Substance Abuse Prevention Survey & Community Meetings

Maykh,

Addressing substance abuse through prevention is one of Tribal Council’s 13 Priorities. Tribal departments assigned responsibilities or connected with this priority have partnered Kauffman & Associates, Inc.,, to research this specific issue in our tribal community. Tribal Council is requesting the membership’s involvement to gain a better understanding of the crisis in order to develop plans and get back to a healthy and thriving community.

If you are 18 years and older, an enrolled Southern Ute tribal member, other Native American residing on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, or receive services from the tribe – we NEED your input!

The tribal team leading this project will host THREE Substance Abuse Prevention Community Meetings to provide an in-person and virtual forum to discuss substance abuse in our community. The meetings will be held at different times to accommodate the membership’s busy schedules. Your participation in one meeting is great, but you wish to participate in all 3! The meetings will be held at the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum at the following dates and times:

August 16 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. | WebEx Event Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3zNfJJw
August 16 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. | WebEx Event Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3PbFSrn
August 17 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. | WebEx Event Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3zLwTHK

All 3 meetings will also have a virtual meeting option. Tribal members can find the WebEx Event Registration on the attached flyer and registration links are included above. Each meeting has its own, unique WebEx Event meeting link, please be sure you are selecting the meeting you wish to attend.

For more information, please contact Southern Ute Behavioral Health at (970) 563.5700.

20220808 -SU Meeting Flyer (FINAL)

Growth Fund General Meeting Save the Date – Sept. 15, 2022

Maykh,

The Southern Ute Growth Fund would like to announce the upcoming Growth Fund General Meeting to be held on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Sky Ute Casino Resort Event Center. Tribal members are encouraged to attend. An agenda will be forthcoming.

Tribal members who are unable to attend in-person, may attend via WebEx. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3pcjx24 or use the QR code available on the attached flyer.

For more information on the meeting, please contact Mrs. Debbie Garner at (970) 563.5007 or via email at dgarner@sugf.com

20220804 – General Mtg Save the Date IG Post (1)

Updated Financial Plan Town Hall – Aug 24, 2022

Maykh,

The Financial Plan Update is a priority of Tribal Council and the membership. Tribal Council and Riveron will be hosting the Updated Financial Plan Town Hall to introduce membership to the Riveron team, provide an overview of the Financial Plan Update and take feedback and questions. Tribal Council is hosting two meetings to accommodate various schedules. Both meetings will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at the Southern Ute Growth Fund Room 103. A morning session will be held on the 24^th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by an evening meeting also on the 24^th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Tribal Members are encouraged to attend the in-person or via WebEx. The WebEx Event Registration is below:

Morning session (9 to 12) | https://bit.ly/3SAVPKt

Evening session (4 to 7) | https://bit.ly/3BTW5hY

This is a closed meeting for the tribal membership only, all others will be asked to leave. Tribal members can find more information on the project on the Tribal Member Experience (TMX).

For more information, please contact Ms. Lindsay J. Box, Tribal Council Communication Specialist at (970) 563.2313 or via email at lbox@southernute-nsn.gov

20220808 – TC Priority – Riveron FP Refresh Town Hall Flyer (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Reservation Rescinds Stage I Fire Restrictions

Maykh,

Please read the release “Southern Ute Reservation Rescinds Stage I Fire Restrictions”.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 8, 2022

Southern Ute Reservation Rescinds Stage I Fire Restrictions

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Due to recent rains and moderating fuel conditions, Stage I Fire Restrictions have been rescinded for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Everyone on reservation land is still asked to be cautious and use common sense with fire, as conditions may dry out and Fire Restrictions may again be implemented.

Since May, Southern Ute Agency Fire Management has responded to approximately 30 fires on the reservation with the largest being the 89-acre Bear Dance Fire. Firefighters were able to keep all other fires under 11 acres with no injuries or accidents.

For more information regarding Fire Restrictions, please contact Southern Ute Agency Fire Management at (970) 563-4571.

