Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Royalty

Welcome to Southern Ute Royalty. For more information, visit royalty committee.

Current 2023-2024 Southern Ute Royalty

2023-2024 Royalty (left to right): Miss Southern Ute - Autumn Sage, Junior Miss Southern Ute - Maleina Carel, Little Miss Southern Ute - Shayne White Thunder, Southern Ute Brave Alternate – Theoden Greany, Southern Ute Brave – Henry Whiteskunk II
2023-2024 Royalty (left to right): Miss Southern Ute – Autumn Sage, Junior Miss Southern Ute – Maleina Carel, Little Miss Southern Ute – Shayne White Thunder, Southern Ute Brave Alternate – Theoden Greany, Southern Ute Brave – Henry Whiteskunk II

 

Miss Southern Ute 2023 Autumn Sage
Miss Southern Ute 2023-2024 – Autumn Sage

Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report

Maykh,

My name is Autumn Rain Sage and I am the 2023-2024 Miss Southern Ute.

My Ute name is Pachukwi (River Otter), I am 19 years old, and I graduated this year from Ignacio High School. My parents are Roger Sage Jr. and Lynnette Sage. My paternal grandparents are Roger Sage (Christine Baker Sage) and the late Vera Mae Cuthair. My maternal grandparents are the late Leonard C. Burch and the late Irene C. Burch.

I am honored to be crowned Miss Southern Ute for 2023-2024 and representing the Southern Ute Tribe. I have been busy since my crowning at our 101st. annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair. I would like to update the Southern Ute Tribal community on the events and powwows I have attended.

I have attended the following functions:

September 2023:

9/8 – 9/10 – Crowned and began my reign as Miss Southern Ute at our 101 Southern Ute Tribal Fair held at the Sky Ute Fair Grounds.

9/15 – 9/16 – Attended the Southern Ute Tribal Fair: Rodeo

9/29 – Attended the N7 Fort Lewis Soccer game and participated in a Bear Dance presentation.

9/30 – Attended the 18th annual Totah Drums of Fall Powwow in Aztec, N.M.

October 2023: 

10/9 – Attended the Indigenous Day Gourd Dance located in Towaoc, Colo.

10/10 – I took part in a Round Dance presentation demonstrated to the tribal children at the Southern Ute Montessori Academy.

10/10 – Attended the Wanbli Ota Social Dance located at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.

10/20 – Attended the doe field dressing held at the Southern Ute Montessori Academy.

10/21 – 10/22 – Attended the Red Canyon Powwow located in Moab, Utah.

10/31 – Participated in the Community Halloween Carnival at the Sky Ute Event Center.

November 2023

11/2 – Attended the Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner hosted by Shining Mountain Health and Wellness.

11/3 – Attended the Fort Lewis meet and greet with the FLC men’s and women’s basketball teams.

11/4 – Attended the FLC vs Haskell Native American Heritage Game at the Sun Ute Community Center.

11/11 – Attended the Veteran’s Day Powwow and helped serve food at the dinner.

11/15 – Attended the “Rock Your Mocs” event located in the Hall of Warriors in the LCB building.

11/15 – Participated in a Native American Heritage Dance performance at the Ignacio Middle School.

11/15 – Participated in Powwow Dance lessons at the Southern Ute Montessori Academy.

11/16 – Attended and participated in a Native American Heritage Dance performance at the Bayfield Primary School.

11/17 – Attended James M. Olguin’s last day reception.

11/17 – Participated in a Native American Heritage Presentation at Sunnyside Elementary.

11/18 – Attended the Southern Ute Tribal Thanksgiving Dinner.

11/21 – Participated in a Native American Heritage Month dance performance at Ignacio Middle School.

11/23 – 11/24 – Attended the Thanksgiving Powwow in Fort Duchesne, Utah.

11/29 – Showcased a dance presentation at the Southern Ute Montessori Academy for the Eagle Wing/FLC drum group.

This concludes my quarterly report this far into my reign. I enjoyed meeting and socializing with the community during these events. I would like to thank my family, friends, and the tribal membership for supporting me. I look forward to upcoming and future events and powwows.

Tog’oiak’

Autumn Sage
Miss Southern Ute 2023 – 2024

 

Jr. Miss Southern Ute 2023 - 2024 Maleina Carel
Jr. Miss Southern Ute 2023 – 2024 – Maleina Carel

Jr. Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report

Mique,

My name is Maleina Carel and I’m currently the Jr. Miss Southern Ute for 2023- 2024.

