Southern Ute Indian Tribe

News

News

Youth Camp Piles Rx Notification

The BIA Southern Ute Agency will be conducting a pile burn in the area of the Tribal Youth Camp along CO Highway 160 at Mile Markers 123 & 124, beginning tomorrow, March 7, 2024, once favorable conditions allow.

Corey Francis will be the qualified Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3). Matthew Archuleta (SUIT) will be the Burn Boss Type 3 trainee (RXB3 (t)).

For further information, Mr Francis & Mr Archuleta can be reached at (970) 563-4571 or (970) 553-9089.

Southern Ute Permanent Fund Gears Up for the 2024 Spring Clean-Up

2024 Annual Spring Clean-Up

April 15-19, 2024

 By Appointment Only No pickups over the weekend or the week after.

Save the Date! Fall Clean-up Oct 7-11, 2024!

Tribal Members, Tribal Departments, and any tenant of the Southern Ute Indian Housing Authority are eligible for Spring Clean-Up services. Tribal Departments will not pick up for non-tribal tenants living in Tribal Member owned rental homes. All pick-ups must be within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation only.

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Reaffirmation of AAA Credit Rating

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2024

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Celebrates Reaffirmation of AAA Credit Rating

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is proud to announce the reaffirmation of its AAA credit rating by Fitch Ratings.
Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings and research, has recognized the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s steadfast dedication to economic stability and prudent financial practices since 2001. The AAA rating reflects the Tribe’s ability to meet financial commitments and uphold a robust financial profile, even in the face of national and global economic challenges.
“We are honored and grateful for the reaffirmation of our AAA credit rating by Fitch Ratings,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “This rating underscores our Tribe’s unwavering commitment to sound financial management, responsible governance, and the well-being of our Tribe.”
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has consistently demonstrated financial resilience, leveraging strategic investments and responsible fiscal policies to maintain its AAA credit rating. This prestigious rating not only reflects the Tribe’s financial strength but also enhances its ability to pursue economic development initiatives, secure favorable financing terms, and ensure continued prosperity for its members.
“Having an AAA credit rating places the Tribe amongst a very small group of governments and companies that enjoy such a prestigious standing. By way of comparison, Fitch has rated the United States at a lower AA+ level. The AAA rating is reflective of the Tribe’s commitment to sound financial planning and preservation for future generations”, said Permanent Fund Chief Financial Officer, Christine Hudgens.
As the Southern Ute Indian Tribe celebrates this noteworthy achievement, it remains dedicated to continuing its financial excellence and sound practices.
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Southern Ute Election Board: Vacancy

The Southern Ute Election Board is seeking two Regular Board Members and two Alternate Board Members 🗳️

The Election Board is a paid committee that follows IRS guidelines, and eligibility for Southern Ute Employee benefits are based on hours. A criminal background check is required and as an appointed official of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, you are subject to the Code of Ethics.

Qualifications; 11-2-102, (1) & (3):
Must be a Southern Ute Tribal Registered Voter
Must reside within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation
Shall not have been convicted of a felony
Shall not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty or fraud within five years immediately preceding the appointment

To apply, please submit a Letter of Intent to Human Resources, PO Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137. Please see the graphic for a full list of requested information to be included in the letter:

  • Full Name
  • Contact Information (i.e. address, phone number, email address)
  • Date
  • It is suggested and helpful to include one or more of the following details:
    • Description of why you are a good fit for the position
    • Explanation of your motivation to join the Committee
    • List relevant experience
    • Outline ideas of how you can improve this committee
    • Disclosure of any other Boards/Committees you currently serve on

For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2319 or email swhyte@southernute-nsn.gov.

Southern Ute Tribal Health and Construction & Project Management to hold Healing Community Project Informational Meetings in March

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Tribal Health Department and Construction & Project Management Teams will hold informational meetings on the proposed Healing Community Project. This project will include a residential substance use disorder treatment center, behavioral health outpatient services and housing components. See how the Healing Community concept plans to address substance use disorder with a holistic model for healing tribal, community members and their families.

Please join the Southern Ute Tribal Health Department and Southern Ute Construction and Project Management for the upcoming Community Engagement meeting scheduled on March 6th, at 5:30 p.m. and a lunch time meeting on March 7th, at 12:10 p.m., for both Tribal & Community Members at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility. Please contact Lynn Archuleta, Tribal Housing Executive Assistant, at (970 563-2720 for any questions related to the scheduled meetings.

Town of Ignacio continues to address water main break

The Town of Ignacio continues to address the water main break issue that took place on February 14, 2024.  All local community members are encouraged to follow the Town of Ignacio’s Facebook social media page and website https://townofignacio.colorado.gov/ for continued updates on the issue. A map is also attached with the RED outlined area indicating the approximate water outage area and the YELLOW outlined area indicating the boil advisory area.

Please make efforts to share information with neighbors, family members, etc. who may not have access to social media or technological resources for continued updates.

We ask that local community members refrain from calling the Southern Ute Police Department for updates. We want to ensure that line remains open for warranted emergencies.

If there are questions regarding the boil advisory or water outage, please contact the Town of Ignacio at (970) 563-9494 during normal business hours of 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Any calls received outside of the Town of Ignacio’s normal business hours will be advised accordingly with appropriate recorded messaging.

– Tribal Information Services

Sundance Prescribed/Pile Burn 02122024

The BIA Southern Ute Agency will be conducting a second Prescribed/Pile Burn within the Sundance Ceremonial Grounds beginning the week of February 12, 2024, when favorable conditions are present. Ignition is planned to begin at 10:00 am. Fire personnel will monitor and patrol the burn area throughout the week.

The Legal Description for the burn is Township 33N, Range 7W, Section 5. The purpose of the burn is to dispose of accumulated slash that was not burned previously.

Smoke will be visible from Ignacio, CO, and surrounding areas. Drivers are encouraged to use caution in the event smoke settles into the road corridor and for vehicles entering/leaving the area.

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