Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Ignacio Area Housing Needs Study

Tribal Council has identified the need for affordable housing located in the Ignacio area which would provide new, modern housing options for the membership and tribal workforce. Council requested Growth Fund Properties Group, in collaboration with the Executive Office, to oversee the new Ignacio Area Housing Study. The feedback collected will serve as the future tribal housing developments for generations to come.

Leadership encourages tribal members, tribal staff, and the community to participate in this study. Please complete the survey at the following link: https://bit.ly/3RAc6xR  before Friday, October 7, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact Mr. Pat Morrissey, President/COO, GF Properties Group at (970) 764.6474 or via email at pmorrissey@sugf.com, Ms. Nancy Dosdall, Senior Planner, SHE Inc., at (970) 385.4546 or via email at ndosdall@sehinc.com, or myself at (970) 563.2313 or via email at lbox@southernute-nsn.gov

20220826 – Ignacio Area Housing Needs Study Survey Flyer FINAL

The Southern Ute Cultural Preservation Department is excited to share the Premium Book for the 100^th Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair. For more information about the various activities, please contact the Superintendent/Department listed in the book.

Toghoyaqh!

Southern Ute Premuim Book

Maykh,

Please read the attached letter from Tribal Council introducing the Tribal Council’s Ignacio Area Housing Needs Study.

Tribal Council has identified the need for affordable housing located in the Ignacio area which would provide new, modern housing options for the membership and tribal workforce. Since the beginning of the year, administration and hiring managers for each tribal entity have expressed that the lack of housing poses a significant challenge for the recruiting and hiring of staff. Adequate housing has been a longstanding and ongoing project for Tribal Council. Leadership encourages participation in this study.

In April of this year, Tribal Council directed the Southern Ute Growth Fund (SUGF) and the Executive Office to review the 2014 Tribal Housing Study, conduct an updated needs assessment in the community, and report the findings to Tribal Council. Tribal Council requested GF Properties Group (the real estate business arm of the SUGF), in collaboration with the Executive Office, to oversee an Ignacio Area Housing Study.

Once again, we are requesting your participation in this study. The feedback collected will serve as the foundation of future tribal housing developments for generations to come. This project will take a considerable amount of time and effort and it is very important that we begin this process sooner rather than later. Please stay tuned for details on the survey which will begin in the coming weeks.

For more information on this project, please contact Patrick Morrissey, President/COO, GF Properties Group, (970) 764.6474 or via email at pmorrissey@sugf.com.

20220819 – Letter to TM re New Tribal Housing Study (FINAL)

Maykh,

Please read the attached press release: “Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100
Lindsay J. Box – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2022

Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Tribal Council has permanently closed the Bear Dance Fire Burn Area until further notice. The Bear Dance Fire ignited on June 3 on tribal trust land. The riparian area burned 89 acres north of the Bear Dance grounds and along the Pine River.

BIA Fire Management welcomed the Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) team to oversee the BAER planning and implementation. The program brought technical experts to the Southern Ute Indian Reservation to meet with tribal professionals to address safety hazards and begin restoration. While conducting a walk through with Tribal Council, leadership noticed what was thought to be an area where hazardous materials may have been disposed of in years past.

The area housed historic office buildings for the BIA. Like many older buildings, the materials used at the time of construction often contained hazardous materials. The Bear Dance Fire exposed the site and the hazardous materials which has created a concern for public health. Out of an abundance of caution, Tribal Council has closed the Bear Dance Fire burn area until further notice.

The BAER program will be placed on a temporary hold until the area can be investigated by professionals. At the conclusion of the investigation, , alternatives will be evaluated and a plan will be developed to protect public health and the environment.. Additional information will be shared at that time.

If you have any questions, please contact Tribal Council at (970) 563.0199 or the Southern Ute Environmental Programs Division at (970) 563.2206.

“The health and safety of the tribal membership and our tribal community is one of the highest priorities for Tribal Council. We were looking forward to seeing the remediation work by the BAER team and tribal staff, however the safety of all involved takes greater precedence. It is very important that the tribal community take heed to this health advisory and refrain from entering the Bear Dance Fire burn area,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

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20220726 – Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice (Final)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Rise in COVID Cases Prompts Tribe to Revert to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Due to the rise in positive case rate and one-week cumulative incident rate, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe reverts back to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3 effective Thursday, January 6, 2022. The Southern Ute Tribal Council adopted amended COVID-19 metrics via Resolution 2021-104. Tribal Council in collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Incident Management Team (IMT) has determined it is in the best interests of the tribal membership and the tribal organization to move to the more restrictive phase.

Since the start of the pandemic, tribal leadership has continued to prioritize the health safety of the tribal membership, tribal staff, and our tribal community and has taken a more conservative approach in its response. “As we see the rise in positive cases and cumulative case rate locally, the Tribe has taken its responsibility to protect the health safety of the membership and staff seriously. We have determined it is best to move to a more restrictive operation for a short period of time,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The quicker we move to the more restricted phase, the sooner we are able to control the spread of the virus within our tribal community. I would encourage our tribal membership, tribal staff, and our community to seriously consider getting vaccinated. If you have not gotten your booster, schedule your appointment. Our decisions today will protect our Tribal Elders, our language and culture.”

The Tribe remains committed to monitoring the local data and modifying tribal operations as necessary.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe will remain in Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3 until otherwise lifted. The Tribal offices remain open to the public; however, all individuals will be required to make an appointment with all departments that provide direct services to the membership prior to entering any tribal building and by calling the department directly.

Below are some of the things to expect when the Tribe moves to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3.

The following activities are allowed:

• Visit, care for, and assist a family member or friend
• Go to the grocery store
• Pick up medications or attend medical appointments
• Go to school or buy educational supplies
• Go to, or get things from, work
• Go to a restaurant or store, provided all protective measures of the establishment are followed
• Spend time outdoors to enjoy activities such as walking, hiking, playing, or picnicking at a park, etc.
• Exercise indoors or outdoors provided capacity restrictions and protective measures are in place
• Take your pets to veterinarian appointments

The following activities are not allowed:

• Do not leave your home or visit with family members and friends if you are sick
• Do not go to work if you are part of the vulnerable populations
• Do not visit loved ones who are not non-household members in the hospital, nursing home, or other residential care facility
• Do not stop using a face mask or covering when you are leaving your home
• Do not maintain less than 6 feet of distance between you and non-household members when you go out

Restrictions in Phase II, Level 3:

• Personal gatherings are restricted to 10 individuals or less
• Indoor capacity is restricted to 25% and 25 person maximum capacity
• Outdoor capacity is restricted to 25% and 50 person maximum capacity

For more information, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s website and social media, in the Southern Ute Drum, and on the air at KSUT Tribal Radio. Individuals can also call the Southern Ute Indian Tribe by dialing 970.563.0100.

If you are sick, please self-isolate. If your symptoms begin to worsen, please call your primary healthcare provider or the Southern Ute Health Center at 970.563.4581. Do not arrive at your primary health care provider office without calling to notify the professionals of your symptoms.

Please continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, cough and sneeze into the bend of your elbow or in a tissue then throw the tissue away. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects in your home. Please continue to practice social distancing staying 6 feet away from others. Stay connected with your loved ones and be sure to check on our tribal elders.

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20220104 – Rise in COVID Cases Prompts Tribe to Revert to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3 (FINAL)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2021

Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker has selected Council Member Ramona Y. Eagle to serve as Vice Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Vice Chairman Eagle was elected to Tribal Council in 2019. Since her election, Eagle has served on the Growth Fund Management Committee, Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy School Board as Ex-Officio Member, Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Indian Committee, Ignacio Creative District, and working to re-establish the Committee of Elders.