I’m 16 years old and I’m currently in the 10th grade. My bands are Moache Capote and Weeminuche. My maternal grandparents are Hardy Joy Sr. and the late Anna Weaver. My great grandparents on my paternal side are James Price Sr. and Linda Lopez of Towaoc, Colo. My paternal grandparents are the late Vernest Carel and Marlene Price Carel. My parents are Marie Joy (Carel) and Vern Carel. I have an older sister, Rhianna Carel.

I would like to share my quarterly report of my travels and the events that I have attended this year during my reign that started on Sept. 8, 2023.

September 2023

9/8 – 9/10 – Southern Ute Fair – I was crowned and started my reign as the Jr. Miss Southern Ute for the 2023-2024.

9/15 – I attended the Ms. Indigenous Pageant held at the San Juan College in Farmington, N.M. and supported my older sister Rhianna Carel. She was one of the contestants participating and representing the Southern Ute Tribal Nation for the Ms. Indigenous San Juan College Royalty.

9/16 – I attended the Southern Ute Tribal Rodeo.

9/20 – I attended Yellow Nose: Ute Dog Soldier with Orland Joe Sr., Southern Ute Artist and founder of the Yellow Nose Warrior Ute Historical Society. This was held at the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum.

9/23 – I attended the 2023 Miss Indian New Mexico Pageant In Albuquerque, N.M. I was there supporting the outgoing Miss Indian New Mexico LIV Alysia Coriz-Kewa Pueblo and I had the honor to watch and welcome the newly reigning Miss Indian New Mexico LV Kelsey Quintana-Jicarilla Apache Nation.

9/29 – I participated in the Bear Dance presentation for the N7 Fort Lewis lady soccer game held at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.

9/30 – I represented the Tribe in the Durango Cowboy Parade in Durango, Colo. and attended the 18th Annual Totah Drums of Fall Powwow at the Lions Wilderness Amphitheater in Farmington, N.M.

October 2023

10/9 – I attended the Gourd Dancing in Towoac, Colo.

10/11 – I attended the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign that the DEA, the Southern Ute Department of Education’s Montessori Academy (SUIMA) held for the month of October.

10/17 – I participated and walked in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk held by Shining Mountain Health and Wellness and Sun Ute Community Center.

10/21 – 10/22 – I participated at the Moab Red Canyon Powwow in Moab, Utah.

10/31 – We had a Halloween booth for the Halloween carnival at the Sky Ute Casino.

November 2023

11/2 – I was in attendance for the Breast Cancer Awareness dinner which was held at the Sky Ute Casino Resort.

11/2 – I participated and was part of a live dancing presentation in honor of the Native American Heritage month. I danced with other head staff as part of my head girl duties. These are the following five different schools in Aztec that we performed for: Aztec High School, C.V Koogler Middle School, Mc Coy Elementary, Park Ave. Elementary and Lydia Rippey Elementary.

11/3 – I was in attendance at the meet and greet for the Fort Lewis College boys’ and girls’ basketball team.

11/4 – I was head girl for the Kinteel Bi Ot Ta Powwow held at the Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M. I also participated in a dancing performance during the Aztec High School halftime football game along with the other head staff. This was my very first time being asked to be head girl and it was an honor to represent the Southern Ute Tribe and Royalty.

11/11 – I attended the Southern Ute Veterans Powwow at Ignacio High School.

11/14 – I participated and walked for the 3rd Annual “Out Runnin’ Diabetes” fun run and walk. This event was held by the Shining Mountain Health & Wellness and Albuquerque Area Dental Support Center.

11/15 – I attended Rock your Mocs event to celebrate unity of our unique cultures during Native American Heritage Month which was held in the Hall of Warriors. On this same day I was in attendance for the Reflections of Honor, the grand opening of the Veterans Exhibit at the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum.

11/16 – 11/29 – I participated in the dance presentation for the following schools for the month of November in honor of the Native American Heritage month: Primary School in Bayfield, Colo., Sunny Side Elementary School in Durango, Colo., Ignacio Middle School and Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA).  I also attended the Adoption Day Celebration about Adoption and how Indigenous societies have survived and raised Strong; Resilient People held by the Southern Ute Social Services Department.  The last event I attended for the month of November was our Southern Ute Thanksgiving Dinner at the Sky Ute Casino.

This is all I have done so far this year and I hope you all have enjoyed my report and my participation. It’s been a busy half of the year and I’m looking forward to the upcoming events. I want to wish the elders, the membership, and people of the community — Happy Holidays and Blessings for the New Year.

