The 2025 Tribal Energy Associates Program is accepting applications for a six-week summer experiential learning opportunity for enrolled Tribal Members ages 18 years and older. The deadline for applications is tomorrow, April 30, 2025 so apply today at www.tribalalternatives.org 💡
The Department of Energy (DOE) will be hosting a town hall meeting to keep Tribal Membership informed on the Mancos Shale Development. This Tribal Members-only meeting will cover information regarding where water will be sourced from, anticipated routes for layflat pipelines, permitting, and tribal considerations. For those who can’t join us in person, please connect via Webex.
When: Tuesday, May 6th from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Growth Fund Building, 1st Floor, Conference Room 103
A meal will be provided. We hope you will join us. For any event-related questions, please reach out to Pooja Rao-Pennington at prpennington@sugf.com or 970.563.5033.
The Southern Ute Environmental Programs Department would like to notify community members that the Pine River Trail is now re open from both trail heads. There is a new section of trail that connects the Pine River Trail to the road to Scott’s Pond. Please enjoy the longer loop!
By Resolution No. 2025-075, the Tribal Council adopted revisions to Title 12 – Range Code. Title 12 is an existing code where the revised version will replace the prior version in the SUIT Law and Order Code. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the code on March 12, 2025.
The Range Code can be found online at:
https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/government/tribal-code/
For further information please contact: Amy Barry, Tribal Information Services Department, abarry@southernute-nsn.gov, (970) 563-2250.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2025
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Calls for Referral of Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment to November Ballot
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, today calls on the Colorado General Assembly to refer SCR25-002, the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment, to a vote of the people of Colorado this November. The amendment is currently under consideration by the full Colorado State Senate.
The amendment, sponsored by Senators Danielson and Michaelson Jenet and Representative Duran, would allow for Colorado lawmakers to pass laws that permit victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring a civil claim for the sexual abuse regardless of when the sexual abuse occurred.
“Our reason for supporting this amendment is simple. We must protect our most precious resource – our children – and keep our communities safe for all. Now is the time to get this done,” Chairman Melvin J. Baker said. “We thank Senators Danielson and Michaelson Jenet and Representative Duran for their leadership on this critical issue.”
Sexual violence against Native children is a documented and ongoing crisis. Historical federal policies mandated that Native children attend residential boarding schools, with the stated goal of assimilating them and eliminating Native cultural practices. These institutions, while failing to erase Native cultures, became sites of widespread abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence.
Extensive research has identified thousands of cases of sexual abuse perpetrated against Native children by staff and caretakers at these schools. These figures reflect only reported and documented incidents; experts believe the actual number of cases is significantly higher. Presently, additional research has shown Native children experience sexual abuse at rates three to four times higher than average. A disproportionate number of these offenses are committed by non-Native individuals.
Research consistently shows that survivors of childhood sexual abuse are at higher risk for long-term psychological and social challenges, including depression, substance abuse, suicide, and experiences of domestic violence. Without intervention, the effects of this trauma can persist across generations.
Numerous barriers – legal, societal and psychological – have historically prevented Native victims from pursuing justice or confronting perpetrators. As a result, many offenders have not been held accountable and may even have continued to offend. The proposed amendment aims to address this gap by enabling survivors to pursue civil action, thereby creating a legal pathway for accountability and healing. This amendment represents a step toward addressing long-standing injustices and mitigating the intergenerational impact of trauma in Native communities.
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United States Department of the Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency News Release
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Southern Ute Agency will be conducting a Prescribed Burn/Pile at the Sundance Grounds.
The legal description for the burn is township 33N, Range 7W, Section 5. The purpose of the burn is to dispose of brush from last year’s ceremony and the Bear Dance Fire.
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 these areas.
For more information regarding the project, please contact the Southern Ute Agency, Fire Management Office at (970)-563-4780.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2025
Ute Tribes and State of Colorado Strengthen Government-to-Government Relationship during Ute Day at the Capitol
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe were honored at the Colorado State Capitol during the annual Ute Day on Thursday, April 3, 2025, this event that celebrates the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the Ute Tribes and the State of Colorado.
Hosted by Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, this important gathering brought together Tribal and state leadership, youth representatives, legislators, and Tribal Members to reaffirm their commitment to collaboration, respect, and shared goals.
“The relationship between the State and the Ute Tribes of Colorado is critical to ensuring that every Coloradan, especially members of Tribal communities, can thrive,” said Governor Polis. “For generations, Colorado has had an open, productive, and beneficial relationship with Tribal governments, and today, we celebrate those important connections and further strengthen our collaboration. I thank the Tribal leaders and community members who traveled to the Capitol today to share experiences, collaborate on solutions, and continue our long legacy of respect and open dialogue.”
From the Tribe’s perspective, the event served as an important platform to share cultural knowledge, affirm sovereign values, and build meaningful relationships with Colorado’s elected officials.
“This day provides a valuable opportunity to foster greater understanding and strengthen the bonds between our Tribe and the State of Colorado,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “We welcome the chance for all to learn more about our Tribe, sovereignty, rich culture, and our ongoing commitment to self-determination, as we cultivate a strong working relationship with the State for the benefit of all.”
Chairman Baker and Tribal Council expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet with state legislators to build and maintain respectful, government-to-government relationships. The presence of Southern Ute Royalty and members of the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council added significance to the day, as they represent the next generation of leaders committed to carrying forward the legacy and strength of the Pino Nuuchiu.
Tribal leaders also extended their gratitude to local elected officials, state partners, and Tribal Members who joined in the day’s events. The celebration concluded with a community lunch at History Colorado, where Tribal youth shared presentations that reflected their unique perspectives, cultural pride, and commitment to the future of their communities.
This day served not only as a reminder of the historical and present-day partnership between the Tribes and the State, but also as a testament to the power of unity, respect, and shared purpose.
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