Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: “Land is Sacred”: Chairman Baker Urges Colorado to Block Durango’s Land Grab 05032024 May 3, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2024 “Land is Sacred”: Chairman Baker Urges Colorado to Block Durango’s Land Grab Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker delivered a powerful testimony last night, urging the Colorado House Committee on State, Civic, Military, and Veteran Affairs to defend a historical promise. Chairman Baker urged the Committee to support Senate Bill 24-193: Protect Tribal Lands from Unauthorized Annexation. This legislation stands as a crucial shield against the City of Durango’s egregious attempt to seize Southern Ute Indian Reservation land for economic gain. For generations beyond counting, the Utes have been the unwavering stewards of Colorado. Their ancestral lands stretch across the state’s mountains and valleys, a testament to their deep connection to the land. The rich culture, traditions, and language of the Utes are woven into the very fabric of Colorado. Their resilience is a testament to their spirit, having endured forced assimilation, brutal relocations, and the relentless theft of their land and cultural heritage. The Reservation, established by federal treaties, was a solemn vow: “absolute and undisturbed use and occupation” for the Utes. Yet, Durango’s […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Connects the Future: Ignacio Broadband Now Active 04302024 April 30, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2024 Southern Ute Indian Tribe Connects the Future: Ignacio Broadband Now Active Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe celebrated a significant milestone today with the activation of its new broadband network serving the Town of Ignacio. The activation ceremony was attended by dignitaries and leadership from the Colorado Broadband Office, La Plata County, Town of Ignacio, and Bonfire, along with Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Tribal Council, and the Southern Ute Shared Services. The Ignacio Broadband network signifies a giant leap forward in connecting the future for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. This essential infrastructure project offers residents within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and businesses in Ignacio with high-speed internet access, unlocking doors to advancements in education, healthcare, economic development, and overall well-being. This activation will serve over 100 Tribal Member homes. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the severity of the digital divide on the Reservation. The lack of internet access severely limited opportunities for remote work, telehealth services, and remote learning. In response, the Tribal Council prioritized bridging the gap to ensure equal access […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans US Dept. of Interior: Land Owners Q&A 05152024 April 30, 2024 by sbegay The Office of Natural Resources Revenue invites Indian Land Owners to a Question and Answer Session on the topics of land. minerals, and royalties. This will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at SunUte Community Center in the Capote room. For more information, contact the Office of Natural Resources Revenue at 800-982-3226. – Summer Begay, Communication Specialist. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Upper Basin Tribes Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding with Upper Division States April 26, 2024 / April 26, 2024 by sbegay FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Romaine Wood: 505-330-0160 | rdwood02@gmail.com Summer Begay: 970-563-2313 | sbegay@southernute-nsn.gov Upper Basin Tribes Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding with Upper Division States [DULCE, NM] – The Upper Basin Tribes (Jicarilla Apache Nation, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, and the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah) and the Upper Basin States of the Upper Division of the Colorado River Basin (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) acting through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC), are proud to announce the signing of a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU). This document commemorates the parties’ commitment to timely sharing of information regarding Colorado River developments, identification of Colorado River issues of mutual concern, and engagement and cooperation on measures aimed at achieving common goals. The agreement follows almost two years of close coordination between the Upper Basin Tribal Leaders and Governors’ representatives of the four Upper Division States. Tribal leaders have previously hosted meetings with the UCRC Commissioners on their homelands to share their personal experiences and community perspectives regarding Colorado River management, and to jointly identify issues of mutual concern. On April 22, 2024, the Jicarilla Apache Nation hosted the […] Read more »
Administration Community Culture Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans SW Colorado’s Small Business Development Center Hosts 12th Annual SW CO Small Business Conference April 25, 2024 by abarry Don’t miss this year’s SW Colorado Small Business Conference! This day-long event, hosted by Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) & FLC Center for Innovation, attracts hundreds of professional business owners who represent every sector of the diverse business communities across the region. These diverse leaders come together to build, invest, & strengthen our business community. The Conference includes breakfast, lunch & reception, and features Educational Seminars, One-on-one Consulting, Engaging Keynote Presentations, and Networking Opportunities. Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend this powerful event. Enrolled Southern Ute Tribal Members SAVE 50% off THE $85 REGULAR REGISTRATION FEE Southern Ute Economic Development will cover 50% of the registration fee to support any Enrolled Southern Ute Tribal Member small business owners and sole proprietors in attending this informational conference, Use discount code SUIT50 to Register and pay HERE Questions? Contact Jennifer Rummery, Economic Development Project Coordinator Read more »
