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Current 2023-2024 Southern Ute Royalty
Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report
Maykh,
My name is Autumn Sage and I am the 2023-2024 Miss Southern Ute.
My Ute name is Pachukwi (River Otter), I am 19 years old. My parents are Roger Sage Jr. and Lynnette Sage. My paternal grandparents are Roger Sage (Christine Baker Sage) and the late Vera Mae Cuthair. My maternal grandparents are the late Leonard C. Burch and the late Irene C. Burch.
This is my third royalty quarterly report, and I would like to give an update to the tribal membership on the events I have attended in March, April, and May. I am halfway into my reign as Miss Southern Ute and it has been such an honor to represent the Southern Ute Tribe at the many different events and Powwows and meeting many different people at all of the events I have attended. I will continue to represent the Tribe at the different events.
Month of March
- March 2: We attended the Durango film festival to view the different films that were done by the Native Lens team.
- March 9: The MPF was hosting their monthly community powwow to which royalty attended.
- March 15: Southern Ute Royalty all went to Ute Day at the Capitol in Denver.
- March 15 – 17: The Denver March Powwow was during this time and royalty attended.
- March 25: Tribal Royalty helped give out prizes to the community children for the Ignacio Community Easter Egg hunt.
- March 26: I attended the Hozhoni Ambassador exhibition at Fort Lewis College.
- March 29: The Southern Ute Veterans Association honored Vietnam Veterans at Memorial Park that Royalty went to.
- We also attended the monthly Sip, Chat, and Chew.
- Mar 29 – 30: Tribal Royalty participated in the Hozhoni Days Powwow.
Month of April
- April 5: The SUIMA’s Upper Elementary hosted a walk in the park. They also were raising money for their end of the year trip.
- April 9: Students from Golden High School visited the Southern Ute Reservation and Royalty showcased a round dance that the students got to participate in.
- April 19: Attended the monthly Sip, Chat, and Chew.
- April 22: Royalty got invited to an Earth Day celebration at the Ignacio Library and showcased our different styles of dance.
- April 25 – 27: We all attended the Gathering of Nations Powwow for all three days.
Month of May
- May 4: Royalty attended the MMIR walk and luncheon.
- May 9: NAYO hosted a Celebration of Native Heritage and royalty did a dance performance.
- May 10: Attended the May Sip, Chat and Chew.
- May 16: Participated in the Bear Dance Workshop that Bear Dance Chief Matthew Box hosted.
- May 17: SUIMA had their Field Day and royalty was asked to help give out snow cones and popcorn.
- May 18: Behavioral Health hosted their 2nd annual recovery retreat at the Sky Ute Casino Event Center.
- May 20: The Growth Fund hosted a Native American Mining & Energy Symposium Welcome reception. Royalty did a welcome address and dance performance.
- May 22: Royalty participated in the Motherhood is scared walk.
- May 24: Royalty supported the transitioning students at the SUIMA’s transition ceremony.
- Royalty attended the Bear Dance opening. Royalty also attended the Bear Dance kick off meal.
- May 24 – 25: I was the head lady dancer for the Bear Dance Powwow.
- May 26: Royalty gave water out to all the dancers and spectators at the Bear Dance.
- May 27: Royalty along with Tribal Council helped serve the feast at the Bear Dance.
- Royalty also gave out oranges, lemons and limes.
- May 29: Southern Ute Royalty attended the Ute Mountain Ute Royalty Pageant and gave some words of encouragement to the contestants.
- May 31: Attended the Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dance Powwow.
I have had a great time representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
I would like to thank the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, my fellow royalty members and my family for helping me fulfill my duties. I hope to have many more great moments at all the remaining events and powwows as Miss Southern Ute.
Tog’oiak’,
Autumn Sage
Miss Southern Ute
2023-2024
Jr. Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report
Maykh’
My name is Maleina Carel and I’m currently the Jr. Miss Southern Ute for 2023- 2024. I’m 16 years old and going into the 11th grade this coming school year. My bands are Mouche-Capote and Weenuche. My maternal grandparents are Hardy Joy Sr. and the late Anna Weaver egap. My great grandparents on my paternal grandparent’s side are James Price Sr. and Linda Lopez of Towaoc, Colo. My paternal grandparents are the late Vernest Carel egap and Marlene Price Carel egap. My sister is Rhianna Carel.
