Administration Community Culture Health Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Department of Transportation to Conduct Mowing Operations in Designated Areas March 14, 2025 by abarry Please be advised that the Southern Ute Department of Transportation (SUDOT) will be conducting mowing operations in designated areas next week. The schedule is as follows: Monday, March 17th & Tuesday, March 18th Mountain Dew Circle / SU188 & SU189 Wednesday, March 19th to Friday, March 21st Ignacio Peak & Jefferson/ SU315 We ask that the Tribal Staff & the Tribal Membership that may be on or near the work site, exercise caution when traveling in these areas and be mindful of equipment and crew members actively working. Traffic control measures will be in place to ensure safety. For questions, please contact Roman Seibel, Transportation Project Coordinator, at (970) 563-2283. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Water Resources Announces PRIIP Billing Notice Updates March 13, 2025 by abarry With irrigation season starting soon, the Southern Ute Water Resources Division (WRD) wanted to update PRIIP water users on a slight change this year. Beginning this irrigation season (2025), the timing of sending PRIIP bills in the mail for Tribal Assignments has changed. This notice is to provide information regarding the billing process for Tribal Assignments. The BIA is expecting to have PRIIP irrigation water available for many users by April 15th. Irrigation water on the east side of the PRIIP will receive water about a week later due to the Pine River Canal’s schedule. The BIA also has new office phone numbers. The BIA Main Office phone number is 970-200-8613, and the BIA Branch of Irrigation’s phone number is 970-236-4161. Please feel free to contact the Southern Ute Water Resources Division at 970-563-9482 if you have any questions. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Agriculture Producers Gathering 03222025 March 13, 2025 / March 13, 2025 by sbegay Tribal Members involved in agriculture, whether currently assigned, interested in future assignments, or designated as beneficiaries, are invited to a gathering hosted by Treasurer James “Mike” Olguin and Tribal Council. This will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Facility in the Large Room. A lunch will be provided and prepared by Treasurer Olguin. Discussion topics will include: Formation of an Experienced Farmer Work Group: Gauge interest in establishing a collaborative work group of experienced farmers to guide and support new Tribal farmers. Comprehensive Agricultural Land Management Plan: Discussion on the Agricultural Land Management Plan, its goals and objectives. Producer Needs and System Improvement: Openly addressing the needs of agricultural producers, exploring new ideas, and providing a platform for constructive feedback on current systems. For more information or questions, please contact Treasurer James “Mike” Olguin at 970.563.2404 or miolguin@southernute-nsn.gov. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Health Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Department of Natural Resources Announces Agricultural Survey March 6, 2025 by abarry The Southern Ute Department of Natural Resources has been tasked with creating a Comprehensive Agricultural Land Management Plan with long-term and short-term ideas for the plan that includes conceptual goals and objectives for further planning and development. The department would like to encourage the Southern Ute tribal membership to complete the survey regarding assigned tribal agricultural lands. The survey can be obtained by scanning the attached QR code or by visiting the following survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/dTv0KjjKCx through June 30, 2025. The survey will also be available during the Southern Ute Tribal Membership General Meeting in April. For further information, questions, or concerns, please call: 970-563-2237. Thank you and have a wonderful day. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Health Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans The Southern Ute Lands Division Shares (2) 45-day Notices for Land Assignments February 26, 2025 by abarry The Southern Ute Lands Division is currently advertising two, 45-day notices of availability of tribal land for assignment. To apply for a Land Assignment or Lease Request, eligible tribal member applicants must submit an Application for Assignment of Tribal Lands and Homesite Development Plan along with a drawing card containing their name, address, and contact information (including phone number and email). The Lands Division will review the submitted applications, homesite development plans, and drawing cards to ensure only eligible Tribal members’ names are placed in the drawing. Those interested can mail, email, or deliver in person your submission to the Department of Natural Resources – Lands Division at PO Box 737, Ignacio, CO 81137, or contact us via email at sluzar@southernute-nsn.gov or via phone at 970-563-0126. The Department of Natural Resources has also received an application from Ms. Nalani Thompson for an assignment on tribal lands. The land she has applied for is a relinquishment of a homesite assignment from a non-immediate family member. The easement to this assignment is off of CR 324 and it will be included in the proposed