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Current 2024 – 2025 Southern Ute Royalty
Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report
Maykh’ Hello
My name is Maleina Carel and I’m currently the Miss Southern Ute for 2024-2025. I’m 17 years old and I’m currently in the 11th grade. My bands are Mouche-Capote and Weenuche. My maternal grandparents are Hardy Joy Sr. and the late Anna Weaver egap. My great grandparents on my paternal grandparent’s side are James Price Sr. and Linda Lopez of Towaoc, Colorado. My paternal grandparents are the late Vernest and Marlene Price Carel egap. My parents are Marie Joy Carel, and my father is Vern Carel. I also have an older sister Rhianna Carel.
This year I have the honor to serve on The Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council.
I would like to share my quarterly report of the events that I have attended for the months of December, January and February.
December 2024
I attended our Tribal Christmas dinner, and the royalty were requested to do the Lord’s Prayer in sign language and later that day I traveled to Dulce, NM to their Department of Youth Christmas pow wow. I got to watch and welcome their newly crowned Department of Youth Pow wow princess Mia Maestes, I attended the End of Council Term Celebration for Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud and Council member Vanessa Torres, on December 16, I attended the Inauguration Ceremony for James M. Olguin and Linda K. Baker, I helped Tribal Information Services department with filling candy bags for the Tribal Christmas program and my final requested event was from the Tribal Information Services department to judge the holiday department Christmas decorated doors, Christmas trees and office cubicles. This was a fun event and I enjoyed seeing all the Christmas festive decorations and the creativity of these different departments. I also attended the Ugly sweater contest that same day.
January 2025
I traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended “Dancing for Strength & Prosperity” NYE Gourd dance & Social Powwow Celebration on December 31st, I attended the Ft. Lewis College VS Navajo Tech women and men’s games that were held at the Sun Ute Community Center here in Ignacio for the Native American Heritage NCAA games, Sip Chat and Chew for the month of January at the Multipurpose facility, I traveled to White Mesa, Utah for their Winter Round Dance, I attended the swearing in of a Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council for Zuriah Baker and my last requested event was for the Multi-purpose Facility for The Honor our Youth Pow wow.
That was a fun pow wow and I enjoyed watching the youth dance and
was excited to see some of the youth lead and learn the ways to carry the flags during the grand entry with the help from our Southern Ute Veterans Association members.
February 2025
My last month of events for this quarterly report. I traveled and attended the sweetheart Gourd dance and Social pow wow that was held by the Sleeping Ute Diabetes Program, Ute Mountain Ute Royalty, Ute Mountain Ute Eider’s Committee and SWCAHEC. It was a fun pow wow and I enjoyed spending the evening with our sister tribe. Myself and the Jr. Miss Southern Ute were requested to tell a story at the Museum in honor of Ute storytelling, I participated and attended the Muti-Purpose facility Sweetheart Community pow wow and lastly, I traveled and attended the Fort Duchesne Round dance in Ft. Duchesne, Utah. This was a two-day event it was hosted by Brooke and Emma Powaukee Kanip. Emma is currently the U.B.I.C Native American Queen. I really enjoyed myself they were very welcoming and two days of round dancing was so fun. Just being around their community and spending time with the sister tribe is what I love they are all so nice and their hospitality goes over and beyond. It was a blessing to be there and I was very honored to attend this event.
This concludes my quarterly report of my travels and participation during these three months. As always, I enjoy traveling and I do try to attend new events. I love meeting new people and learning new things as I go. Thank you for your time and I hope you all have enjoyed my report.
Tog’oiak’
Malenia Carel
Miss Southern Ute
2024-2025
Jr. Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report
Mayqkh Pinonuuchiu puan,
Greetings my name is Leandra Litz I am the 2024-2025 Junior Miss Southern Ute. My Ute name is Thunder Cloud Young Lady given to me by my auntie Hilda Burch. I am Southern Ute and Navajo. I come from the Mouache and Capote bands and I come from the Mexican Clan (mother’s clan) and Zuni Edge Water Clan (maternal grandfathers clan).
My mom is Alyssa Nez, and my dad is Leandro Litz. I have three little brothers: Dwight, Jr and Tavach Litz. My paternal grandparents are Nicole Lansing and the late Randall Litz. My paternal great-grandparents are Judy Burch Lansing, the late Dwight Lansing, Alethea Gunn and the late Gilbert Litz. My maternal grandparents are Fannie Yazzie and Darrell Nez.