Tog’oiak’

Maleina J. Carel
Junior Miss Southern Ute 2023-2024

 

Little Miss Southern Ute Shayne White Thunder
Little Miss Southern Ute 2023 – 2024 – Shayne White Thunder

Little Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report

Mique Nuchu,

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.

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, Oklahoma and the late Ross Denny.

I come from the Moache-Capote bands and I’m a descendent of Buckskin Charlie. I am also Cheyenne and Arapaho from my mother’s side.

I am the current 2023-2024 Little Miss Southern Ute. I am nine and a half years old, and I attend school at Florida Mesa Elementary in Durango, Colo. in the fourth grade.

I like to read, play video games, draw/paint, ride my bike, and I am learning how to bead and sew. I enjoy representing the Southern Ute Tribe and I continue to learn every day.

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

September 2023

9/8 – 9/10 – Attended the Southern Tribal Fair. I also rode my friendly horse in the parade.

9/15 – 9/16 – Attended the Tribal Fair Rodeo.

9/30 – Participated in the Cowboy Parade in Durango, CO.

9/30 – Attended the Totah Drums Powwow in Farmington, N.M.

October 2023

10/10 – Attended the SUIMA Round Dance.

10/10 – Attended the Fort Lewis College Social Dance for Indigenous Day.

10/21 – 10/22 – Participated in the Red Canyon Powwow in Moab, UT.

10/31 – Royalty set up a booth at the Halloween Carnival for the community and I helped take pictures at our booth.

November 2023

11/3 – 11/4 – I participated in the Meet and Greet event for Fort Lewis College and Haskell Indian Nations University basketball players at SunUte and went to the basketball game.

11/11 – Participated, danced, and helped serve food at the Southern Ute Veterans Powwow.

11/15 – Attended and participated in the “Rock your Mocs” event, sponsored by the Culture Department.

11/15 – Greeted people at the Durango School District NAPAC event at Fort Lewis College.

11/16 – Participated and danced at the Bayfield Primary school.

11/17 – Participated and danced at the Sunnyside School.

11/18 – Greeted and helped serve elders at the Tribal Thanksgiving Dinner.

11/21 – Participated and danced at the Ignacio Middle School.

11/23 – 11/25 – Traveled and participated at the Fort Duchesne Thanksgiving Powwow.

I have enjoyed attending different events and traveling to represent the Southern Ute Tribe and meeting new people. I am excited to attend upcoming events.

Tog’oiak’

Shayne Morning Star White Thunder
Little Miss Southern Ute 2023-2024

 

Henry Elkriver Whiteskunk II Southern Ute Brave 2023 - 2024
Henry Elkriver Whiteskunk II Southern Ute Brave – 2023 – 2024

Southern Ute Brave Quarterly Report

Myhke Nuuchiu,

Greetings to the tribal membership and all of Indian Country!

Hello, my Name is Henry Elkriver Whiteskunk II. I am the Southern Ute Brave for 2023-2024. I’m 15 years old and I am a sophomore at Ignacio High School. My Ute name is Supurnay. Whiteskunk.

My parents are Henry Whiteskunk and Daisy House Eagle. My younger sister is Cyana Whiteskunk. My paternal grandparents are Willette Thompson and the late Edward Whiteskunk. My maternal grandparents are Linda Eagle and Bradley Hight. My great paternal grandparents are the late Doris Red and William Thompson. My great maternal grandparents are the late Clifford and Annabell Eagle.

I was selected on Friday, Sept. 8 for the Southern Ute Brave title 2023-2024 at the Southern Ute Tribal Fair & Powwow.

September 2023

9/16 – I traveled to Colorado Springs for the 13th annual Rock Ledge Ranch Powwow.

9/30 – Along with my fellow royalty members we walked in the Cowboy parade in Durango, CO.

October 2023

10/6 – 10/8 – My family and I traveled to Rapid City, S.D. for the Black Hills Powwow.

10/10 – I performed at Fort Lewis the Wanbli Ota social dance with my fellow royalty members.

10/17 – I was honored to be selected to participate in a skate/dance performance at the Denver Art Museum.

10/20 – I attended the field dressing at the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA).

10/24 – Me and my father went to SUIMA to do a demonstration on bustles. Tying them, breaking them down, and how they are made.

10/31 – Royalty had a photo booth at the Halloween carnival. We won first place. I also volunteered at the Multi-Purpose Halloween Haunted House.

November 2023 

The month of November I started participating in hand game classes every Tuesday at the museum.

11/3 – I was in attendance for the meet and greet with the basketball teams from Fort Lewis.

