Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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News

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)

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day

Maykh,

This morning, the Southern Ute Tribal Council convened to approve the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Honorary Proclamation declaring today, May 5, 2022 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day. MMIR Advocate, Ms. Daisy Bluestar was present in Chambers for the approval. Tribal leadership thanked Ms. Bluestar and all those who volunteer and fight to bring awareness and justice to tribal communities.

Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day
May 5, 2022

WHEREAS, Indigenous communities in the United States have faced unprecedented rates of violence throughout history and continue to experience this rate of violence today; and

WHEREAS, Indian Country has thousands of unsolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives with cases continuing to rise; and

WHEREAS, 83 percent of Indigenous people have or will experience some form of violence in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous women and girls face the possibility of being murdered at ten times the rate of all other ethnicities; and

WHEREAS, This crisis in Indian Country is the result of undervaluing Indigenous lives, underfunding, inaccurate reporting, misidentification, lack of media coverage, and jurisdictional challenges; and

WHEREAS, The Secretary of the Interior formed the Missing & Murdered Unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services to address the lack of resources and the failure to prioritize the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives in tribal communities; and

WHEREAS, The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has provided support for the creation of an Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives in the State of Colorado for the safety of our tribal community; and

WHEREAS, The Southern Ute Indian Tribe remains committed to addressing this crisis and provide protection for all Indigenous people who reside on or visit the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

NOW, THEREFORE, in recognition of the foregoing, the Council of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe does hereby proclaim the 5th of May, as

MISSING & MURDERED INDIGENOUS RELATIVES AWARENESS DAY

This Proclamation was approved and adopted this 5th day of May 2022.

Signed by Chairman Melvin J. Baker

MMIP Awareness Day Flyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rise in COVID Cases Prompts Tribe to Revert to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 5, 2022

 

Rise in COVID Cases Prompts Tribe to Revert to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Due to the rise in positive case rate and one-week cumulative incident rate, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe reverts back to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3 effective Thursday, January 6, 2022. The Southern Ute Tribal Council adopted amended COVID-19 metrics via Resolution 2021-104. Tribal Council in collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Incident Management Team (IMT) has determined it is in the best interests of the tribal membership and the tribal organization to move to the more restrictive phase.

 

Since the start of the pandemic, tribal leadership has continued to prioritize the health safety of the tribal membership, tribal staff, and our tribal community and has taken a more conservative approach in its response. “As we see the rise in positive cases and cumulative case rate locally, the Tribe has taken its responsibility to protect the health safety of the membership and staff seriously. We have determined it is best to move to a more restrictive operation for a short period of time,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The quicker we move to the more restricted phase, the sooner we are able to control the spread of the virus within our tribal community. I would encourage our tribal membership, tribal staff, and our community to seriously consider getting vaccinated. If you have not gotten your booster, schedule your appointment. Our decisions today will protect our Tribal Elders, our language and culture.”

 

The Tribe remains committed to monitoring the local data and modifying tribal operations as necessary.

 

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe will remain in Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3 until otherwise lifted. The Tribal offices remain open to the public; however, all individuals will be required to make an appointment with all departments that provide direct services to the membership prior to entering any tribal building and by calling the department directly.

Below are some of the things to expect when the Tribe moves to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3.

 

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 go to work if you are part of the vulnerable populations
  • 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 3:

  • Personal gatherings are restricted to 10 individuals or less
  • Indoor capacity is restricted to 25% and 25 person maximum capacity
  • Outdoor capacity is restricted to 25% and 50 person 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 be sure to check on our tribal elders.

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20220104 – Rise in COVID Cases Prompts Tribe to Revert to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3 (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2021

 

Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker has selected Council Member Ramona Y. Eagle to serve as Vice Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Vice Chairman Eagle was elected to Tribal Council in 2019. Since her election, Eagle has served on the Growth Fund Management Committee, Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy School Board as Ex-Officio Member, Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Indian Committee, Ignacio Creative District, and working to re-establish the Committee of Elders.

Eagle has previously served in the position of Vice Chairman two times prior under Chairmen Clement J. Frost and Matthew Box. “It is an honor to serve as the Vice Chairman under Chairman Melvin J. Baker. With a full Council, we are prepared to work on the Tribal Council priorities which benefit the tribal membership,” stated Vice Chairman Eagle. “I would like to thank, Mr. Bruce Valdez, who served as the Vice Chairman during his term.”

Vice Chairman Ramona Y. Eagle is the daughter the late Clifford and Annabelle Eagle (egap). She is a sister to Linda Eagle and mother to the late Sadie R. Frost (egap), Theodosha Frost, and Rhonda Wilbourn. She has 13 grandchildren.