I attend Ignacio High School and participated in basketball. During the basketball season I was nominated by my sophomore class as Snowcoming Princess, that was very exciting. I currently sit on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, where I represent this district. I am very grateful to be serving as Junior Miss Southern Ute and I have had a great experience so far whilst representing! I enjoy meeting new people and sharing information about our Tribe. I am super excited to share the events I attended off and on the reservation! I hope you all enjoy reading. Safe travels and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
December 2024
- 10: Leonard C. Burch Walk, Ignacio, Colo.
- 14: Southern Ute Tribal Christmas Dinner & Program, Ignacio, Colo.
- 20: Sip, Chat and Chew, Ignacio,
- 23: Tribal Christmas tree, door, and cubicle contest for Permanent Fund. (I was a judge) Ignacio,
- 24: Towaoc Christmas Social Powwow, Towaoc,
- 31: New Years Eve Celebration at Multi-Purpose Facility, Ignacio,
January 2025
- 1: New Year Prayer and Sobriety Walk, Ignacio,
- 1: Jingle Bells Walk, Towaoc,
- 4: FLC vs Navajo Tech Nabi game at SunUte, Ignacio,
- 17: Sip, Chat and Chew, Ignacio,
- 25: Multi-Purpose Powwow, Ignacio,
February 2025
- 8: Ute Story Telling, Southern Ute Museum, Ignacio,
- 14: Sip, Chat and Chew, Ignacio,
- 15: Sweetheart Community Powwow, Ignacio,
March 2025
- 8: Earl Marriott Semiahmoo First Nation Community Powwow, Vancouver, B.C. This travel was very special, it was my first time leaving the country. I was honored to represent the Southern Ute Tribe at this Powwow. I gave out a few gifts at the powwow.
- 14: Sip, Chat and Chew, Ignacio,
- 15: Multi-Purpose Facility Community Powwow, Ignacio,
Leandra Litz
Jr. Miss Southern Ute
2024-2025
Little Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report
Mique Nuuchiu,
My name is Malia Nakohe’ Menoh (Digging Bear) White Thunder. My Ute name is Yuvanasi’ru “Autumn Rose.” My grandmother Mikki gave me that name because I was born in Autumn, and the rose signifies our people. I am the current 2024-2025 Little Miss Southern Ute.
I am nine years old, and I attend school at Florida Mesa Elementary in Durango, Colo. in the third 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.
This is quarterly report as the 2024-2025 Little Miss Southern Ute for the months of December 2024 – February 2025.
December 2024
- 2: All of the Royalty and some Heritage dancers came to my school to do a performance for the students. My sister Shayne wanted this to happen at our school and worked hard to make it happen.
- 5: All Royalty took pictures at the museum and our individual pictures for the website and other purposes.
- 7: Attended the Round Dance at Durango High School and also got to see all of the cool crafts people were selling.
- 14: Attended the annual Tribal Christmas Dinner Program. I greeted everyone who came and served the elders. I did the Lord’s Prayer in sign language with the other Royalty and at the end we passed out candy bags.
January 2025
- 4: Attended the Fort Lewis vs. Navajo Tech basketball game at SunUte. Thank you to Leandra and her mom for taking me.
- 24: Attended the SCSYAC council Member, Zuriah Baker swearing-in ceremony.
- 25: Attended and danced at the January Community Powwow at the MPF.
February 2025
- 15: Attended and danced at the February Community Round Dance and Powwow
This is my first year as Royalty and it’s been really fun! I want to thank my family and my mom who take me to the events, sew and bead for me, and support me. I can’t wait for spring and Bear Dance!
Tog’oiak’
Malia Nakohe’ Menoh White Thunder
Little Miss Southern Ute
2024-2025
Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate Quarterly Report
Maykh’ Nuchu,
Greetings, my name is Olyvia Winter-Fawn Watts, and currently representing as this year’s Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate. I am 10 years old and in fourth grade at Ignacio Elementary. I am a member of the Ignacio Elementary Student Council and currently involved in volleyball, and basketball.
My father is Orion Watts, my mother is Jalisa Paul, and my older brother is Orion Watts Jr. My paternal grandparents are Bo Watts and Laurie Monte. My maternal grandparents are Jimmy Paul (deceased) and Tara Vigil.
It’s hard to believe it has been 6 months. I have gotten more comfortable with public speaking and interacting with my people. I’ve had so much fun so far and look forward to the events coming up this spring. Below is a list of events and travels I have had the pleasure to participate in this second quarter.
December 2024
- 2: Florida Mesa Elementary School Performance which was our last performance for Native American Heritage Month in support of Shayne White Thunder.
- 5: Royalty Photos were taken this day, if you have time, please check them out on the Southern Ute Royalty website.
