Veterans – Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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Southern Ute Indian Tribe Clarifies Position on ICE Facility Reports

August 19, 2025 / August 19, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTMelvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) is aware of recent media coverage regarding the expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities across the country, including in the State of Colorado. We recognize that these reports have placed the Tribe at the center of a highly polarizing national issue, and we want to be clear: the Tribe has not entered into any agreement with ICE regarding detention operations. The Tribe was surprised to learn of its inclusion in a planning document referenced by the Washington Post, which listed potential ICE facility sites. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), confirmed to the Washington Post that the document was created by ICE but is outdated and unapproved. The relationship between the Tribe and ICE has been mischaracterized. The Tribe was not notified nor consulted prior to the release of this information. It is important to note, there have been no discussions between Tribal Council and federal authorities on this matter. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe remains committed to protecting the Tribal Membership […]

SUDEP: August 2025 Microsoft Training Schedule

August 18, 2025 / August 18, 2025 by sbegay

The Southern Ute Digital Equity Program (SUDEP) is excited to offer a series of engaging trainings for interested Tribal Members and First Descendants. The trainings will be from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Topics include Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel 💻. This will be held at the Growth Fund and will be facilitated by instructors from San Juan College. To register, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555 or visit https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/sudep/sudep-august-2025-trainings/. Sign up today as seats are limited!

Road Closure Notice: Highway 172

August 8, 2025 / August 13, 2025 by sbegay

August 8, 2025 4:00 PM Highway 172 is currently closed at County Roads 515 and 311 due to fire activity. Please seek alternate routes and avoid the area for your safety. Updates will be provided as conditions change.

SU BIA Agency | For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Reservation to initiate Stage II Fire Restrictions

August 6, 2025 / August 7, 2025 by sbegay

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Reservation to initiate Stage II Fire Restrictions Due to the continued drought, extremely dry fuel conditions and the occurrence of recent large wildland fires, Stage II fire restrictions will be implemented 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 II 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: STAGE I General Public: Prohibited acts: STAGE II Commercial Operators (logging, thinning, firewood gathering, etc.): Industrial restrictions are attached and also can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517. 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 August 8, 2025, and will remain until conditions improve.

Safely Located | Clement J. Frost

August 1, 2025 / August 1, 2025 by sbegay

Update 12:00 PM August 1, 2025 The Justice & Regulatory Department has confirmed former Chairman Clement J. Frost has been safely located. Thank you for your assistance during this time! – Summer Begay, Communication Specialist

SU BIA Agency Fire Notice – Rim Road Fire Update 07/31/2025

July 31, 2025 / August 6, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571Summer Begay, PIO – 970.553.0052 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2025 Rim Road Fire Update Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Firefighters are making strong headway, with containment expected to reach 75% by the end of the day. The fire remains at 114 acres, with no new growth reported. Crews are actively securing containment lines and conducting mop-up operations across the fire area. Infrared technology is being used to detect and eliminate hidden hot spots, helping ensure the fire stays within control lines. A total of 106 personnel remain assigned to the incident. While fire activity has stayed moderate, crews and resources will remain in the area to respond quickly and proactively to any new fire starts. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority. Further updates will be shared as conditions evolve. The safety of the community and fire personnel remains the top priority as suppression efforts continue. Smoke may be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health or https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/…/ambient-monitoring/. To report fires contact: DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DISPATCH (970) 563-4401

SUPD: 911 Restored

July 31, 2025 / July 31, 2025 by sbegay

🚨 911 Restored 🚨 July 31, 2025 | 4:15 PMOur local 911 system has been fully restored and is now operational. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

SU BIA Agency Fire Notice – Rim Road Fire Update 07/28/2025

July 28, 2025 / July 31, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571 Summer Begay, PIO – 970.553.0052 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2025 Rim Road Fire Update Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Fire crews continue to make steady progress on the Rim Road Fire, which remains at 114 acres with no new growth reported since yesterday. The fire is burning primarily in timber and brush, and crews are working diligently to strengthen containment lines using heavy equipment despite challenging terrain. As of 1:00 PM today, evacuation notices have been lifted for area residents. There are 106 personnel actively assigned to the incident. Containment is estimated to be at 25%. Incident commanders are closely monitoring weather conditions, especially the potential for late afternoon winds, which could challenge containment efforts. Fire behavior has remained moderate, but crews remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any changes. The safety of the community and fire personnel remains the top priority as suppression efforts continue. Smoke may be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health or https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/…/ambient-monitoring/. To report fires contact: DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324 SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DISPATCH (970) 563-4401 ###

SU BIA Agency Fire Notice – Ute 63 100% Contained 07/28/2025

July 28, 2025 / July 28, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571Summer Begay, PIO – 970.553.0052 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2025 Ute 63 Fire Fully Contained – Final Day of Operations Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Ute 63 Fire has reached 100% containment, and today marks the final day of fire operations. Crews are completing final dozer work near Drop Point 1 and will begin demobilizing remaining resources once that work is complete. The fire will be placed under patrol status and under ownership of the BIA Ute Mountain Ute Agency. The fire, which began earlier this month, burned approximately 530 acres across the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Reservations. At its peak, more than 300 firefighters and support personnel were assigned to the incident. Thanks to their efforts and favorable weather conditions, no structures were damaged, and no injuries were reported. Incident Command extends sincere appreciation to all personnel and partner agencies involved in the response. The strong interagency communication and collaboration played a vital role in ensuring a smooth and effective transition throughout the incident. Thank you to everyone who supported the Ute 63 Fire response effort! To report fires contact:DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DISPATCH (970) […]

Statement in Support of Jessie Danielson for Secretary of State

July 23, 2025 / July 23, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2025 Statement in Support of Jessie Danielson for Secretary of State Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Last week, State Senator Jessie Danielson announced her candidacy for Colorado Secretary of State. Based on Sen. Danielson’s experience, proven record on issues important to the Tribe, and commitment to defending the Tribe’s sovereignty, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe supports her candidacy. In her decade in the State legislature, Sen. Danielson has been the prime sponsor of major legislation protecting voter access and strengthening Colorado’s election laws. These efforts reflect a long-standing dedication to this work. Prior to joining the legislature, Senator Danielson helped develop the Voter Access and Modernized Election Act of 2013 and ultimately served on the Commission overseeing its implementation after being appointed by then Governor Hickenlooper. The Tribe also deeply appreciates Sen. Danielson’s legislative focus on families, workers, and the environment. She has also been a major proponent of critical legislation protecting workers and families in Colorado and has supported key efforts to protect our environment. She has been a leader in the Colorado legislature in recognizing and protecting the sovereign […]

Category: Veterans