11/4 – I attended the N7 game hosted at SunUte between Haskell and Fort Lewis basketball teams — men’s and women’s.

11/11 – I attended the Veterans Powwow hosted by the MPF at Ignacio High School.

11/15 – I attended the Roc your Mocs event at the LCB. Later that day I attended the Reflection of Honor, the new exhibit at the museum.

11/15 – I attended the drum practice held at SUIMA.

11/16 – I performed at Bayfield Primary School along with my fellow royalty. That evening I attended the adoption day hosted by Southern Ute Social Services. I was asked to make the opening prayer.

11/17 – I attended Mr. Olguin’s last day reception. I also dropped off our goods for the thanksgiving basket for BGC.

11/18 – I attended the Tribal Thanksgivings dinner at the Sky Ute Casino event center.

11/21 – I performed at Bayfield primary school along with my fellow royalty.

11/23 – 11/25 – I attended the Thanksgiving Powwow in Fort Duchesne, Utah. I placed 2nd in my category.

11/29 – I attended drum practice at SUIMA where I also did a fancy dance performance.

I look forward to the December Christmas dinner. I hope everyone has a blessed and safe Christmas and a happy New Year to everyone!

Henry Whiteskunk II
Southern Ute Brave 2023 – 2024

 

Theoden Greany Southern Ute Brave Alternate 2023 - 2024
Theoden Greany Southern Ute Brave Alternate – 2023 – 2024

Southern Ute Brave Alternate Quarterly Report

My Name is Theoden Greany.

I am the 2023-2024 Southern Ute Brave Alternate. I am five years old; I proudly attend the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy. My mother is Dominika Joy, my father is Bryan Greany. My siblings are Starlitt Greany and Mykel-Zain Greany.

My maternal Grandmother is Ella-Marie Ramos. My paternal Grandfather is the late Clifton “Butch” Greany Jr. My maternal Great Grandparents are the late great Anna L. Weaver, and Hardy Joy. My Paternal Great Grandparents are Clifton Greany Sr. and Hazel Greany.

My father’s lineage comes from the Southern Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes from El Reno, Okla.

Some of my hobbies include Round Dancing with my grandma, working out, fishing, riding my scooter/skateboard, going to the movie theater, and traveling.

Here is a list of all the events and performances I have had the privilege to be a part of thus far:

September 2023

  • Participated in the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Powwow and Parade
  • Garden of the Gods Powwow (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
  • Yellow Nose: Ute Dog Soldier
  • Durango Cowboy Parade

October 2023

  • 110th Northern Navajo fair/powwow (Shiprock, N.M.)
  • White Mesa uranium walk (White Mesa, Utah)
  • Fort Lewis College Solidarity Walk
  • SUIMA Round dance
  • Fort Lewis College Culture Night – Fancy Dance Performance
  • SUIMA Doe harvest
  • Red Canyon Powwow (Moab, Utah)
  • SUMA bustle presentation with Southern Ute Brave-Henry Whiteskunk II
  • Halloween carnival booth (Assisted in decorating and running the Royalty booth)
  • October Sip, Chat, Chew at the Multi-Purpose Facility

November 2023

  • Fort Lewis College basketball player meet and greet
  • Fort Lewis vs Haskell basketball game (men’s and women’s)
  • November Sip, Chat, and Chew at the Multi-Purpose Facility
  • SUIMA Fort Lewis drum practice
  • Veterans Day Powwow (Ignacio, Colo.)
  • Rock your Mocs event hosted by the Cultural Preservation Department
  • Reflections of Honor Exhibit at SUCCM
  • Fancy Dance Presentation at Bayfield Primary School
  • Adoption Day Celebration
  • End of term reception for Mike Olguin
  • SUIMA Thanksgiving dinner
  • Durango Sunnyside Elementary Fancy Dance presentation
  • Southern Ute Thanksgiving dinner
  • Ignacio middle school Fancy Dance presentation
  • Fort Duchesne Thanksgiving Powwow
  • SUIMA drum practice and Fancy Dance presentation
  • End of term celebration for Dr. Stacy Oberly, Linda Baker and Melvin Baker
  • 3rd Annual Out Run Diabetes Walk

December 2023

  • Sky Ute Casino 1st annual Christmas tree lighting
  • 2nd Annual Native American Arts Market and round dance
  • Councilman Andrew Gallegos Inauguration
  • Department of Youth Powwow (Dulce, N.M.)

Happy Holidays to all of my Nuchu people!

Tog’oiak’

Theoden Greany
Southern Ute Brave Alternate 2023 – 2024

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