FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist – 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2024
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Outlines Priorities with State Committee
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Melvin J. Baker and Tribal Council extended a warm welcome to the Colorado American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee and staff as they visited the Reservation this morning. The committee held an off-site meeting at the Growth Fund building, followed by informative tours of the Tribal Court, Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy, SunUte Community Center, and the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project.
Tribal Council expressed appreciation for the Committee’s dedication to addressing critical issues impacting the two Ute Tribes. Tribal Council highlighted the importance of legislative support in several key areas, including:
- Reservation-wide exclusions: Each legislative session, the Tribe must work with legislators on exclusions from proposed bills that apply to the entire State.
- Federal trust responsibility
- Recognition of Tribal court orders and warrants
- Amendments to the state Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): Strengthening protections for Native American children and families by requiring timely notification to Tribes when Tribal Member youth are in the state system.
“The Colorado American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee’s visit to our Reservation is a testament to their commitment to understanding the challenges faced by our Tribe,” said Chairman Baker. “We are hopeful that their findings will lead to meaningful policy changes.”
House Majority Leader Representative Monica Duran, Representative Junie Joseph, and Representative Barbara McLachlan were in attendance. Additional committee members: Senator Cleave Simpson, Senator Jessie Danielson, Senator Dylan Roberts, and Representative Ron Weinberg joined virtually.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe looks forward to continued collaboration with the Colorado American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee and is optimistic about the potential for positive change.
###