The Restrictions will be rescinded at 06:00 A.M., August 8, 2022.

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020220805 – Southern Ute Reservation Rescinds Stage I Fire Restrictions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice

Maykh,

Please read the attached press release: “Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100
Lindsay J. Box – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2022

Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Tribal Council has permanently closed the Bear Dance Fire Burn Area until further notice. The Bear Dance Fire ignited on June 3 on tribal trust land. The riparian area burned 89 acres north of the Bear Dance grounds and along the Pine River.

BIA Fire Management welcomed the Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) team to oversee the BAER planning and implementation. The program brought technical experts to the Southern Ute Indian Reservation to meet with tribal professionals to address safety hazards and begin restoration. While conducting a walk through with Tribal Council, leadership noticed what was thought to be an area where hazardous materials may have been disposed of in years past.

The area housed historic office buildings for the BIA. Like many older buildings, the materials used at the time of construction often contained hazardous materials. The Bear Dance Fire exposed the site and the hazardous materials which has created a concern for public health. Out of an abundance of caution, Tribal Council has closed the Bear Dance Fire burn area until further notice.

The BAER program will be placed on a temporary hold until the area can be investigated by professionals. At the conclusion of the investigation, , alternatives will be evaluated and a plan will be developed to protect public health and the environment.. Additional information will be shared at that time.

If you have any questions, please contact Tribal Council at (970) 563.0199 or the Southern Ute Environmental Programs Division at (970) 563.2206.

“The health and safety of the tribal membership and our tribal community is one of the highest priorities for Tribal Council. We were looking forward to seeing the remediation work by the BAER team and tribal staff, however the safety of all involved takes greater precedence. It is very important that the tribal community take heed to this health advisory and refrain from entering the Bear Dance Fire burn area,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

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20220726 – Bear Dance Fire Burn Area Closed Until Further Notice (Final)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Tribal Council Reaffirms Significance of Tribal Sovereignty

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay Box – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2022

Southern Ute Tribal Council Reaffirms Significance of Tribal Sovereignty

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Tribal Council shares their approved Statement on Sovereignty via Resolution No. 2022-126. The Tribal Council’s Statement on Sovereignty arises out of recent events that are an affront to the sovereignty of all tribes in the United States. The Supreme Court ruling on Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta undermines the true definition of sovereignty, and restrains Tribes’ ability to govern themselves, and ultimately protect tribal members and resources. This is the most significant threat to Tribal sovereignty in many years. Tribal Council believes the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Statement on Sovereignty illustrates the tribe’s position on this threat to tribal sovereignty and governance.

“The Statement on Sovereignty reasserts the foundation for which the Tribe operates and governs itself. The Tribe will continue to fight to protect its inherent sovereignty which our past Ute leaders fought to preserve through treaties and declared by federal law in exchange for the land stolen and the attempted eradication of our Ute culture and language.” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

The Tribal Council’s Statement on Sovereignty begins by emphasizing that the Tribe’s sovereignty is inherent, and it asserts how the Tribe exercises sovereignty now and into the future:

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Statement on Sovereignty

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a sovereign and will remain a sovereign. The Mouache and Kaputa bands have retained their sovereignty through European settlement, the formation of the United States, the establishment of the Reservation, and the creation of the State of Colorado. The Tribe’s sovereign authority was not conferred on it by the federal government; rather, its authority is inherent, having always existed and having never been extinguished. The Tribe exercises its sovereignty daily by operating the tribal government; exercising jurisdiction within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation; overseeing its current territory; regulating and providing for the tribal membership; and acting on a government-to-government basis with other sovereigns, including the United States, the State of Colorado, and other tribal nations.

