Category: Veterans

Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Calls on Colorado Attorney General to Address Unlawful Use of Tribal Lands By Lumen

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2026 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Calls on Colorado Attorney General to Address Unlawful Use of Tribal Lands By Lumen Southern Ute Indian Reservation — On Friday, January 16, 2026, Chairman Melvin J. Baker presented his annual State of the Tribes address to the Colorado General Assembly. In his remarks, he called on the Colorado Attorney General to work with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) to investigate and address Lumen Technologies, Inc.’s unlawful trespass on Tribal lands. After an extensive investigation, the Tribe determined that Lumen Technologies, which was formerly known as CenturyLink, had covertly installed over 100 miles of telecommunications infrastructure on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation without required approvals.  Following a comprehensive review of Lumen’s telecommunications infrastructure on the Reservation, the Tribe documented more than 170 miles of Lumen’s telecommunications lines on Tribal lands, including nearly 100 miles installed illegally by Lumen, and its predecessor companies. Many of these facilities were constructed without obtaining required Tribal or Federal authorization or were maintained by Lumen after approved rights-of-way had expired. Lumen often accesses the Tribe’s land through state rights-of-way and uses Tribal […]

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

+ 2026 State of the Tribes Address +

/ by sbegay

To conclude a productive week in Denver, Chairman Melvin J. Baker delivered his third annual address to the Colorado General Assembly, joined by Council Member Marilyn House of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. These annual addresses—established through Colorado Senate Bill 22‑105—require the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate to invite representatives from both resident Tribes to speak before a joint session of the legislature each year, strengthening ongoing governmental dialogue and recognition since the bill was signed into law in 2022. During his remarks, Chairman Baker provided a brief history of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, highlighted the Tribe’s enduring presence and contributions to southwest Colorado, and addressed key priorities including: – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) – Securing support for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – Progress on Enterprise Spill remediation – Collaboration to address unlawful use and trespass on Tribal lands by Lumen – Resolutions related to sports betting. As the state and nation mark the upcoming anniversaries of Colorado 150 and America 250, Chairman Baker reflected: “Long before statehood and long before the founding of this nation, the Ute people have been here since time immemorial. Our history did not begin […]

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Returning Leaders: Barry & Pinnecoose

/ by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Following the certification of the election results, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomed Marjorie D. Barry and Marvin J. Pinnecoose back to leadership during a swearing-in ceremony held on Monday, December 22, 2025. The ceremony took place in the Tribal Council Chambers, where Chief Judge Scott Moore administered the oaths of office. The Council Chamber was filled with families, Tribal Members, and staff, who joined together to celebrate the occasion. Dignitaries in attendance included leaders from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Jicarilla Apache Nation, as well as officials from Archuleta County, the City of Durango, and the Town of Ignacio. Federal representation included staff from the offices of U.S. Representative Hurd, U.S. Senator Hickenlooper, and U.S. Senator Bennet. Council Member Marjorie D. Barry returns for her third term, having first been elected to Tribal Council in 2019. Council Member Marvin J. Pinnecoose begins his second term following his initial election in 2022. During the ceremony, Chairman Melvin J. Baker announced his selection of Marvin Pinnecoose to serve as Vice Chairman for the upcoming term. “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is fortunate […]

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

2025 Inauguration Ceremony – Tribal Council (2)

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Save the Date for the 2025 Inauguration Ceremony celebrating the swearing-in of two incoming Tribal Council Members on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This occasion marks an important moment in our Tribe’s governance and future. The event will be held in Tribal Council Chambers at 356 Ouray Drive, Ignacio, CO 81137. The agenda and additional details are forthcoming. Attendance is welcomed in person or virtually via WebEx, and registration is not required. To join virtually, please scan the QR code or use the following link: https://bit.ly/2025sutcWebinar Password: tc2025 For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

SU Tribal Office Closure 11/26/2025

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In observance of Thanksgiving, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will close early today at 1:00 PM and remain closed through Friday, November 28, 2025. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels 🦃🥧

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Administration Community Culture Elections Health latest-news Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

2025 End of Council Term Celebration

/ by sbegay

Please join us in honoring Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose and Council Member Marjorie Barry to celebrate their service to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The celebration will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM in the Hall of Warriors in the Leonard C. Burch Building at 356 Ouray Dr., Ignacio, CO 81137. Light refreshments will be provided. For additional information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.

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