- 7: Native American Arts Market and Round Dance at Durango High School. I love to round dance, and I was happy to see my Aunt Tyla Frost and Elisia Cruz selling at the market.
- 14: Southern Ute Tribal Christmas Dinner and Program. During the dinner, I greeted the membership and helped serve my elders. During the program, we performed The Lord’s Prayer in sign Language and passed out candy bags.
- 31: New Years Eve Celebration and Potluck at the Multipurpose Facility.
January 2025
- 4: Fort Lewis vs. Navajo Tech Basketball Game at SunUte.
- 24: Youth Council Swearing in Ceremony for Zuriah Baker.
- 25: Honor our Youth Powwow at The Multi-Purpose Facility.
February 2025
- Jan 31st – Feb. 1st– Seminole Tribal Fair & Powwow in Hollywood Florida. This has been my favorite powwow so far. I was happy to run into Sheila Nanaeto and dance with my Aunt Tricia. I also want to say a huge thank you to The Ft. Duchesne Fourth of July Powwow Princess for taking me under her wing during the Grand Entries.
- Sweetheart Community Powwow at the Multi-Purpose Facility.
I would like to thank everyone for all your support. From my family for guiding me and traveling with me, to my peers for always cheering me on. Have a safe and blessed day.
Tog’oiak’,
Olyvia Watts
Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate
2024-2025
Southern Ute Brave Quarterly Report
Maykh Nuuchiu,
I hope you are doing well; my name is Theoden Greany. I am the Southern Ute Brave for 2024-2025. 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 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 linage comes from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma.
December 2024
- 3, I attended a Native American Heritage Event at Florida Mesa Elementary, where I showcased my fancy dancing.
- 7, I attended the 3rd annual round dance in Durango, Colo. I had fun dancing alongside fellow royalties Little Miss Southern Ute, Malia Whitethunder and Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate, Olyvia Watts, and Ute Mountain Ute Little Brave, Jai’markus Height.
- 10, I attended Leanard C. Burch day alongside fellow royalty Jr Miss Southern Ute, Leandra Litz. I’m thankful for everything Mr. Burch contributed to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe; as well as everything his daughters continue to contribute to the Tribe.
- 14, I attended the Tribal Christmas Dinner. Where I was thankful to be able to sign the lord’s prayer and sing with SUIMA.
- Dec 24, I attended the Towaoc Christmas Social Powwow; where I had tons of fun dancing.
- 31, I attended the Mile High New Years Eve powwow in Denver. It was a great way to bring in the new year!
January 2025
- 5: I attended the NABI FLC vs Navajo Tech basketball game at the SunUte in Ignacio, Colo.
- 17: I attended the monthly Sip, Chat and Chew.
- 18: I attended the White Mesa Winter round dance in White Mesa, Utah. I had a lot of fun dancing alongside Southern Ute Veterans Day princess, Miss Avikan and Miss Utah Navajo.
- 24: I attended the Swearing in ceremony for Sunshine Youth Council Member, Zuriah Baker.
- 25: I attended the Honor our Youth powwow, hosted by the MPF.
February 2025
- I attended the monthly Sip, Chat and Chew, hosted by MPF.
- 14: I attended the Jicarilla Day Contest Powwow, in Dulce, N.M. I had a good time dancing with some of the friends I have made on the powwow trail.
- 15: I attended the Sweetheart Community Powwow hosted by MPF. I also danced in the two-step contest with fellow royalty Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate, Olyvia Watts.
- 22: I attended the Arizona Two Spirit Powwow in Phoenix, Ariz. Where I was honored to show my support for the two-spirit community as an ally. I also placed third in a combined all ages fancy dance special.
March 2025
- I attended the monthly Sip, Chat, and Chew hosted by MPF.
- 13: I attended a MMIW walk in honor of Emily Pike hosted by AIBL at Fort Lewis College. I was extremely thankful that the event was hosted as MMIW is a very serious issue that impacts the Indigenous community. I would also like to send my condolences to the family of Emily Pike.
- 15: I attended the MPF last community powwow. I had such a great time at all three powwows and would like to thank Elise Redd and the rest of the MPF staff for their hard work and time that went into hosting these community powwows.
Thank you to the membership and community for your support and encouragement thus far. I’m enjoying representing the Southern Ute Brave title and sharing my dancing at various events.
I also would like to invite young men to attend the “Inspiring Young Male Dancers Workshop” Hosted my myself, UMU Little Brave, Jai’markus Height, UMU Young Warrior, Kiowon Cantsee and last year’s Southern Ute Brave Henry Whiteskunk II on April 13, at the Multi-Purpose Facility at 10 a.m.
Theoden Greany
Southern Ute Brave
2024-2025
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