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Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Cultural Preservation

Jeremy Wade Shockley | Southern Ute Drum

Cultural Preservation Director

Crystal Rizzo
970-563-2306

Administrative Assistant

Alyssa Nez
970-563-2983

Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

Cassandra Atencio
970-563-2989

Heritage and Events

Sherisa Valdez

Cultural Education

Izabella Cloud
970-563-2984

Mission

The mission of the Cultural Preservation Department is to revitalize, promote, sustain and document the culture, language, and history in a manner that honors the past generations, ensures a healthy and balanced tribal community, utilizes the advice and knowledge of the elders, and educates the general public in a manner that serves tribal interests.


Tribal Historic Preservation Office

The Tribal Historic Preservation Officer completes the following functions: direct and conduct a comprehensive survey and maintain an inventory of historic and culturally significant properties on tribal lands, identify and nominate eligible properties to the National Register of Historic Places and otherwise administer applications for listing historic properties on the National Register, develop and implement a comprehensive, historic preservation plan covering historic, archeological, and traditional cultural properties on tribal lands, and advise and assist (where appropriate) Federal and State agencies and local governments in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities, among others.

Cultural Education and Ute Language

Cultural Education oversees the development and implementation of Ute cultural presentations and workshops, collaborates with various Tribal entities to provide Ute cultural education opportunities, and assists with the Southwest Indigenous Language Development Institute (SILDI).

Heritage and Events

Heritage and Events coordinates the Heritage Dancers, cultural events and ceremonies, Tribal Holiday festivities, and the Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair.

Traditional Events and Committees

The Department serves as the budget-owner for these committees and traditional events: