership”, shared Mr. Redhorse.
Chairman Melvin J. Baker stated, “We are honored to welcome Mr. Leonard Redhorse III as our new Justice and Regulatory Director. His experience in law enforcement and gaming, commitment to Indigenous justice, and proven leadership make him an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that Mr. Redhorse will help strengthen our justice systems, protect our sovereignty, and uphold the safety and dignity of our Tribal Members. His vision aligns with our values, and we look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our community.”
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe warmly welcomes Mr. Redhorse as he transitions into this important position. He can be reached at 970-553-0995 or via email at lredhorse@southernute-nsn.gov. His leadership and extensive experience are highly valued, and the Tribe looks forward to the positive impact he will have in this vital role.
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The Southern Ute Lands Division Announces a 45-day notice for Agricultural Assignment

The Southern Ute Lands Division is currently advertising a 45-day notice of availability of tribal land for an agricultural assignment.
To apply for a Land Assignment, eligible Tribal member applicants must submit an Application for Assignment of Tribal Lands, a Farm Plan, and a drawing card containing their name, address, and contact information (including phone number and email). The Lands Division will review the submitted applications and determine the adequacy of the farm plan according to the land’s needs.
If you are a tribal member and want to confirm your interest in an assignment, you can submit an application and a qualified farm plan. If you have any comments or objections about the assignment, you can submit them as well.
You can either mail, email, or deliver in person your submission to the Department of Natural Resources – Lands Division at PO Box 737, Ignacio, CO 81137, contact us at 970-563-0126, or contact us via email at sluzar@southernute-nsn.gov or via phone at 970-563-0126

 

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Navajo Nation 25th Council

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
Mihio Manus, Navajo Nation Communication Director – 928.871.7234
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2025
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Navajo Nation 25th Council
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Yesterday morning, Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose, Tribal Council, and members of the Navajo Nation 25th Council’s Resources and Development Committee (RDC), gathered in the Southern Ute Tribal Council Chambers for a significant and productive meeting focused on shared interests and future collaboration.
The visit served as an opportunity to strengthen intertribal relationships. The discussions centered on strategic partnerships in energy development, agriculture, and other mutually beneficial projects that will support the economic and cultural well-being of both Tribes.
Vice Chairman Pinnecoose welcomed the delegation, stating, “It is an honor to host our relatives from the Navajo Nation. This meeting signifies the start of a meaningful collaboration between our Tribes as we work to steward our lands, strengthen our intertribal unity, and safeguard our sovereignty through shared knowledge, innovation, and dialogue.”
The 25th Navajo Nation Council Delegates included RDC Chair Brenda Jesus, RDC Vice Chair Casey Allen Johnson, Rickie Nez, and Otto Tso. “As sovereign nations, it is vital that we continue to build meaningful partnerships that uplift our communities and amplify our collective voice. We are grateful to the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council for sharing the successes of their growth operations, which serve as a powerful model for how strategic development can enhance the well-being of our people,” said RDC Chair Jesus.
The Navajo delegation then visited with the Growth Fund to learn more about the foundation of the business entity of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Navajo Nation for visiting us. Your presence and the meaningful conversations we shared with the Resources and Development Committee (RDC) have laid a solid foundation for future partnerships. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and building a prosperous future together,” said Shane Seibel, Executive Director for the Southern Ute Growth Fund.
Members of the Navajo Nation 25th Council shared that the visit offered valuable insight into how tribal enterprises can succeed with clarity, transparency, and operational efficiency.
The leaders agreed to continue working closely on common priorities and agreed to future visits, information exchanges, and joint initiatives that reflect the values and goals of both Tribes. This visit underscores a growing spirit of unity across Indian Country, setting the stage for collaborative efforts that reflect the strength of Indigenous leadership and the promise of intertribal partnerships.
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