Royalty

Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report

Maykh Puan! Greeting relatives near and far,

My name is Zuriah Baker, and my Ute name is Suguh Ayov which means White Dove given to me by my maternal grandmother Carole Valdez. I am your current 2025-2026 Miss Southern Ute as well as the current Chairwomen of the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council. I am an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and a descendant of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. I am 18 years old, and I attend Bayfield High School as a senior. My parents are Zachary Yesslith, Hailey Yesslith and Grant Baker. My paternal grandparents are Bonnie Baker and the late Bob Smith egap. My great paternal grandparents are the late Chris and Esther Baker egap. My maternal grandparents are Carole Valdez and the late Chandler Herrera egap. My great maternal grandparents are the late Slyvia Taylor Valdez egap and Shirley Esparza egap.

 I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday! During the last couple of months following my crowning I have had the absolute honor and privilege of representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. I have also had the privilege of attending many events during these months. I would like to share the following events with you.

• Southern Ute Indian Tribal Fair: I was crowned during this event and started my reign.
• Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo: This was the first ever rodeo I attended.  I enjoyed watching all the categories, and I hope to attend many more.
• Vigil Memorial Walk/Run: I participated in the walk as well and helped announce the raffle winners.
• Public Speaking Class: I was invited to this event by the SCSYAC and learned how to be a better public speaker.
• Etiquette Class: The SCSYAC invited me to a class where I learned about social and dinner table manners.
• Boarding School Presentation: I gave a welcome speech as well as prayer for this event. It was very informative, and I thank Fabian Martinez for putting on this event.
• Uncompahgre Powwow: I gave a welcome speech as well as participated in intertribals.
• 25^th Growth Fund Anniversary: It was wonderful to see everyone who has contributed to 25 years as well as the Tribe’s business partners.
• Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner: I was invited by SMHW. I found this very informative. It was also a great pleasure to meet survivors of breast cancer.
• Shiprock Fair and Powwow: I attended the Navajo Nations Fair Powwow and participated in Grand Entry as well as intertribals.
• Sip Chat and Chew October: I helped serve food. It’s always a pleasure to see our Ute Mountain Ute relatives.
• Helped host Jr Miss Pageant: I was the emcee for this event and helped crown the Jr misses with my fellow Miss Southern Ute Alternate.
• Cowboy Parade: I walked in this event with my other royalty. It was an honor to be able to represent the Tribe.
• Leandra Litz SCSYAC Inauguration: I attended the swearing in for Miss. Litz it was an honor to see her take this oath of office.
• Dartmouth Indigenous Peoples Day Demonstration: I was so grateful to be able to represent the Tribe in the state of New Hampshire at Dartmouth College. The night before Indigenous Peoples Day, Native students visiting Dartmouth for the IFI fly-in program go to the “Green” and share stories and songs from back home, these stories represent tribes from all over the U.S., I gave a speech and wished everyone a Happy Indigenous Peoples Day.
• 41 Annual Aises Powwow: I traveled to Colorado State University to attend this powwow where I gave a welcome speech and danced in intertribals.
• Elders Association Sunrises: I was invited by the Elders Committee and participated in this blessing. I would like to thank the Committee for this invitation as well as those who prayed for us.
• Juniper School Dance Demonstration: I gave a dance exhibition to the students of Juniper. It was amazing to see them so interested in our culture.
• Veterans Celebration Breakfast: It was a great honor to be able to talk to our Veterans.
• Ute Mountain Ute Council Inauguration: I would like to thank the outgoing council for their dedication and work to our sister tribe. I would like to congratulate the new council members.
• Bayfield High School Veterans Day Breakfast: I invited the Southern Ute Veterans Association to breakfast at my school. I was so honored and happy when they arrived. During this I gave a speech that I prepared for this day.
• MPF Veterans Day Breakfast: I attended this meal and thanked all of our veterans in our community for their service.
• Veterans Powwow: I attended our community powwow and participated by dancing and giving speeches. I would like to take this time to thank the veterans who fought for my freedom for their service. I am very thankful that you are here with us today. May creator bless you and your family. I would also like to take a moment to mention those veterans who have passed on or who never came home. As well as families of veterans who support them.
• Rock Your Mocs: It was so lovely to see the SUIMA students with their moccasins and shirts. I was the emcee for this event.
• Tribal Thanksgiving Meal: I helped serve the food as well as giving a welcome speech. It was a wonderful event I would like to thank the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Casino for making this event possible.
• Round Dance at Durango High School: I enjoyed dancing with the Durango community.
• Rock Your Mocs Ignacio: Royalty was invited by Ignacio’s NAYO group to present our moccasins and what they mean to us.
• SUIMA Dance Demonstration: Royalty gave a dance demonstration to the SUIMA students. All the students participated and were so kind, I enjoyed this event!
• Pueblo Dancers Demonstration: I started with a welcome speech; it was an honor to be able to watch this dance.
• Nuggets Halftime Show: This was a great honor to be able to dance at this event. I was so happy to see members of the Southern Ute Indian be able to dance as well. I would like to thank the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ignacio High School Basketball team for this opportunity.
• Mercy Hospital Dance Demonstration: It was wonderful to be able to display our culture to the workers of the hospital. I was so thankful for this as well as their hospitality.
• Ignacio Middle School Dance Demonstration: I was able to give a dance demonstration and speech.
• Reading with Nuuuchiu: I enjoyed reading to the attendees and had a great time participating in educations events.
• Fort Duchesne Thanksgiving Powwow: I had a great time attending this event. I was excited to be able to visit our sister tribe in Utah.

