FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, January 3, 2022

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Announces New Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager

 

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe announces Ms. Andrea Taylor as the new General Manager of the Sky Ute Casino Resort located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Southwest Colorado. Taylor served as the Acting General Manager following the retirement of Mr. Charley Flagg in November. In this new role, Taylor will oversee the daily operations of the Sky Ute Casino Resort which includes gaming and entertainment options, a hotel, and three restaurants.

 

“I am thrilled to assume the responsibilities as the Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager,” said Andrea Taylor. “After working on property for nearly two decades, I remain committed to providing an exceptional experience for our guests and maintain the legacy of the property as the top gaming and entertainment destination in the Four Corners region.”

 

Taylor began her career as a slot attendant at the Sky Ute Casino. Throughout her career, she has worked as the Property Shift Manager, Marketing Intern, Career Development Program (CDP) Manager, Assistant General Manager Trainee, and participated in the Casino’s CDP program on two occasions. She has also held a variety of positions within the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Permanent Fund including Tribal Information Services Director. She also established Taylor Private Security which was in operation from 2009 to 2020. Taylor has an Associates in General Studies from Pueblo Community College and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College.

 

“On behalf of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, we look forward to progress and more success during this new chapter under the leadership of Ms. Taylor. She had the opportunity to be mentored by the previous General Manager, Mr. Charley Flagg, and her efforts to learn quickly did not go unnoticed,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “Her education, experience, and training throughout these last two years will help her carry this responsibility. We wish her the best of luck in this endeavor and any challenges that come her way!”

 

Taylor has served on numerous community boards including Chairman and member of the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce and Southern Ute Gaming Commission. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, spending time with family and friends, working on agricultural projects, volunteering in her local community, and attending cultural events.

 

For more information about the Sky Ute Casino Resort, please visit us at skyutecasino.com or call (970) 563-7777.

 

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About Sky Ute Casino Resort

Located close to Ignacio, Colorado on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, Sky Ute Casino Resort, is the top gaming and entertainment destination in the Four Corners region. With 600 of the hottest slots in the Four Corners, craps, roulette, blackjack, bingo and more, it offers Las Vegas-style gaming in one of the most beautiful settings in the Country.

 

The Sky Ute Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and features 140-room luxury hotel, seasonal RV park, 24-lane bowling alley, video game arcade, 18-hole miniature golf course and outdoor playground, indoor pool, and fitness center. The property has multiple dining options including the award-winning Seven Rivers Steaks Seafood Spirits and Lounge, the Four Corners only authentic steakhouse.

 

Photo Credit | Lindsay J. Box

 

20220103 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe Announces New Sky Ute Casino Resort General Manager (FINAL)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2021

 

Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker has selected Council Member Ramona Y. Eagle to serve as Vice Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Vice Chairman Eagle was elected to Tribal Council in 2019. Since her election, Eagle has served on the Growth Fund Management Committee, Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy School Board as Ex-Officio Member, Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Indian Committee, Ignacio Creative District, and working to re-establish the Committee of Elders.

Eagle has previously served in the position of Vice Chairman two times prior under Chairmen Clement J. Frost and Matthew Box. “It is an honor to serve as the Vice Chairman under Chairman Melvin J. Baker. With a full Council, we are prepared to work on the Tribal Council priorities which benefit the tribal membership,” stated Vice Chairman Eagle. “I would like to thank, Mr. Bruce Valdez, who served as the Vice Chairman during his term.”

Vice Chairman Ramona Y. Eagle is the daughter the late Clifford and Annabelle Eagle (egap). She is a sister to Linda Eagle and mother to the late Sadie R. Frost (egap), Theodosha Frost, and Rhonda Wilbourn. She has 13 grandchildren.

“It is great honor to serve with Vice Chairman Eagle, the wealth of knowledge she brings will be beneficial to the Tribe. This is a historic moment, to serve with an all-female Council. I know, together, we will move forward in a positive way, keeping our membership our priority,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

20211220 – Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman (FINAL)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2021

 

Vanessa P. Torres Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The 2021 Run-Off Election was held on Friday, December 17, 2021. Tribal Council Candidate, Vanessa P. Torres successfully received majority of the votes cast with (125) votes. According to the Southern Ute Tribal Election, the Candidates who receives the majority of votes will be elected to the Tribal Council.

