Category: Uncategorized

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 February 28th or March 7th. Learn how to protect your personal information and navigate the digital world safely. In-person and Webex options available! Contact SUDEP for more information or sign up by calling 970-563-5555. Those in attendance are eligible to win an iPad!

2025 General Meeting Save the Date

Save the Date for the General Meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Sky Ute Casino Resort in the Event Center. Details on attendance options and the agenda are forthcoming.
As a friendly reminder, this is a closed meeting for the enrolled Tribal Membership only. If you have any questions, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319.

For Immediate Release: Monitoring Underway After Pipeline Spill Near Riverview Ranch Road

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 31, 2025

Monitoring Underway After Pipeline Spill Near Riverview Ranch Road

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On December 5, 2024, a pipeline owned and operated by Enterprise Products, out of Houston, Texas, experienced a fracture resulting in a gasoline spill on County Road 219 near Riverview Ranch Road. The spill occurred on fee land within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation. As of today, January 31, 2025, it is estimated that 22,000 gallons of gasoline were released. Groundwater has been impacted. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) is the lead agency and is working with Enterprise to mitigate risks and damage to surrounding private property.

Because this spill occurred within the Reservation boundaries, the Tribe immediately reached out to CDPHE to ensure it was consulted. Since that time, the Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department has been heavily engaged and is proactively monitoring the spill to ensure the continued protection of Tribal Members, Tribal resources and community health.

Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box shared, “We deeply value our strong and robust relationship with CDPHE and La Plata County. Their commitment to keeping the Tribe involved throughout this process, even while the Tribe remains currently unaffected, is invaluable to ensure a comprehensive response should the need arise.”

This incident is NOT currently impacting Tribal Member homes, Tribal Trust, or Tribally-owned fee land. Should the Tribe become aware of any changes to the situation, notifications will be provided promptly through multiple channels, including social media, local news outlets, and direct communication with affected individuals if needed. The Tribe will continue to work closely with local and state authorities to coordinate response efforts and protect community members from any further harm. For more information or questions, Tribal Members may contact the Executive Office at 970-563-2314.

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For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Welcomes Representative Jeff Hurd

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2025
Tribal Council Welcomes Representative Jeff Hurd
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Tribal Council met with Representative Jeff Hurd (CO-3) on Tuesday in the Tribal Council Chambers. The meeting was both productive and insightful, fostering a meaningful dialogue on how both the Tribe’s leadership and the newly elected Representative can work together to serve both Tribal Membership and the region.
This marks Representative Hurd’s second visit with Tribal Council, and his first such meeting with a governmental entity in his capacity as a Member of Congress. Tribal Council commended his commitment to maintaining an open line of communication and his willingness to engage with the issues that matter most to the Tribe and the surrounding community.
The discussions covered several key topics of shared interest and importance, including:
  • Recent Presidential executive orders and their impact on Tribal sovereignty and governance and the wellbeing of the community,
  • The protection of vital water rights,
  • Concerns regarding the implementation and adequacy of federal programs serving Tribal needs,
  • Collaborative approaches to energy development and sustainability.
“We appreciate Representative Hurd’s willingness to engage in open and honest discussions with Tribal Council. It is critical that we work together to ensure the protection of Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the rights of our people. Our past and current leaders have long fought to preserve our water, land, and resources for future generations, and we will continue to advocate for policies that respect our inherent rights. Collaboration with federal leaders is essential, but our priority remains steadfast: protecting the interests of our Tribal Membership and ensuring that our voice is heard at every level of government,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.
“I was honored to meet again with Chairman Baker and members of the Southern Ute Tribal Council. As Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, I am committed to fostering a positive working relationship with Indian tribes, especially with those I am honored to represent in Congress,” shared Representative Jeff Hurd.
 Both parties look forward to continued collaboration to ensure the needs of Tribal Members are prioritized while fostering growth and development across Southwest Colorado.
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ICE Concern Update 01/29/2025

The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council provides this update to the Tribal Membership to address the concerns and anxieties arising from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activities across the nation. We understand and validate the fear this may generate among our youth, elders, and community, particularly given the current climate surrounding immigration and any contact with ICE agents. The Tribe’s current and ongoing engagement with ICE has been focused and responsive to these issues through our Justice & Regulatory Department being in regular communication with ICE agents regarding any activity on the Reservation.
Through those conversations, we have been informed that current ICE efforts are focused on undocumented individuals who have committed serious crimes, have an existing deportation order, and pose a potential risk to our community. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our Tribal community. We strongly advise Tribal Members who reside on or off the Reservation to carry their forms of identification with them such as a Tribal ID and at least one (1) other form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
Protecting and upholding the rights of our Tribal Members, sovereignty, and Reservation remains our utmost priority. We understand that various Tribal Nations are sharing letters, tips, and updates. While we appreciate and acknowledge these shared resources, our updates will be specific to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, taking into consideration our unique features such as land status, location, and other relevant factors. We appreciate your understanding and stand committed with our Tribal Members during this time.
Should you have any concerns regarding ICE activities on the Southern Ute Reservation, please contact Justice & Regulatory Acting Director, Mr. Elliott Salazar, at 970-563-2801 or Chief Michael Barrow, Southern Ute Police Department, at 970-563-2811. You may also contact Tribal Council Affairs Office Manager, Mrs. Sunshine Whyte, at 970-563-2319.
Respectfully,

Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose, Treasurer James M. Olguin, Council Member Marjorie Barry, Council Member Andrew Gallegos, Council Member Linda K. Baker, and Council Member Marty Pinnecoose

Statement Regarding the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2025

Statement Regarding the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum

The Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council would like to provide an update to the Tribal Membership on their ongoing efforts to address the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum issued on Monday under the Trump Administration. The White House rescinded this action this morning. No official explanation has been given for the OMB’s decision to withdraw the memo. The Tribe had proactively contacted the offices of Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet as well the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Colorado. In addition, Tribal Council met with Representative Jeff Hurd on this matter to express concerns and gather clarification while highlighting the need for the continuation of the federal funding.

“The federal government has a solemn obligation to honor its trust responsibility and financial commitments. We recognize the critical importance of the programs and services that rely on these funds, and we are committed to working proactively to ensure their continued operation for the benefit of the Tribal Membership,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

Tribal Council and staff are actively monitoring arising trends and situations while conducting necessary analyses regarding Presidential Executive Orders in coordination with internal departments and offices to minimize impacts to current services and programs offered. These Executive Orders, for example, include the federal hiring freeze and the federal employee buyout offer.

Due to the rapidly evolving legal and policy landscape, leadership remains committed to informing the Tribal Membership and will provide updates as they become available.

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Immigration and Custom Enforcement Concern

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 are on-Reservation, you may contact the Southern Ute Police Department Non-Emergency Dispatch at 970-563-4401.
    • If you are off-Reservation, please contact 911.
  • Keep contact information readily available, so you can notify friends and family of your location.
  • Also contact Congressional members of the Colorado delegation. Below is their contact information:
Jeff Hurd
US Representative – CO 3rd District
DC Office: 202-225-4676
John Hickenlooper
US Senator
DRO Office: 970-880-7236
Michael Bennet
US Senator
DRO Office: 970-259-1710