I have been newly elected and have the honor to serve on The Sunshine Smith Cloud Youth Advisory Council and I also serve on the Powwow Committee.
I would like to share my last quarterly report of the events that I have attended and participated in as my reign as the Jr. Miss Southern Ute for 2023-2024 comes to an end.
March:
Meet & Greet with Council along with the Royalty Committee, Multi-Purpose Community Powwow did an introduction and helped serve the Elders their plates of food, the Denver March Powwow in Denver, Ute Day at the State Capitol in Denver, the community Easter egg hunt, Hozhoni Ambassador Exhibition at the Fort Lewis College and the Hozhoni Powwow held at Fort Lewis College.
April:
I was in attendance for the Veterans Powwow, Students from the Golden High School visited our Tribal organization, we met with them and did a welcoming introduction for them and danced along with them in a round dance presentation. I traveled to Albuquerque, N.M. to attend the Gathering of Nations Powwow and attended the Earth Day event held by the Ignacio Library.
May:
I traveled to Utah three different times during this month to attend the following Bear Dances held during the month of May 2nd – 5th Randlett Bear Dance, 10th-13th Fort Duchesne Bear Dance and then the 16th-19th WhiteRocks Bear Dance. The Randlett Bear Dance I was asked to Welcome the Bear into the corral along with another Royalty. I was very honored, and it was a great experience for me as a visiting Royalty. I attended the NAVO Club Celebration of Native Heritage at the Ignacio High School, Growth Fund hosted a Native American Mining & Energy welcoming reception, SUIMA had their transitioning ceremony, the opening and blessing of the Bear Dance grounds, we did a welcoming and introduction for the Bear Dance kick off meal held at the Sky Ute Casino Resort event center, and I was in attendance for the Ute Mountain Ute Pageant in Towaoc, Colo.
June & July:
I attended the Ute Mountain Ute Powwow and Bear Dance, Durango Rendezvous motorcycle event at the Sky Ute Casino Resort, the Elders Appreciation dinner, The Fatherhood is Sacred concert, and the TARA Independence parade in Arboles, Colo.
This concludes my final quarterly report for this year, and I hope you all have enjoyed my participation representing as the Jr. Miss Southern Ute for 2023-2024. It has been an honor representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the membership from the oldest to the youngest and my family. I have enjoyed all the different community events, Powwows, Bear Dances, Royalty pageants and supporting our Southern Ute Indian Tribal departments with their various events. I also would like to thank our sister tribes for their hospitality and their support during our visits to their events. I wish you all a good rest of the year and many blessings to you.
Togoiak
Maleina J. Carel
Jr. Miss Southern Ute
2023-2024
Little Miss Southern Ute Quarterly Report
Mique Nuuchiu,
My name is Shayne Morning Star White Thunder. My Ute name is Tөmөsi’iru “Winter Rose.” My grandmother Mikki gave me that name because I was born in winter and the rose signifies our people. My Cheyenne name is Azem’heh “Rearing Woman.”
I am named after my Nishgit (grandma) Bobbie. I am the current 2023-2024 Little Miss Southern Ute.
I am 10 years old, and I attend school at Florida Mesa Elementary in Durango, Colo. in the 4th grade.
My mother is Heather White Thunder, and my father is Seth Roubideaux. My paternal grandmother is Mikki Naranjo, and my great-grandparents are the late Eugene Naranjo and the late Dixie Naranjo. My maternal grandparents are Bobbie White Thunder from El Reno, Okla., and the late Ross Denny.
I come from the Moache-Capote bands, and I am also Cheyenne and Arapaho from my mother’s side.
The following are events that I have attended and participated in this quarter:
Month of March
- March 2: The other Royalty and I were represented in a short film by Native Lens, and we attended the showing at the Durango Arts Performing Center in Durango, Colo.