 

Tribal Council held a Special Meeting this morning to certify the Run-Off Election Results. The Southern Ute Election Board confirmed the following election results:

 

Office of Tribal Council                                          No. of Votes

Vanessa P. Torres                                                             125

W. Bruce Valdez                                                                115

 

This will be the second term serving on Tribal Council for newly re-elected tribal leader. During her first term, Torres represented the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and advocated for tribal water rights on the Ten Tribes Partnership. She also led projects identified as Tribal Council Priorities.

 

“I would like to thank the tribal membership for allowing me to be your voice for this next term. The experience I have gained in my first year will be a steppingstone towards building a stronger foundation on the many issues the Tribe and membership face,” stated Council Member Torres.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hunting, fishing, traveling, beading, reading and participating in cultural events. She is married and shares one daughter.

 

“I look forward to working with my colleagues once again. Thank you for the confidence and faith you have entrusted in me. Tuuvuch Toghoyaqh.”

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

 

20211208 – VT Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election (FINAL)

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Tuesday, December 7, 2021

 

Lorelei Cloud returns to leadership, sworn into Southern Ute Tribal Council

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Ms. Lorelei Cloud successfully received majority of the votes cast in the 2021 General Election held on Friday, November 5, 2021. According to the Southern Ute Tribal Election, the two Tribal Council Candidates receiving the majority of votes will be elected to the Tribal Council. Only Ms. Cloud received majority of votes cast.

 

The Southern Ute Election Board confirmed the following election results:

 

Office of Tribal Council                                    No. of Votes

Vanessa P. Torres                                                      145

Lorelei Cloud                                                              155

Bruce Valdez                                                               133

Cedric Chavez                                                              74

Lindsay J. Box                                                             97

 

Newly elected Tribal Council Member, Lorelei Cloud, has previously served two terms on Tribal Council. In her first term she served as Vice-Chairman, and in both terms, she served as Tribal Council Treasurer. Ms. Cloud served as the Chairman of the Permanent Fund Investment Committee and the Tribe’s Audit Committee. While in office, she advocated for tribal water rights and represented the Tribe on the Ten Tribes Partnership, serving as Chairman from 2017-2018.

 

During Ms. Cloud’s year out of office, she maintained her commitment to tribal water rights, serving as a member of the Water and Tribes Initiative and the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Network (as Co-Chairman).

 

“I am deeply honored to be elected once again by the Southern Ute tribal membership, to be their voice on Tribal Council. I look forward to making decisions which yield maximum benefits for our people,” stated Council Member Cloud.

 

Council Member Cloud is a true advocate for Ute language, traditions, and culture; actively participating in cultural events and traditional gatherings. She has four children (three daughters and one son) and three grandchildren.

 

The second Tribal Council seat will be determined by a run-off election to be held on Friday, December 17, 2021. Candidates in the 2021 Run-Off Election are Vanessa P. Torres and W. Bruce Valdez.

 

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

20211204 – Lorelei Cloud returns to leadership, sworn into Tribal Council (FINAL with Photo)

Please find the attached news release “Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop”. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is sharing this release in collaboration with the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado.

 

Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop

 

[Southern Ute Indian Reservation, Colorado, September 25, 2021] An exciting five-year collaboration to support small business growth and development began in the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The Southern Ute Tribe, Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation, and The Leeds School of Business Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at The University of Colorado Boulder hosted the inaugural business workshop called “Native Entrepreneurship “on September 24th and 25th.

 

Native Entrepreneurship was taught by Erick Mueller and Eric Burno, entrepreneurs and award-winning professors at the Leeds School of Business. This was a valuable program for both aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners. This course gave existing businesses a new perspective to stir creativity and explore new growth opportunities while providing the perfect primer for entrepreneurs navigating their way through the business start up process.

 

“The Southern Ute Indian Tribe was honored to host the Demystifying Entrepreneurship Conference and proud of the collaboration with the various entities who came together to support tribal entrepreneurs,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The conference helped bridge the gap between a dream of small business development for members of our tribal community.”

 

Local entrepreneurs and innovators from the Ignacio area joined together at the Sky Ute Casino to turn their business ideas into reality or take their business concepts to the next level. The varied group included a sustainable plant pot for use in the rejuvenation of riverbeds, an electric vehicle charging experience, and a healing studio.

 

“I am grateful that these resources are available for our tribal community and the surrounding area. And that we can learn from experts in entrepreneurship,” says, a 2021 attendee.