I am so grateful to be able to hold this title, I look forward to 2026 and continuing my representation of the Southern Ute People, traditions, and culture! Thank you for your time. Have a great day!

Zuriah K. Baker
Miss Southern Ute
2025-2026

Miss Southern Ute Alternate Quarterly Report

Maykh Puan! Greeting relatives near and far,

Maykh,

My name is Autumn Sage and I am the 2025-2026 Miss Southern Ute Alternate. My Ute name is Pachukwi (River Otter). I am 21 years old and currently attending Pueblo Community College, working towards an associate’s degree in general education. My parents are Roger Sage Jr and Lynnette Sage, and my brother is Derek Sage. My grandparents on my father’s side are Roger Sage, Christine Sage, and the late Vera Mae Cuthair. On my mother’s side, my grandparents are the late Leonard C. Burch and the late Irene C. Burch.

I am honored to serve as the Miss Southern Ute Alternate. This year marks my sixth year representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as an ambassador. It has been a privilege to represent the Southern Ute membership, and I am proud to be part of the Royalty Court for the 2025-2026 year. I would like to provide the tribal membership with an update on my participation in events and travels from September to November. I sincerely thank the Royalty Committee and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for granting me this incredible opportunity.

September 2025

• I was crowned Miss Southern Ute Alternate at the 103rd Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Powwow. I participated in the fair parade, as well as all the grand entries and inter-tribals.
• Attended the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo.
• Public Speaking class held at Fort Lewis College.

October 2025

• Royalty participated in the Durango Cowboy Parade.
• I attended the Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner hosted by Shining Mountain Health and Wellness at the Sky Ute Casino.
• The Royalty Committee hosted a pageant for the Jr. Miss title, and we crowned Jr Miss Shayne White Thunder and Jr Miss Alternate Cyana WhiteSkunk.
• I attended the Sip Chat and Chew for October.
• I attended the 25th Growth Fund Anniversary at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds.
• The Royalty attended Leandra Litz’s SCSYAC Inauguration in November.
• I attended a dance performance at Needham Elementary in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
• I attend the Veterans Powwow at Ignacio High School.
• The royalty also helped serve the elders.
• I attended the Veterans Day celebration at the LCB Building.
• Rock Your Mocs event hosted by the Cultural Department at the Museum.
• I attended the annual Tribal Thanksgiving Dinner held at the Sky Ute Casino.
• The royalty attended the Native American Arts Market Round Dance at Durango High School.
• The royalty was requested to read to the community students, which was hosted by the Education Department.
• Rock Your Mocs at Ignacio High School, where royalty explained their tribal regalia.
• Leandra Litz asked if the royalty could attend a field dressing at Ignacio High School, which I participated in.
• The Royalty was asked to attend an event at Ignacio High School, where Stoney White Thunder sang, and the royalty and heritage dancers performed.
• The Royalty attended a dance demonstration at SUIMA.
• I attended a dance performance in celebration of Native American Heritage Month at Bayfield Elementary.
• The royalty was requested to attend the Po’Pay’s Pueblo Dancers Event at the Southern Ute Museum.
• Royalty participated in a dance performance during the Denver Nuggets Halftime Show for Native American Heritage Night at Ball Arena.
• I participated in a dance demonstration at Mercy Hospital.

I’ve had some wonderful experiences so far in my reign. I promise to do my best as Miss Southern Ute Alternate and uphold my crown and title with dignity and respect. I want to thank my family, friends, tribal membership, and the Royalty Committee for their support. I look forward to the upcoming events and powwows.

Tog’oiak’

Autumn Sage
Miss Southern Ute Alternate
2025-2026

Jr. Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report

Mique Nuuchiu,

My name is Shayne Morning Star White Thunder. My Ute name is Tөmөsi’iru “Winter Rose.”  My grandmother Mikki gave me that name because I was born in winter and the rose signifies our people. My Cheyenne name is Azem’heh “Rearing Woman.”  I am named after my Nishgit (grandma) Bobbie.

I am 11 years old, and I attend school at Escalante Middle School in Durango, Colo. in the 6th grade. My mother is Heather White Thunder, and my father is Seth Roubideaux. My paternal grandmother is Mikki Naranjo, and my great-grandparents are the late Eugene Naranjo and the late Dixie Naranjo. My maternal grandparents are Bobbie White Thunder from El Reno, Okla., and the late Ross Denny. I come from the Moache-Capote bands, and I am also Cheyenne and Arapaho, Lakota, and Oneida from my mother’s side. 

On October 16, I participated in the Junior Miss Pageant. I was crowned as the new Junior Miss Southern Ute for 2025-2026! I’m excited to begin my reign and represent as best as I can. I take pride in being a positive role model and being a voice for our youth. It is very important that we keep our traditions and culture strong. I am also a council member of the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council.

The following are events that I have attended and participated in this quarter:

October 2025

• October 16: Participated in Junior Miss Pageant.
• October 30: Attended Swearing-in Ceremony SCSYAC member – Leandra Litz.

November 2025

November 4: Attended and danced at Juniper School in Durango, Colo.

November 7: Attended and danced at Needham Elementary School in Durango, Colo.

November 13: Attended and danced at Bayfield Primary School in Bayfield, Colo.

November 14: Attended the Roc your Mocs event at the Southern Ute Museum. I presented the different styles of moccasins I wear to attendees.

November 15: I greeted and introduced myself at the Southern Ute Annual Thanksgiving Dinner to tribal members and guests. I helped pass out dinner plates to elders. When that concluded my family and I went to the Durango Native American PAG Round Dance. It was fun dancing with my brother Curtis and my friends with other Royalty.

November 17: All Royalty took a group photo

November 18: Attended and read to younger students at the Education Center Night with Nuuciu event.

November 22: Attended and danced at the Denver Nuggets half time show for Native American Heritage night. It was so fun and exciting. Thank you to those who made this happen.

November 27-29: My mom, sister, and I traveled to Fort Duchesne, Utah to attend and dance at the annual Ute Tribe Thanksgiving Powwow. This powwow is one of my favorites.

I have enjoyed my time so far, and I look forward to more travels and representing the Tribe. Remember to always be kind and respect one another. Always have good intentions in your heart. Stay warm and safe this winter and Happy Holidays!