The Statement on Sovereignty, which will be incorporated into the Tribe’s living governance manual, goes on to prescribe expectations for protecting tribal sovereignty:

Operating as a government, the Tribe is exercising its sovereignty; the Tribe must also be resolute about protecting its sovereignty from infringement. Protecting sovereignty requires vigilance by Tribal Council Members, tribal officials, and tribal employees. To protect against infringement on tribal sovereignty by other governments, the Tribe monitors federal and state legislation; enacts tribal codes, analyzes federal authority before acquiescing to federal regulations, requirements, and inspections; and is strategic in its interactions with other tribal nations, local and state governments, and the federal government.

“As a sovereign nation, we will continue to enhance the Tribe’s economic development and preserve our culture as we have in the past by working with our neighbors, solely on a government-to-government basis, not as a subordinate party.”

The Statement on Sovereignty is part of a larger effort by the Tribal Council to establish a living governance document that is designed to define roles and responsibilities, oversight functions, and the decision-making process for the benefit of the Tribe, its tribal members, tribal officials, tribal employees, and delegates.

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20220719 – Southern Ute Tribal Council Reaffirms Significance of Tribal Sovereignty (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: First Annual Native Artist Market & Juried Show

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100
Lindsay J. Box – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2022

First Annual Native Artist Market & Juried Show

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum (“SUCCM”) announces its first annual Native Artist Market & Juried Show September 9-11, 2022. The Native Artist Market & Juried Show will be held at the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum during this year’s centennial Southern Ute Tribal Fair.

A host committee will serve as judges for the juried show. Submission categories are:

Best of Show
Jewelry
Beadwork
Textiles & Basketry
Scupture
Painting, Drawing, & Photography
Pottery
Emerging Artist

Award winners will share $4,000 in cash prizes. The members of the host committee are Ute artists Oreland Joe, Jr., Norman Lansing, and Russell Box, Sr.

Oreland C. Joe Sr. was born in Shiprock, New Mexico, where he grew up on both the Navajo and Southern Ute reservations. His art is influenced by his roots in the Four Corners area of the U.S. Southwest combined with classical influences he gained while studying in France, Italy, and Japan. Mr. Joe works in a variety of media and is world-renowned for his stone and bronze sculpture.

Norman Lansing, a Ute Mountain Ute, who was born in Towaoc, Colorado. Mr. Lansing works in all media and is best known for his sgraffito etchings on ceramic vases. He is also known for his acrylic paintings and pen and ink drawings. His art often explores the “relationship between man, animal, earth, and the spirits of all living entities” that are all needed to form a balanced universe.

Russell Box, Sr., a Southern Ute Tribal Member and Veteran, born and raised on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

The Native Artist Market & Juried Show will bring Native artists from all tribal nations together to showcase their art and provide networking and learning opportunities. Mr. Joe will lead a workshop for emerging artists that will focus on the business aspects of the art profession.

Artists are encouraged to participate in the early bird registration of $50 per booth. Early bird registration ends Monday, August 15, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. The final registration deadline is Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Registration information can be found on the SUCCM website at southernutemuseum.org
To RSVP, please contact SUCCM employee Ms. Waynoka Whiteskunk, at (970) 563.2979 or via email at wwhiteskunk@southernute-nsn.gov

“The Tribe looks forward to sharing our beautiful reservation and welcoming tribal community with the artists who will be participating in the show. This will provide an excellent opportunity for Native artisans to showcase their talent and skill,” shared Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

The mission of the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum is to foster understanding of and respect for the unique origin, culture, language, history, and way of life of the Núuchiu (Ute People) and to advance people-to-people relations through inclusive and effective programming and services
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PSA: Tribal Broadband Modernization Project Construction Travel Impacts on CO Hwy 172 and Three Springs Boulevard

Please find the attached public service announcement detailing the “Tribal Broadband Modernization Project Construction Travel Impacts on CO Hwy 172 and Three Springs Boulevard”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100
Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

FOR RELEASE: July 22, 2022

Tribal Broadband Modernization Project Construction Travel Impacts on CO Hwy 172 and Three Springs Boulevard

Project News: Bonfire Engineering will begin construction on two separate sections as outlined in Phase I of the tribal broadband project. The first section will begin at the intersection of CO Highway 172 and US Highway 160, heading south on CO Highway 172 to the Town of Ignacio. The second section will begin at the intersection of Confluence and Three Springs Boulevard also going south on Three Springs Boulevard ending at the intersection of US Highway 160.

