Administration Community Culture Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Indian Tribe Takes Legal Action to Receive Fair Treatment by State July 9, 2024 by abarry FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Takes Legal Action to Receive Fair Treatment by State After Four Years of Being Stonewalled, Tribal Lawsuit Works to Ensure State Honors its Compact and Offer Equal Access to Economic Opportunities Southern Ute Indian Reservation –– At the American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee’s inaugural meeting, Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe announced that the Tribe has filed a lawsuit against the State of Colorado to ensure fair access to economic opportunities voted into law by Colorado voters in 2019. The Southern Ute Indian and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes have been unfairly blocked by the Colorado Department of Revenue from engaging in online sports betting, despite longstanding State-Tribal Compacts explicitly allowing them to do so. After years of attempts to negotiate a fair agreement, the Tribe is asking the federal court for a preliminary injunction so they may compete in an economic market that, effectively, only non-Indian private entities have had primary access to in Colorado since 2020. “Faced with this ongoing injustice, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Phone System is Currently Down July 2, 2024 / July 2, 2024 by abarry Southern Ute Shared Services has been notified of a link strike on a CenturyLink cable in the town of Ignacio. It is impacting the Tribe’s ability to take incoming calls and make external calls. The Help Desk is aware and SUSS is assessing the impact. If critical phone numbers are not working, please send your request to the Southern Ute Tribe’s general email box at tis@southernute-nsn.gov or visit. www.southernute-nsn.gov for specific tribal department contact information. The 911 line has also been impacted, please dial (970) 385-2900, Durango’s central dispatch’s non-emergent line, for any dispatch requests or emergencies at this time while service to (970) 563-4401, is restored. The Southern Ute Health Center has also posted an alternate line of (970) 442-1887 for any medical requests at this time. We will post updates as service is restored accordingly. Graphic Created By: Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – Tribal Information Services Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Tribal Council Welcomes New Education Director: Dr. Joseph Claunch 07012024 July 1, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 01, 2024 Tribal Council Welcomes New Education Director: Dr. Joseph Claunch Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Tribal Council, and Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box are delighted to welcome Dr. Joseph Claunch as the new Director of the Department of Education, effective today, July 1, 2024. “Dr. Claunch’s dedication to fostering academic success and cultural identity within Native American communities is truly inspiring,” said Chairman Baker. “His extensive experience in education leadership, combined with his passion for serving Indigenous youth, makes him an ideal fit to lead our Department of Education. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to provide our students with a culturally rich and positive educational experience.” A member of the Puyallup Tribe of Tacoma, Washington, Dr. Claunch has dedicated nearly 20 years to educating and empowering Native American youth. Throughout his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, youth program leader, and most recently, the Executive Director of the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project for the Pueblo of Zuni in New Mexico. Dr. Claunch holds a Bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Strands of Strength: The Indian Citizenship Act Exhibit Closure June 28, 2024 by sbegay Strands of Strength: The Indian Citizenship Act 1924-2024 Thank you for visiting the Stands of Strength: The Indian Citizenship Act exhibit. This exhibit recognizes the strength, resilience, and enduring legacy of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. This exhibit concludes on Friday, June 28, 2024. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans BIA Southern Ute Agency: Wildland Firefighter Vacancy June 24, 2024 by sbegay The Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency is advertising for Wildland Firefighter position. The duty station is Ignacio, Colorado. Applicants must be Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) certified and have completed the S-290 Training Course. The closing date is July 08, 2024. Please seek the link to apply: Wildland Firefighter: USAJOBS – Job Announcement For further inquiry, please contact the Strategic Recruitment Office at 405-768-4060. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans SU Tribal Office Closure Notice 07/04-05/2024 June 21, 2024 / July 12, 2024 by sbegay Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Digital Equity Program: July Training June 18, 2024 by sbegay The Southern Ute Digital Equity Program (SUDEP) will provide Microsoft-Power Point Training on July 17th and 18th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This will be held at the Growth Fund Building, light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Seating is limited and open to all Southern Ute Tribal Members. The first 10 Tribal Members to sign up and attend the training will receive a $25 gift card to Walmart. Sign up today! Contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555 Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tribal Council Welcomes New Directors: MacMillan and Langefels June 17, 2024 by sbegay Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud, Tribal Council, and Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box welcomed Elizabeth Quinn MacMillan (photo right) as the new Director of the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum this morning. Ms. MacMillan brings a wealth of experience and a deep respect for Indigenous history and culture to this important role. “We welcome Elizabeth to the team,” said Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud. “Together we will preserve and share the history of the Nuuchiu.” MacMillan holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Washington College and a Master of Arts in Public History from Loyola University Chicago. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience working with cultural institutions and organizations dedicated to preserving the history of the Southwest. Her previous positions include work with the Bureau of Land Management’s Canyons of the Ancients, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and most recently, the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College. Tribal Council also welcomed Lizette Langefels (photo left) as the Southern Ute Health Center Director last week. Langefels brings 17 years of experience from Animas Surgical Hospital in addition to holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Fort Lewis […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Bill Protecting Self-Determination June 7, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Bill Protecting Self-Determination Southern Ute Indian Reservation – A major victory for tribal sovereignty unfolded yesterday as Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 24-193, the “Protect Tribal Lands from Unauthorized Annexation Bill,” into law on June 6, 2024. This legislation arose from the City of Durango’s attempt to annex land on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing unanimously through both houses of the Colorado legislature. This strong backing underscores the widespread recognition of Tribal self-governance. “This is a momentous day for Colorado,” shared Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is incredibly grateful to the sponsors of this bill for their unwavering support. We thank Senator Jessie Danielson, Senator Cleave Simpson, Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese. Their commitment echoes the deep respect Coloradans have for Tribal sovereignty and the sanctity of Reservation lands. Together, we are sending a clear message: collaboration thrives when we honor treaties and respect Tribal sovereignty.” Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud echoed these sentiments, “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Natural Resources Field Day June 5, 2024 / June 6, 2024 by sbegay The InterTribal Agriculture Council Southwest Region, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Southern Ute Department of Natural Resources present the Natural Resources Field Day! This event is for Southern Ute Tribal Members and will be at the Multi-Purpose Facility from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Monday, June 10, 2024 | Youth Field Day Registration: https://bit.ly/SUteYouth Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | Adult Field Day Registration: https://bit.ly/SUteFldDay Attendees will gain insight into resources for regenerative economies, soil health, local regional seeds, demonstrations, and interactive hands-on activities! This event does not have a registration fee. For more information, contact Janice Lucero (InterTribal Agriculture Council SW Technical Assistant) at 505-514-7438 or janice@indianag.org. -Summer Begay, Communication Specialist Read more »