Tog’oiak’

Shayne Morning Star White Thunder
Junior Miss Southern Ute
2025-2026

Jr. Miss Southern Ute Alternate Quarterly Report

Maykw, my name is Cyana House Whiteskunk, I’m the newly crown Jr. Miss Southern Ute Alternate, 2025-26. My Ute name is Muchtachi, which means hummingbird, given to me by my grandma Lorrain House from Towaoc. My parents are Daisy House Eagle and Henry Whiteskunk. My brother is Henry Elkriver Whiteskunk II. My maternal grandparents are Linda Eagle and Bradley Hight. My Paternal grandparents are Willette Thompson and the late Edward Whiteskunk. I’m 12 years old and I’m in the 6th grade at Ignacio Middle School.

My first Quartey report as 2025-2026 Jr. Miss Alternate:

October:

• Oct. 16, I was crowned at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility during the Jr. Miss and Jr. Miss Alternate pageant.
• Oct. 17 – I attended the October Sip, Chat, and Chew. I greeted fellow tribal members as well as our sister tribe.

November:

• Nov. 22 – I attended the Denver Nuggets game and danced in the half time show along with my fellow royalty and the heritage dancers.
• Nov. 25 – I attended the dance performance held at the middle school on behalf of Native American Heritage Month.

December:

• Dec. 13 – I attended the Tribal Christmas Dinner and the Christmas Program.
• Dec. 19 – I attended the December Sip, Chat, and Chew held at the Multi-Purpose Facility. I greeted the tribal membership and visitors, and I helped get plates of food for elders.

This concludes my first quarterly report serving as Jr. Miss Southern Ute Alternate, 2025-26. I enjoyed all the performances and events that I attended. I enjoyed the events I attended and am looking forward to upcoming events and powwows. I also want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! May you all receive the gifts and blessings of this Holiday Season!

Cyana House Whiteskunk
Jr. Miss Southern Ute Alternate
2025-26

Little Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report

Maykh Nuuchiu,

I would like to say happy holidays to each and every one of you, I wish you all a happy new years and I hope your holidays are full of love.

My name is Starlitt Greany. My Ute name is Sanapukuraachi. I am the Little Miss Southern Ute for 2025-26. I’m six years old and I attend school at the Southern Ute Montessori Academy.

My mother is Dominika Joy, my father is Bryan Greany. My siblings are Theoden Greany and Mykel-Zain Greany. My grandma is Ella Ramos. My Great Grandma was the late Ann Weaver. My Great grandpa is Hardy Joy. My Paternal Grandpa was the late Clifton “Butch” Greany. My father’s lineage comes from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma.

September

• September 12: I was Crowned at the 2025 Southern Ute Fair and Powwow.
• September 19 and 20: I attended the Southern Ute Rodeo.
• September 24: I attended the pageant for Miss Indigenous San Juan College.
• September 26-28: I attended Morongo Thunder and Lightning Powwow in Cabazon, Calif.

October

• Oct. 4: I Ayacon Blacklight Powwow in Denver.
• Oct. 10-13: My Brother Southern Ute brave Theoden Greany and I were invited to The Museum of Indigenous People in Prescott, Ariz. to share our dance styles with the people of Prescott, Ariz.
• Oct. 11: I attended the Phoenix Indian Center gourd dance and social powwow in Phoenix, Ariz.
• Oct. 16: Southern Ute Royalty Committee hosted a special pageant for the Junior Miss Southern Ute title which I attended.
• Oct 18:  I attended the Red Earth Powwow in Oklahoma City.
• Oct. 23: I attended the Bison Field Dressing at the bison pasture in Ignacio.
• Oct. 25: I attended the Red Ribbon Week Youth dance in Clinton, Okla. Where I placed 2nd in Jr girls traditional.
• Oct. 26: I attended the 6th annual youth powwow in Moore, Okla.
• Oct. 30: I attended the swearing in of Leandra Litz to the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council.