“It is great honor to serve with Vice Chairman Eagle, the wealth of knowledge she brings will be beneficial to the Tribe. This is a historic moment, to serve with an all-female Council. I know, together, we will move forward in a positive way, keeping our membership our priority,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

20211220 – Chairman Baker Selects Ramona Y. Eagle as Vice Chairman (FINAL)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Vanessa P. Torres Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 20, 2021

 

Vanessa P. Torres Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The 2021 Run-Off Election was held on Friday, December 17, 2021. Tribal Council Candidate, Vanessa P. Torres successfully received majority of the votes cast with (125) votes. According to the Southern Ute Tribal Election, the Candidates who receives the majority of votes will be elected to the Tribal Council.

 

Tribal Council held a Special Meeting this morning to certify the Run-Off Election Results. The Southern Ute Election Board confirmed the following election results:

 

Office of Tribal Council                                          No. of Votes

Vanessa P. Torres                                                             125

W. Bruce Valdez                                                                115

 

This will be the second term serving on Tribal Council for newly re-elected tribal leader. During her first term, Torres represented the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and advocated for tribal water rights on the Ten Tribes Partnership. She also led projects identified as Tribal Council Priorities.

 

“I would like to thank the tribal membership for allowing me to be your voice for this next term. The experience I have gained in my first year will be a steppingstone towards building a stronger foundation on the many issues the Tribe and membership face,” stated Council Member Torres.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hunting, fishing, traveling, beading, reading and participating in cultural events. She is married and shares one daughter.

 

“I look forward to working with my colleagues once again. Thank you for the confidence and faith you have entrusted in me. Tuuvuch Toghoyaqh.”

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Photo Credit | Jeremy Wade Shockley, Southern Ute Drum

 

20211208 – VT Re-Elected to Southern Ute Tribal Council in Run Off Election (FINAL)

 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Monday October 11, 2021 – Office Closure

Indigenous Peoples' Day

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has proclaimed October 11, 2021 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The Southern Ute Tribal Council supports the recognition of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day and to commemorate the first-ever Presidential Proclamation paying tribute to Indigenous People, I approve the closing of the Tribal Administrative Offices of the Permanent Fund on Monday, October 11, 2021.

Tribal Administrative offices of the Permanent Fund will be closed on Monday, October 11, 2021. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop

Please find the attached news release “Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop”. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is sharing this release in collaboration with the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado.

 

Southwest Colorado’s Inaugural ‘Native Entrepreneurship’ Workshop

 

[Southern Ute Indian Reservation, Colorado, September 25, 2021] An exciting five-year collaboration to support small business growth and development began in the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The Southern Ute Tribe, Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation, and The Leeds School of Business Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at The University of Colorado Boulder hosted the inaugural business workshop called “Native Entrepreneurship “on September 24th and 25th.

 

Native Entrepreneurship was taught by Erick Mueller and Eric Burno, entrepreneurs and award-winning professors at the Leeds School of Business. This was a valuable program for both aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners. This course gave existing businesses a new perspective to stir creativity and explore new growth opportunities while providing the perfect primer for entrepreneurs navigating their way through the business start up process.

 

“The Southern Ute Indian Tribe was honored to host the Demystifying Entrepreneurship Conference and proud of the collaboration with the various entities who came together to support tribal entrepreneurs,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “The conference helped bridge the gap between a dream of small business development for members of our tribal community.”

 

Local entrepreneurs and innovators from the Ignacio area joined together at the Sky Ute Casino to turn their business ideas into reality or take their business concepts to the next level. The varied group included a sustainable plant pot for use in the rejuvenation of riverbeds, an electric vehicle charging experience, and a healing studio.

 

“I am grateful that these resources are available for our tribal community and the surrounding area. And that we can learn from experts in entrepreneurship,” says, a 2021 attendee.

 

Dedra White Eagle is excited to develop a few different ideas. One that she worked on during the workshop was an electric vehicle charging experience. Transforming this typically dull experience into one that shares Native American history and stories, is engaging and overall memorable. She shared, “The entire workshop was very valuable. I am a beginner in this entrepreneurship world and am thankful that I participated and learned these practical tools”

 

“What a special cohort of change-makers! I was inspired by the innovative ideas from all the attendees and especially impressed from the concepts developed by the Southern Ute Tribal members. It’s so exciting to launch this workshop series to contribute in elevating the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. I’m certain this cohort will help amplify the Native and surrounding community’s overall economic vitality. We can’t wait to return in 2022!”, shared Mueller.

 

This workshop will return to Ignacio, Colorado in the Spring of 2022. Receive updates about next year’s workshop.

 

This series of workshops is put on in partnership with CU’s Leeds School of Business  and is available in every major rural region in Colorado. The next Demystifying Workshop, Shore Up, is being offered in Vail, Colorado on October 8th and 9th. To register for this event, please visit https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/event/shore-up-your-small-business/.

 

And to learn about all locations, visit : https://outreach.colorado.edu/program/demystifying-entrepreneurship-rural-colorado-workshop-series/.

 

Many thanks to those who made this event possible.

 

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Photo Courtesy of Erick Mueller

20211005 – Post Native Entrepreneurship 2021 RCWS Press Release