- March 6: We met with all new Southern Ute Tribal Council members and current members.
- March 9: Attended and danced at the March Community Powwow in Ignacio, Colo.
- March 15: Attended and greeted other dignitaries, and attendees at the Colorado State Capitol to recognize Ute Day.
- March 15 – 17: Attended and danced at Denver March Powwow.
- March 23: Attended greeted everyone and helped with the community Easter Egg Hunt with the Boys and Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
- March 29 – April 1: Attended and danced at the Hozhoni Days Powwow at Fort Lewis College.
Month of April
- April 6: Welcomed students from Golden High School to our reservation.
- April 19: I did a dance performance with my little sister at the Durango School District Multi-Cultural celebration.
- April 25 – 27: Attended and danced at the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M.
Month of May
- May 9: Attended and did a greeting at the Native American Youth Organization (NAYO) event at the Ignacio High School.
- May 9: Attended the SUIMA field day events.
- May 20: Attended the Native American Mining & Energy Sovereignty Symposium Welcome Reception and did a dance performance with the other Royalty.
- May 22: Attended and walked at the Motherhood is Sacred Walk sponsored by the Division of Social Services.
- May 24: Attended the SUIMA Transition Ceremony.
- May 24: Attended the opening of Bear Dance.
- May 24: Attended and greeted attendees at the Bear Dance Kick-Off Meal.
- May 24 – 25: Attended and danced at the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow.
- May 26 – May 27: I helped pass out water, oranges, and lemons to elders and dancers/singers at Bear Dance. I also helped at the Feast by helping people who needed help carrying their food and elders getting them food. I greeted everyone in attendance and also danced. It was so fun!
Happy Ute New Year!
I have enjoyed attending different events and traveling to represent the Southern Ute Tribe and meeting new people. I hope you all have a safe and fun summer!
Tog’oiak’
Shayne Morning Star White Thunder
Little Miss Southern Ute
2023-2024
Southern Ute Brave Quarterly Report
Myhke Nuuchiu,
Greetings to the Tribal membership and all Indian Country! Hello my Name is Henry Elkriver Whiteskunk II. I am the Southern Ute Brave for 2023-2024. I’m 16 years old. My Ute name is Supurnay Whiteskunk. My parents are Henry Whiteskunk and Daisy House Eagle.
I have attended and participated at the following events:
Month of March
- March 2: I attended the Durango Art Museum for the showing of Native Lens.
- March 9: I participated in the community powwow held at the Multi-purpose Facility.
- March 15: I attended Ute Day at the State Capitol building in Denver.
- March 15 – 17: I attended Denver March Powwow.
- March 23: I attended the Easter Egg hunt held at the SunUte Rec park. I helped by handing out prizes.
- March 29: I attended the Hozhoni Days powwow held at Fort Lewis in Durango, Colo.
- March 30: I attended the Easter Gourd Dance in Towaoc, Colo.
- April 7: I attended the 1st annual Grand Mesa powwow held in Grand Junction. I placed first in my teens category.
Month of April
- April 9: Golden High school came to the museum where I and my fellow royalties greeted the students and held a dance performance.
- April 26 – 27: I attended Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M.
- April 28: I danced at the Nizhoni Days Powwow “Honoring our Mothers” at UNM.
Month of May
- May 9: I attended the NAYO (Native American Youth Organization) for raising the Southern Ute tribal flag at the Ignacio High School.
- May 10-12: I traveled to Ft. Duchesne, Utah for the Bear Dance.
- May 16: I attended the Bear Dance workshop held by Matthew Box at the event center.
- May 16 – 19: I attended the White Rocks Bear Dance. 5/24-25: I danced at the Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow.
- May 24 – 27: I danced and handed out oranges and limes with Theoden (brave alternate)
- May 29: I attended the Ute Mountain Ute Royalty pageant.
This concludes my report for the third quarter.
Tüvüchi Togwayok(a)
Henry Whiteskunk II
Southern Ute Brave
2023-2024
Southern Ute Brave Alternate Quarterly Report
Maykh Nuuchiu,
My name is Theoden Greany.