Where: Crews will start on construction of Section 1 at the intersection of CO Highway 172 and US Highway 160 working south on CO Highway 172 towards the Town of Ignacio. Section 2 will begin at the intersection of Confluence Avenue and Three Springs Boulevard southbound towards the intersection with US Highway 160. Construction will take place along the shoulder of the roadway. Please see attached map.

What: The broadband project will include trenching, boring, and plowing to lay fiber, as well as reclamation and seeding. Construction vehicles and fiber spools will be visible on the shoulder.

When: Construction on both sections will begin on Wednesday, July, 27, 2022, and conclude on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Hours of operation will be from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Travel Impact: Traffic lanes will be narrowed on both CO Highway 172 and Three Springs Boulevard. Motorists will be required to reduce speeds and travel safely around the construction taking place on the side of the road. Please remember to slow down in construction zones, eliminate distractions and drive with extra caution. Motorists are also urged to watch for ¬¬workers and equipment along the roadway.

In the event of an emergency or to report a reckless driver, please contact Southern Ute Police Department by dialing (970) 563-4401 or the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 385-2900.

To find more information about the Tribal Broadband Modernization Project, please visit the project website at https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/broadband-modernization-project/

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20220719 – PSA – Tribal Broadband Modernization Project Construction Travel Impacts on CO Hwy 172 and Three Springs Boulevard (FINAL)

2022 General Election

Southern Ute Indian Tribe 2022 General Election

The Southern Ute Election Board has announced the 2022 Southern Ute Indian Tribe General Election for two Tribal Council seats.

The General Election will take place on Friday, November 4, 2022 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Voting will take place at 285 Lakin Street, Ignacio, CO 81137.

Please see the flyer for important deadlines. If you have questions, please contact the Election Board at (970) 563.2303 or via email at election@southernute-nsn.gov If you are a tribal member residing off the reservation, please contact the Election Board at 1.800.772.1236 extension 2303.

PSA: Tribal Broadband Modernization Project Construction Travel Impacts Along Bayfield Parkway

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

FOR RELEASE: July 19, 2022

Tribal Broadband Modernization Project Construction Travel Impacts Along Bayfield Parkway

Project News: Bonfire Engineering will begin construction on Bayfield Parkway entering the Town of Bayfield as outlined in Phase I of the tribal broadband project. Construction will take place along Bayfield Parkway beginning at the intersection of CR 516 traveling northeast along Bayfield Parkway into the Town of Bayfield, taking a left on CR 501 ending at the intersection of CR 501 and US Highway 160.

Where: Crews will start at the intersection of CR 516 and Bayfield Parkway working northeast on Bayfield Parkway towards the intersection of CR 501 and US Highway 160. Construction will take place along the shoulder of the roadway. Please see attached map.

What: The broadband project will include trenching, boring, and plowing to lay fiber, as well as reclamation and seeding. Construction vehicles and fiber spools will be visible on the shoulder.

When: Construction on both sections will begin on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, and conclude on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. Hours of operation will be from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Travel Impact: Traffic lanes will be narrowed on Bayfield Parkway. Motorists will be required to reduce speeds and travel safely around the construction taking place on the side of the road. Please remember to slow down in construction zones, eliminate distractions and drive with extra caution. Motorists are also urged to watch for workers and equipment along the roadway.

In the event of an emergency or to report a reckless driver, please contact Southern Ute Police Department by dialing (970) 563-4401 or the Bayfield Marshall’s Office at (970) 884-9636.

To find more information about the Tribal Broadband Modernization Project, please visit the project website at https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/broadband-modernization-project/

20220719 – PSA – Tribal Broadband Modernization Project Construction Travel Impacts along Bayfield Parkway (FINAL)