November

• Nov 4: I danced with the heritage dancers for a presentation at Juniper School in Durango, Colo.
• Nov 5 I attended the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Inauguration in Towaoc, Colo.
• Nov 8-9: I attended the Community Veterans Powwow in Ignacio.
• Nov 13: I attended a heritage dance performance at Bayfield Primary School in Bayfield, Colo.
• Nov 14: I attended the Roc your Mocs event hosted by the Cultural Department.
• Nov 15: I attended our Southern Ute Tribal Thanksgiving dinner.
• Nov 15: I attended the Native American Round Dance in Durango, Colo.
• Nov 18: I attended the Night with Nuuchiu hosted by the Education Department in Ignacio, where I had a lot of fun reading to everyone.
• Nov 19: I attended a royalty presentation and dance at SUIMA.
• Nov 20: I attended the Po’Pay’s Pueblo Dancers presentation.
• Nov 22: I performed for the Denver Nuggets halftime show.
• Nov 24: I shared my dance style alongside heritage dancers at Mercy Medical Center in Durango, Colo.
• Nov 25: I performed at Ignacio High School.
• Nov 25: I performed at the Ignacio Middle School with the heritage dancers.
• Nov. 28-30: I attended the Cabazon powwow in Indio, Calif., Where I placed 4th in Jr girls traditional.

Starlitt Greany
Little Miss Southern Ute
2025-2026

Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate Quarterly Report

Maykh’ Nuchu, family and friends, 

My Name KaiLanii Kamea Pearl Graham and I am the 2025-26 Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate. I am six years old, I attend Needham Elementary in Durango, Colo. as a first grader. My mother is Shiann Graham (Baker), my father is Neki Graham. My maternal grandparents are Dorene Baker & Leslie Weaver. My paternal grandparents are Loucinda Graham also of Jeddito, Ariz. & Jacob Graham of Marjuo (capitol of the Marshal Islands). I come from the Mouache and Capota bands, and a direct descendant of Buckskin Charlie. I am an enrolled Southern Ute member, I am also Diné and Marshallese (Hawaiian). 

This is my first quarterly report. I am honored to have attended these events in the first few months of my reign. I look forward to the new year and events to come.  

September 

• Our Annual Southern Ute Fair Parade & Powwow 
• I helped with the royalty dinner and entered the parade. I partook in Grand Entry and inter-tribals for the remainder of the weekend.  
• The Southern Ute Fair Rodeo. All of us representatives attended both days of the rodeo. 
• Durango’s annual Cowboy Parade. I attended this event with my fellow representatives Miss Southern Ute and Miss Southern Ute Alternate.  

October

• Phoenix Indian Center, “Our people must keep dancing” Gourd Dance & Social Powwow. I attended this event with my family. 
• Southern Ute Royalty Committee Junior Miss Pageant. My representatives and I attended the pageant & crowning of our Jr. Miss & Jr. Miss Alternate. 
• The Southern Ute Multi-Purpose monthly Sip, Chat & Chew.  

November

• Elders Committee Fall sunrise blessing at the SUCCM. 
• Juniper School performance for NAHM. Southern Ute Royalty and the Southern Ute heritage dancers. 
• Needham Elementary School also for NAHM. Southern Ute Royalty and the So. Ute heritage dancers. 
• Southern Ute Veterans Powwow. I attended this for the whole weekend with other representatives. 
• Culture Preservation Departments Roc your Mocs event. 
• Ignacio Elementary & Middle School.
• The Po’Pay’s pueblo dancers at the SUCCM. 
• Annual Tribal Thanksgiving dinner. 
• Durango High School Round Dance & Art Market. 
• Mercy Hospital for NAHM.
• Denver Nuggets NAHM half time show.

December

• Annual Tribal Dinner & Christmas Program. 

It has been an honor to attend these events and showcase our culture and connect with people. I look forward to the new year and the events I plan to attend. I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Toghoyaqh, 

KaiLanii Graham
Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate 
2025-26 

Southern Ute Brave Quarterly Report

Maykh Nuuchiu,

Hello, I hope all the Southern Ute tribal membership and rest of the community has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. I’m thankful to have my community’s love and support.