Eagle has previously served in the position of Vice Chairman two times prior under Chairmen Clement J. Frost and Matthew Box. “It is an honor to serve as the Vice Chairman under Chairman Melvin J. Baker. With a full Council, we are prepared to work on the Tribal Council priorities which benefit the tribal membership,” stated Vice Chairman Eagle. “I would like to thank, Mr. Bruce Valdez, who served as the Vice Chairman during his term.”

Vice Chairman Ramona Y. Eagle is the daughter the late Clifford and Annabelle Eagle (egap). She is a sister to Linda Eagle and mother to the late Sadie R. Frost (egap), Theodosha Frost, and Rhonda Wilbourn. She has 13 grandchildren.

“It is great honor to serve with Vice Chairman Eagle, the wealth of knowledge she brings will be beneficial to the Tribe. This is a historic moment, to serve with an all-female Council. I know, together, we will move forward in a positive way, keeping our membership our priority,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

20211220 – Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman (FINAL)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2021

Vanessa P. Torres Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The 2021 Run-Off Election was held on Friday, December 17, 2021. Tribal Council Candidate, Vanessa P. Torres successfully received majority of the votes cast with (125) votes. According to the Southern Ute Tribal Election, the Candidates who receives the majority of votes will be elected to the Tribal Council.

Tribal Council held a Special Meeting this morning to certify the Run-Off Election Results. The Southern Ute Election Board confirmed the following election results:

Office of Tribal Council                                          No. of Votes

Vanessa P. Torres                                                             125

W. Bruce Valdez                                                                115

This will be the second term serving on Tribal Council for newly re-elected tribal leader. During her first term, Torres represented the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and advocated for tribal water rights on the Ten Tribes Partnership. She also led projects identified as Tribal Council Priorities.

“I would like to thank the tribal membership for allowing me to be your voice for this next term. The experience I have gained in my first year will be a steppingstone towards building a stronger foundation on the many issues the Tribe and membership face,” stated Council Member Torres.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hunting, fishing, traveling, beading, reading and participating in cultural events. She is married and shares one daughter.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues once again. Thank you for the confidence and faith you have entrusted in me. Tuuvuch Toghoyaqh.”

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

20211208 – VT Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election (FINAL)

Please find the attached news release “Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop”. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is sharing this release in collaboration with the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado.

Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop

[Southern Ute Indian Reservation, Colorado, September 25, 2021] An exciting five-year collaboration to support small business growth and development began in the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The Southern Ute Tribe, Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation, and The Leeds School of Business Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at The University of Colorado Boulder hosted the inaugural business workshop called “Native Entrepreneurship “on September 24th and 25th.

Native Entrepreneurship was taught by Erick Mueller and Eric Burno, entrepreneurs and award-winning professors at the Leeds School of Business. This was a valuable program for both aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners. This course gave existing businesses a new perspective to stir creativity and explore new growth opportunities while providing the perfect primer for entrepreneurs navigating their way through the business start up process.

“The Southern Ute Indian Tribe was honored to host the Demystifying Entrepreneurship Conference and proud of the collaboration with the various entities who came together to support tribal entrepreneurs,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The conference helped bridge the gap between a dream of small business development for members of our tribal community.”

Local entrepreneurs and innovators from the Ignacio area joined together at the Sky Ute Casino to turn their business ideas into reality or take their business concepts to the next level. The varied group included a sustainable plant pot for use in the rejuvenation of riverbeds, an electric vehicle charging experience, and a healing studio.

“I am grateful that these resources are available for our tribal community and the surrounding area. And that we can learn from experts in entrepreneurship,” says, a 2021 attendee.