 

Dedra White Eagle is excited to develop a few different ideas. One that she worked on during the workshop was an electric vehicle charging experience. Transforming this typically dull experience into one that shares Native American history and stories, is engaging and overall memorable. She shared, “The entire workshop was very valuable. I am a beginner in this entrepreneurship world and am thankful that I participated and learned these practical tools”

 

“What a special cohort of change-makers! I was inspired by the innovative ideas from all the attendees and especially impressed from the concepts developed by the Southern Ute Tribal members. It’s so exciting to launch this workshop series to contribute in elevating the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. I’m certain this cohort will help amplify the Native and surrounding community’s overall economic vitality. We can’t wait to return in 2022!”, shared Mueller.

 

This workshop will return to Ignacio, Colorado in the Spring of 2022. Receive updates about next year’s workshop.

 

This series of workshops is put on in partnership with CU’s Leeds School of Business  and is available in every major rural region in Colorado. The next Demystifying Workshop, Shore Up, is being offered in Vail, Colorado on October 8th and 9th. To register for this event, please visit https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/event/shore-up-your-small-business/.

 

And to learn about all locations, visit : https://outreach.colorado.edu/program/demystifying-entrepreneurship-rural-colorado-workshop-series/.

 

Many thanks to those who made this event possible.

 

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Photo Courtesy of Erick Mueller

20211005 – Post Native Entrepreneurship 2021 RCWS Press Release

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay Box – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 1, 2021

 

The Rise in COVID Positive Cases Prompts Tribe to Move to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 2

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Due to the rise in positive COVID-19 cases, in accordance with Tribal Council Resolution 2021-104, which adopted amended COVID-19 metrics, the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council concurred with the Tribe’s Incident Management Team (IMT) recommendation to move to Phase II, “Safer at Home” Level 2.  Level 2 is a more restricted phase.  The change will be effective Saturday, October 2, 2021. Tribal Council and the IMT determined it was in the Tribe’s best interests to move to a more restrictive phase due to the new COVID cases, percent of positivity, and hospitalizations in the area.

 

“We have to do what is best to prioritize the health of the tribal membership and our tribal staff. Moving to Phase II, Level 2 now will help us return to our new normal in preparation for the holidays,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe will remain in Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 2 until further notice. The Tribal offices remain open to the public; however, all individuals are required to complete the tribal COVID screening process.

 

Below are what to expect when the Tribe moves to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 2.

 

The following activities are allowed:

• Visit, care for, and assist a family member or friend
• Go to the grocery store
• Pick up medications or attend medical appointments
• Go to school or buy educational supplies
• Go to, or get things from, work
• Go to a restaurant or store, provided all protective measures of the establishment are followed
• Spend time outdoors to enjoy activities such as walking, hiking, playing, or picnicking at a park, etc.
• Exercise indoors or outdoors provided capacity restrictions and protective measures are in place
• Take your pets to veterinarian appointments

The following activities are strongly discouraged:

• Leaving your home or visit with family members and friends if you are sick
• Visiting loved ones who are not household members in the hospital, nursing home, or other residential care facility
• Discontinuing the practice of social distancing, maintaining less than 6 feet of distance between you and non-household members when you go out

The following activity is required:

• Using a face mask when required by public health order

Restrictions in Phase II, Level 2:

• Personal gatherings are restricted to 20 individuals or less
• Indoor gathering capacity is restricted to 50% of setting capacity and 75 maximum capacity
• Outdoor gathering capacity is restricted to 50% of setting capacity and 100 maximum capacity

More information can be found on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s website and social media, in the Southern Ute Drum, and on the air at KSUT Tribal Radio. Individuals can also call the Southern Ute Indian Tribe by dialing 970.563.0100.

 

If you are sick, please self-isolate. If your symptoms begin to worsen, please call your primary healthcare provider or the Southern Ute Health Center at 970.563.4581. Do not arrive at your primary health care provider’s office without calling to notify the professionals of your symptoms.

 

Please continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Cough and sneeze into the bend of your elbow or in a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects in your home. Please continue to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others. Stay connected with your loved ones and our tribal elders.

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20211001 – The Rise in COVID positive cases prompts the Tribe to move to Phase II Level 2 (FINAL)

20210929 – Revised SUIT Phase II, Level 2 Metrics & Restrictions