FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.759.1494

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2021

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes Establishment of Tribal Historic  Preservation Office

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Tribal Council is happy to announce the identification of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO). The National Park Service formally approved the Tribe’s plan to establish a THPO. The Tribe’s Cultural Preservation Department, Native American Graves & Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) staff will assume the responsibility of review pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act upon completion of the development of its THPO.

 

The Tribal THPO will assume 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.

 

“The idea of a THPO predates the establishment of the Cultural Preservation Department and it is a momentous time to see the visions of our past Tribal leaders come to fruition,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

 

According to the congratulatory letter sent to the Tribe from the National Park Service, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is the 203^rd Tribe to assume such duties. The new responsibilities were previously that of the State Historic Preservation Officer. In 2006, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe along with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe signed the Process for Consultation, Transfer, and Reburial of Cultural Unidentifiable Native American Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects Originating From Inadvertent Discoveries on Colorado State and Private Lands with the State of Colorado. This was one of the very first within Indian Country and had since helped strengthen the relationship between the Tribe and State, Local Government, and Federal Officials.

 

“Now, the Tribe can continue to protect and preserve all cultural resources that include culturally significant places and resources within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation, but with greater emphasis – guaranteeing their existence for future generations to carry on our Ute way of life,” shared Mr. Garrett Briggs, NAGPRA Coordinator.

 

The Tribe will also be eligible to apply for federal funding for the newly established THPO Office. The Tribe will not assume the responsibility for assisting in the certification of local governments and evaluation of Investment Tax Credits rehabilitation projects as authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act.

 

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Photo Credit | Lindsay J. Box

 

20210909 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomes establishment of Tribal Historic (FINAL)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay Box – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, August 26, 2021

 

Tribal Council approves return to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 1

 

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – In accordance with the tribal Resolution 2021-104 which adopted amended COVID-19 metrics, and due to the rise in data, the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council approved moving to the more restricted Phase II, “Safer at Home” Level 1 Order effective on Friday, August 27, 2021. The Southern Ute Tribal Council, in consultation with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Incident Management Team (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.

Tribal leadership continues to prioritize the health safety of the tribal membership, tribal staff, and our tribal community. “It is more important, now than ever, for everyone to follow the recommendations to keep our community safe,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The Delta variant is more transmissible, and individuals can experience more severe symptoms. I encourage our community to consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine, and test frequently to help us identify positive cases – keeping our community safe. By following the COVID safety guidelines, getting vaccinated, and testing frequently we are protecting our Tribal Elders, our language and our culture.”

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe will remain in Phase II “Stay at Home”, Level 1 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 1.

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 not allowed:

• Do not leave your home or visit with family members and friends if you are sick
• Do not visit loved ones who are not non-household members in the hospital, nursing home, or other residential care facility
• Do not stop using a face mask or covering when you are leaving your home
• Do not maintain less than 6 feet of distance between you and non-household members when you go out

Restrictions in Phase II, Level 1:

• Personal gatherings are restricted to 30 individuals or less
• Indoor capacity is restricted to 75% of setting capacity and 175 maximum capacity
• Outdoor capacity is restricted to 75% of setting capacity and 200 maximum capacity

For more information, please visit 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 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 staying 6 feet away from others. Stay connected with your loved ones and our tribal elders.

 

Key Metrics and Restrictions for Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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20210826 – Tribal Council approves return to Phase II Safer at Home Level 1 (Final)

 

08252021 – Amended Public Health Order – Safer At Home – Phase 2

20210825 – Revised SUIT Phase II, Level I Metrics & Restrictions

 

 

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Proposed Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters & Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Procedures

A 60-day public comment period on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s water quality standards and Clean Water Act section 401 certification procedures will be held from August 23 to October 22, 2021.

For all interested individuals, an online hearing regarding the Tribe’s Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Procedures will be held on:

Thursday October 7, 2021 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To attend the hearing, please register at https://bit.ly/3wnzxAb before the event.

To register for this event, open a new web browser and go to the above WebEx Events link then click on the “(Register)” link next to Event status. Prior to the WebEx Event, it is advisable to visit the following help site to test your browser and connection: https://bit.ly/3e7p7Ne. Should you have additional technical problems, please contact the SUSS helpdesk at 970-563-5050. To join using audio only call: 1-415-655-0003 and use audio access code: 145 895 0864.

The live online hearing will be recorded and posted on the Tribe’s website. The proposed water quality standards, 401 certification procedures, and related documents can be found on the Tribe’s website at https://southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/public-comments/.

You can submit your comments by one of the following methods:
• E-mail: wqs@southernute-nsn.gov (Preferred Method)
• Mail: Water Quality Standards Committee, Environmental Programs Division, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, P.O. Box 737 #81, 71 Mike Frost Way, Ignacio, Colorado 81137.

SUIT WQS comment period announcement

SUIT WQS quick notes