My name is Theoden Greany. I am the Southern Ute Brave for 2025-26. I’m seven years old and I attend school at the Southern Ute Montessori Academy. My mother is Dominika Joy, my father is Bryan Greany. My siblings are Starlitt Greany and Mykel-Zain Greany. My grandma is Ella Ramos. My Great Grandma was the late Ann Weaver. My Great grandpa is Hardy Joy. My Paternal Grandpa was the late Clifton “Butch” Greany. My father’s lineage comes from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma.

September

• September 12: I was sashed at the 2025 Southern Ute Fair and Powwow.
• September 19 and 20: I attended the Southern Ute Rodeo.
• September 24: I attended the pageant for Miss Indigenous San Juan College.
• September 26-28: I attended Morongo Thunder and Lightning Powwow in Cabazon, Calif. where I placed 2nd in Jr boys Fancy.

October

• Oct. 4: I Ayacon Blacklight Powwow in Denver, where I placed 1st in headman dancer Marcus Cyrus’s hat and boot special.
• Oct. 10-13: My sister Little Miss Southern Ute Starlitt Greany and I were invited to The Museum of Indigenous People in Prescott, Ariz. to share our dance styles with the people of Prescott, Ariz.
• Oct. 11: I attended the Phoenix Indian Center gourd dance and social powwow in Phoenix, Ariz. I enjoyed dancing in the street clothes special, as well as being able to catch up with a few of our Southern Ute tribal members who live in the Phoenix area.
• Oct. 16: Southern Ute Royalty Committee hosted a special pageant for the Junior Miss Southern Ute title which I attended.
• Oct 18:  I attended the Red Earth Powwow in Oklahoma City, where I placed 1st in Jr boys Fancy and received consolation in headman Jacoby Shawnee’s Headboy special (Hackles vs Eagle Bustle- all ages fancy dance special).
• Oct. 23: I attended the Bison Field Dressing at the bison pasture in Ignacio.
• Oct. 25: I attended the Red Ribbon Week Youth dance in Clinton, Okla. Where I placed 1st in Jr boys fancy.
• Oct. 26: I attended the 6th annual youth powwow in Moore, Okla. Where I placed 1st in Jr boys chicken.
• Oct. 30: I attended the swearing in of Leandra Litz to the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council.

November

• Nov 4: I danced with the heritage dancers for a presentation at Juniper School in Durango, Colo.
• Nov 5: I attended the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Inauguration in Towaoc, Colo.
• Nov 8-9: I attended the Community Veterans Powwow in Ignacio, Colo.
• Nov 13: I attended a heritage dance performance at Bayfield Primary School in Bayfield, Colo.
• Nov 14: I attended the Roc your Mocs event hosted by the Cultural Department.
• Nov 14: I attended La Cosecha Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M. where I placed 1st in Teen Boys Fancy and 3rd in Headman Jasiah Whitegoat’s all ages grass dance special.
• Nov 15: I attended our Southern Ute Tribal Thanksgiving Dinner.
• Nov 15: I attended the Native American Round Dance in Durango, Colo.
• Nov 18: I attended the Night with Nuuchiu hosted by the Education Department in Ignacio.
• Nov 19: I attended a royalty presentation and dance at SUIMA.
• Nov 20: I attended the Po’Pay’s Pueblo Dancers Presentation.
• Nov 22: I performed for the Denver Nuggets halftime show for my 2nd year in Denver, Colo.
• Nov 24: I shared my dance style alongside heritage dancers at Mercy Medical Center in Durango, Colo.
• Nov 25: I performed at Ignacio High School.
• Nov 25: I performed at the Ignacio Middle School with the heritage dancers.
• Nov. 28-30: I attended the Cabazon powwow in Indio, Calif, Where I placed 1st in Jr boys Fancy.

Theoden Greany
Southern Ute Brave
2025-2026