Dedra White Eagle is excited to develop a few different ideas. One that she worked on during the workshop was an electric vehicle charging experience. Transforming this typically dull experience into one that shares Native American history and stories, is engaging and overall memorable. She shared, “The entire workshop was very valuable. I am a beginner in this entrepreneurship world and am thankful that I participated and learned these practical tools”

“What a special cohort of change-makers! I was inspired by the innovative ideas from all the attendees and especially impressed from the concepts developed by the Southern Ute Tribal members. It’s so exciting to launch this workshop series to contribute in elevating the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. I’m certain this cohort will help amplify the Native and surrounding community’s overall economic vitality. We can’t wait to return in 2022!”, shared Mueller.

This workshop will return to Ignacio, Colorado in the Spring of 2022. Receive updates about next year’s workshop.

This series of workshops is put on in partnership with CU’s Leeds School of Business  and is available in every major rural region in Colorado. The next Demystifying Workshop, Shore Up, is being offered in Vail, Colorado on October 8th and 9th. To register for this event, please visit https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/event/shore-up-your-small-business/.

And to learn about all locations, visit : https://outreach.colorado.edu/program/demystifying-entrepreneurship-rural-colorado-workshop-series/.

Many thanks to those who made this event possible.

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Photo Courtesy of Erick Mueller

20211005 – Post Native Entrepreneurship 2021 RCWS Press Release

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay Box – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 1, 2021

The Rise in COVID Positive Cases Prompts Tribe to Move to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 2

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Due to the rise in positive COVID-19 cases, in accordance with Tribal Council Resolution 2021-104, which adopted amended COVID-19 metrics, the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council concurred with the Tribe’s Incident Management Team (IMT) recommendation to move to Phase II, “Safer at Home” Level 2.  Level 2 is a more restricted phase.  The change will be effective Saturday, October 2, 2021. Tribal Council and the IMT determined it was in the Tribe’s best interests to move to a more restrictive phase due to the new COVID cases, percent of positivity, and hospitalizations in the area.

“We have to do what is best to prioritize the health of the tribal membership and our tribal staff. Moving to Phase II, Level 2 now will help us return to our new normal in preparation for the holidays,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe will remain in Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 2 until further notice. The Tribal offices remain open to the public; however, all individuals are required to complete the tribal COVID screening process.

Below are what to expect when the Tribe moves to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 2.

The following activities are allowed:

• Visit, care for, and assist a family member or friend
• Go to the grocery store
• Pick up medications or attend medical appointments
• Go to school or buy educational supplies
• Go to, or get things from, work
• Go to a restaurant or store, provided all protective measures of the establishment are followed
• Spend time outdoors to enjoy activities such as walking, hiking, playing, or picnicking at a park, etc.
• Exercise indoors or outdoors provided capacity restrictions and protective measures are in place
• Take your pets to veterinarian appointments

The following activities are strongly discouraged:

• Leaving your home or visit with family members and friends if you are sick
• Visiting loved ones who are not household members in the hospital, nursing home, or other residential care facility
• Discontinuing the practice of social distancing, maintaining less than 6 feet of distance between you and non-household members when you go out

The following activity is required:

• Using a face mask when required by public health order

Restrictions in Phase II, Level 2:

• Personal gatherings are restricted to 20 individuals or less
• Indoor gathering capacity is restricted to 50% of setting capacity and 75 maximum capacity
• Outdoor gathering capacity is restricted to 50% of setting capacity and 100 maximum capacity

More information can be found on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s website and social media, in the Southern Ute Drum, and on the air at KSUT Tribal Radio. Individuals can also call the Southern Ute Indian Tribe by dialing 970.563.0100.

If you are sick, please self-isolate. If your symptoms begin to worsen, please call your primary healthcare provider or the Southern Ute Health Center at 970.563.4581. Do not arrive at your primary health care provider’s office without calling to notify the professionals of your symptoms.

Please continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Cough and sneeze into the bend of your elbow or in a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects in your home. Please continue to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others. Stay connected with your loved ones and our tribal elders.

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20211001 – The Rise in COVID positive cases prompts the Tribe to move to Phase II Level 2 (FINAL)

20210929 – Revised SUIT Phase II, Level 2 Metrics & Restrictions