Administration Community Culture Health Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Environmental Programs Department Issues Air Quality Alert – 04/25/2024 April 25, 2024 by abarry The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department operates three air quality stations on the Reservation and maintains a website that provides real-time air pollutant and EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) health alerts from data collected at these stations. Smoke from wildfires can cause unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter (PM) in the air. Particulate matter is continuously measured at the Ute 3 monitoring station near Bondad Hill and the Ute 1 monitoring station in Ignacio. As of Thursday, 4/25/2024, at 7:00am, the Ute 1 station is currently reading high PM concentrations with a corresponding AQI of Unhealthy. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children avoid limit prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. To view the ambient monitoring program website, and for more information about how to understand the AQI forecast, follow the links below: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Ambient Monitoring Program Website EPA Air Quality Index Information Website Wildfire Smoke Resources to Protect Your Health | US EPA EPA Air Now Article – How Smoke From Fires Can Affect Your Health FOR MORE INFORMATION CO EPD, Air Quality – 970.563.2214 Read more »
Administration Community Culture Health Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute Environmental Programs Department Issues Air Quality Alert April 24, 2024 / April 25, 2024 by abarry The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department operates three air quality stations on the Reservation and maintains a website that provides real-time air pollutant and EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) health alerts from data collected at these stations. Smoke from wildfires can cause unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter (PM) in the air. Particulate matter is continuously measured at the Ute 3 monitoring station near Bondad Hill and the Ute 1 monitoring station in Ignacio. As of Wednesday, 4/24/2024, 7:00am, the Ute 1 station is currently reading high PM concentrations with a corresponding AQI of Unhealthy. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children avoid limit prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. To view the ambient monitoring program website, and for more information about how to understand the AQI forecast, follow the links below: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Ambient Monitoring Program Website EPA Air Quality Index Information Website Wildfire Smoke Resources to Protect Your Health | US EPA EPA Air Now Article – How Smoke From Fires Can Affect Your Health FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT EPD, Air Quality – 970.563.2214 Read more »
Administration Community Culture Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans The Southern Ute Lands Division advertises (2) 45-day Posting for Assignments April 23, 2024 / April 23, 2024 by abarry The Southern Ute Lands Division is currently advertising two, 45-day notice of availability of tribal land for assignment. If you are a tribal member and want to confirm your interest in an assignment, you can submit a card along with an application and a 5-year farm plan. If you have any comments or objections about the assignment, you can submit them as well. You can either 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 at 970-563-0126. If you are a tribal member and want to confirm your interest in an assignment or lease, you can submit a card, an application, and a Homesite Development Plan. If you have any comments or objections about the assignment, you can submit them as well. You can either 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 at 970-563-0126. ( Read more »
Administration Community Culture Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans Southern Ute tribal member Tanisha Figueroa named the 2024 SUIT Fair and Rodeo Logo Contest Winner April 23, 2024 / April 23, 2024 by abarry The Southern Ute Cultural Preservation Department is excited to announce Passing Down Traditions by Tanisha Figueroa as the winner of the 102nd Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Rodeo logo contest. Thank you to all those who voted at General Meeting, and congratulations to Ms. Figueroa. For questions, please contact Sherisa Valdez at 970-563-2971. Read more »
Administration Community Culture Elections Health Press Releases Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans For Immediate Release: Preserving Tribal Sovereignty: Vice Chairman Cloud Testifies on Land Annexation 04/17/2024 April 17, 2024 / April 17, 2024 by sbegay FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320 Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2024 Preserving Tribal Sovereignty: Vice Chairman Cloud Testifies on Land Annexation Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud testified before the Colorado Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee at the State Capitol in Denver this afternoon. Cloud urged the Committee to support Senate Bill 24-193: Protect Tribal Lands from Unauthorized Annexation. This critical legislation is in response to the City of Durango’s attempt to seize Reservation land from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for the economic benefit of the City. The Utes are the oldest continuous inhabitants of what is now the State of Colorado. The Utes are resilient and have endured assimilation, relocation, and seizure of their land and culture for far too long. The Reservation was established by successive treaties and was to be “set apart for the absolute and undisturbed use and occupation of the [Utes]” and “no persons . . . shall ever be permitted to pass over, settle upon, or reside” on those lands. The City’s actions take direct aim at these promises. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, a strong neighbor, proven business partner, […] Read more »
