FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2024
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes New Justice and Regulatory Director
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Elliott Salazar as the temporary Justice and Regulatory Director. Salazar, a retired Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Salazar having worked closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other federal agencies, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this critical role.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Salazar to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “His extensive background in law enforcement, particularly within Indian Country, makes him uniquely qualified to lead our Justice and Regulatory Department.”
Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud added, “Mr. Salazar’s vast law enforcement experience is warmly welcomed, along with his objective knowledge and willingness to build trust and foster positive relationships with our Tribal Members. He brings a fresh perspective to the Justice and Regulatory Department, and we look forward to his contributions.”
Salazar’s deep understanding of Tribal sovereignty as well as complex jurisdictional and legal issues will be invaluable as the Tribe navigates this period of transition.
The Tribe is confident that Mr. Salazar’s leadership will ensure the continued smooth operation of the Justice and Regulatory Department and its commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the Tribal Membership.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Welcomes New Justice and Regulatory Director Press Release 11042024
Tribal Campus – All Clear
The Tribal Campus lockdown is being lifted effective 10:27 AM this morning. The situation has been resolved. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Today is the final day to register to vote in the upcoming Tribal election for two Tribal Council Member seats. To register you must be enrolled in the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and must be eighteen years of age or older.
Notice of Reclamation Activities
The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is working with the Tribe’s Department of Energy (DOE) to plug and reclaim an orphaned well located on Tribal lands, southwest of Red Mesa Colorado (see attached map for details). The project will involve the use of heavy equipment and large trucks, along with a heavy-duty helicopter to transport equipment to the site. The project is slated to begin in late October or early November 2024, and will run approximately two to four weeks, weather permitting.
For safety reasons, DOE is recommending this area be avoided during the proposed timeframe. This work could negatively impact hunting in the area. Please contact the DOE team for any questions and concerns – Doug Krueger at (970) 563-5565 or Andy Wetherell at (970) 563-5569.
Meet the Candidates Night: Tribal Council Seats (2)
Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM Location: Sky Ute Casino Resort Event Center
Please note this event is for Southern Ute Tribal Members only.
Attendance Options:
– In-person attendance at Sky Ute Casino Resort in the Event Center.
– Live audio broadcast on KSUT Tribal Radio: The channels are 91.3 FM (Ignacio, CO), 100.9 FM (Towaoc, CO), or 89.7 FM (Farmington, NM).
– Virtual attendance via WebEx, please register with the following link: https://bit.ly/24mtcn
For additional information or questions, please contact Summer Begay at 970-563-2313 or sbegay@southernute-nsn.gov.