I am the 2023-2024 Southern Ute Brave Alternate.
I am six years old; I proudly attend the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy.
My mother is Dominika Joy, my father is Bryan Greany. My siblings are Starlitt Greany and Mykel-Zain Greany.
My maternal Grandmother is Ella-Marie Ramos. My paternal Grandfather is the late Clifton “Butch” Greany Jr. My maternal Great Grandparents are the late great Anna L. Weaver, and Hardy Joy. My Paternal Great Grandparents are Clifton Greany Sr. and Hazel Greany.
My father’s lineage comes from the Southern Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes from El Reno, Okla.
I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer!
Here is a list of all the events and performances I have had the privilege to be a part of thus far:
Month of March
- I attended all SUIMA Eagle Wing Drum Practices for the month of March.
March 15
- Ute Day – I attended Ute Day at the State Capitol in Denver. It was an honor to be a part of Ute Day and to speak about being Ute inside the State Capital building.
- Denver March Powwow – It was a great weekend of dancing.
March 21
- Aha Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M. – I placed 2nd in a Jr boys Fancy Special.
March 23
- Ignacio Community Easter Egg Hunt
March 26
- Fort Lewis College Hozhoni Ambassador Pageant – It was very fun and exciting to watch the new royalty be crowned.
March 29
- Monthly MPF Sip, Chat, and Chew – I was able to take home some awesome Bear Dance Bunnies (thank you Elise and staff).
- Fort Lewis College Hozhoni Days Powwow – I enjoyed this powwow a lot, especially the golf kart rides to the parking lot.
- I attended all SUIMA Eagle Wing Drum Practices for the month of April.
April 5
- 1st annual Grand Mesa Powwow in Grand Junction, Colo. I placed 1st in Jr. Boys Fancy and had a lot of fun at this powwow with fellow royalty Henry Whiteskunk II.
April 19
- Monthly MPF Sip, Chat, and Chew.
April 20
- 16th annual Rio Rancho Public Schools Powwow in Rio Rancho, N.M.,
April 22
- Earth Day at the Ignacio Library – It was awesome to see all the ways we can help protect mother earth.
- Wanbli Ota & ISP End of Year Social Dance at Fort Lewis College.
April 25
- NATI Conference Powwow at the Isleta Casino – I placed 1st in a Tiny Tot Special.
April 26
- Gathering Of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M.
April 28
- 2024 Nizhoni Days Powwow “Honoring Our Mothers”
May 4
- Randlett Bear Dance – I was able to Turkey Dance for the 1st time. With support and guidance from my best bud and his family.
May 9
- NAYO Flag Raising at Ignacio High School. It was a great honor to be a part of such a monumental event.
May 11
- Fort Duchesne Bear Dance and Powwow – I placed 2nd in the Jr Boys Fancy category.
May 16
- Bear Dance Workshop in Ignacio, Colo.
May 18
- Whiterocks Bear Dance – I enjoyed Bear Dancing on the grass and had fun working alongside my fellow royalty Henry Whiteskunk II helping to serve the feast. I was also able to Turkey Dance again. (Thank you to Paul Larose for your hard work and hospitality)
May 22
- Motherhood is Sacred Walk, Ignacio, Colo.
May 24
- SUIMA Graduation Ceremony.
- Southern Ute Bear Dance Opening Day
- Southern Ute Bear Dance Powwow
May 29
- UMU Royalty Pageant and crowning of new royalty. (Congratulations to all the new royalty!)
May 31
- UMU Bear Dance Powwow – Where I was honored to be selected as head boy for one of the sessions. I also placed 1st in Jr. Boys Fancy.
June 8
- Children’s Powwow in Dulce, NM- Where I placed 2nd in Jr boys Fancy and 1st in a Jr Boys Combined special.
June 14th
- Durango Rendezvous motorcycle event at the Sky Ute Casino. I had a lot of fun at this event!
- Father’s Day Concert at the MPF.
I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer and that it continues to be filled with fun and happiness!
Tog’oiak
Theoden Greany
Southern Ute Brave Alternate
2023-2024
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