We are excited to announce our sponsorship of “Indigenous Rights in 2025: A Symposium on Current Legal Issues in Indigenous Communities”, hosted by the Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights! Join us on Friday, March 28th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM MT online via Zoom ⚖️ Attendees opting for in-person participation will be responsible for their personal travel and lodging arrangements.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from leading Indigenous scholars, activists, and organizers from across the country. Topics will include Federal Indian Law, Tribal sovereignty, and environmental justice. Registration is FREE! 👉 bit.ly/TJCLCR25

There will be a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary “SUGARCANE,” with a special introduction by the Director, following the symposium.

• Formation of an Experienced Farmer Work Group:
  • Gauge interest in establishing a collaborative work group of experienced farmers to guide and support new Tribal farmers.
• Comprehensive Agricultural Land Management Plan:
  • Discussion on the Agricultural Land Management Plan, its goals and objectives.
• Producer Needs and System Improvement:
  • Openly addressing the needs of agricultural producers, exploring new ideas, and providing a platform for constructive feedback on current systems.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2025

Preserving Ute Culture: Committee passes Free State Park Access Bill

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the unanimous passage of Colorado House Bill 25-1163, granting enrolled Tribal Members free access to all 43 Colorado State Parks, out of the House Agricultural, Water & Natural Resources committee. This landmark state legislation acknowledges our enduring connection to our ancestral homelands and ensures our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

This bill, sponsored by Representatives Katie Stewart and Rick Taggert, recognizes the Ute Tribes as the original stewards of these lands, honoring our deep historical and cultural ties to the natural resources within Colorado’s state parks. For countless generations, the Nuuchiu have utilized and respected these lands, waters, and wildlife. The ability to freely access these parks is crucial for Tribal Members to continue our responsibility to care for these lands, as our ancestors have done for centuries.

While we recognize the advocacy from other Tribes for expanded access, this legislation reflects the distinct sovereign-to-sovereign relationship between the State of Colorado and the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes, whose traditional territories lie within Colorado. We believe this bill serves as a valuable model and encourages other Tribal Nations to build similar partnerships with the states where their reservations are located.

Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose testified virtually in support of this bill, sharing, “The precious land, water, agriculture, and wildlife that make up our Colorado State Parks contain important cultural sites and trail systems that have long been used by the Ute people. Today, it is critical that our Tribal youth be able to access and visit these sites and traditional areas to ensure that our cultural practices are carried forward to future generations.”

This significant milestone marks a crucial step in honoring the Ute people’s legacy. As HB25-1163 advances to the House Appropriations Committee, we look forward to the continued progress of this vital legislation.
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