assignment. If you have any comments or objections about the assignment, you can submit them as well. You […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Preserving Ute Culture: Committee passes Free State Park Access Bill 02252025 February 25, 2025 / February 25, 2025 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2025 Preserving Ute Culture: Committee passes Free State Park Access Bill Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the unanimous passage of Colorado House Bill 25-1163, granting enrolled Tribal Members free access to all 43 Colorado State Parks, out of the House Agricultural, Water & Natural Resources committee. This landmark state legislation acknowledges our enduring connection to our ancestral homelands and ensures our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Katie Stewart and Rick Taggert, recognizes the Ute Tribes as the original stewards of these lands, honoring our deep historical and cultural ties to the natural resources within Colorado’s state parks. For countless generations, the Nuuchiu have utilized and respected these lands, waters, and wildlife. The ability to freely access these parks is crucial for Tribal Members to continue our responsibility to care for these lands, as our ancestors have done for centuries. While we recognize the advocacy from other Tribes for expanded access, this legislation reflects the distinct sovereign-to-sovereign relationship between the State of Colorado and the […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Statement on Sky Ute Casino Resort February 20, 2025 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2025 Statement on Sky Ute Casino Resort Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Tribal Council remains steadfast in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our Tribal Members, guests, staff, and community. We are working closely with Tribal and local law enforcement, who are actively collaborating to address the situation. We will continue to provide appropriate and timely updates while remaining committed to protecting the integrity of the investigation. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Sky Ute Casino Resort are taking every necessary precaution to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. We deeply appreciate the patience, trust, and support of our community and staff as we work diligently toward a positive resolution. Your safety is our top priority, and we are fully committed to ensuring peace of mind for all. At our After Action Report Meeting this afternoon, there were several positive takeaways that can serve as comfort to the community. The response time from the initial call to evacuation and relocation was mere minutes. This is evidence of the committed and knowledgeable staff within the Tribal organization, as […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans All Clear: Sky Ute Casino Resort February 19, 2025 / February 20, 2025 by sbegay Sky Ute Casino Resort Update | February 20, 2025 1:05 AM The situation at Sky Ute Casino Resort has been safely resolved. Law enforcement remains present as a precaution. A thorough sweep of the premises has been conducted, and NO items of concern were located. All clear has been granted, however, access to Sky Ute Casino Resort remains restricted. Normal operations will resume on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 7:00 AM. Hotel guests may visit the Front Desk to gain access to their rooms. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Southern Ute Police Department, Tribal Rangers, Ignacio Police Department, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, Los Pinos Fire Protection District, and the SunUte Community Center for their response and assistance. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Immigration and Customs Enforcement Update February 19, 2025 by sbegay Immigration and Customs Enforcement Update | February 19, 2025 Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose and Tribal Council participated in a productive virtual meeting this afternoon with a local representative from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Also present were Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box, Justice and Regulatory Director Elliott Salazar, and Chief of Police Michael Barrow. This meeting established a foundation for ongoing collaboration and information sharing between the Tribe and ICE. Discussions focused on mutual areas of interest and priorities, with both parties expressing a commitment to open communication. Tribal Council welcomed ICE’s recognition of Tribal sovereignty and its willingness to work cooperatively with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s law enforcement. This initial dialogue is a positive step towards building a stronger working relationship and underscores the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s proactive approach to community safety and well-being. There is no indication of any immediate threat to the Tribal Membership. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Finance Department – Check Pick Up 02/14/2025 February 14, 2025 / February 14, 2025 by sbegay Need to pick up a check? The Finance Department will have a staff member available until 12:00 PM today, February 14, 2025, at the Cashier’s Window in the Leonard C. Burch building. Read more »