SUMMARY OF CONTINUING CORE SERVICES FOR THE SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP DURING COVID-19
UPDATED ON JANUARY 11, 2022
The Southern Ute Tribal Council and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Incident Management Team (IMT) would like to provide an updated summary of modified tribal services to the tribal membership. The Tribe remains under the ‘’Safer at Home Order” remains in effect until further notice.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Tribe to make changes to the services and programs provided to the tribal membership to ensure the protection and safety of the tribal members, tribal employees, and our community. The modified tribal services explained below have been approved by the IMT and adhere to the ‘Stay at Home’ Order and Human Resource’s policies and procedures.
Please continue to follow the tips and guidelines set in place to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for staying home, washing your hands, wearing your face covering and staying in contact with your loved ones and friends. We will get through this together.
If you have questions on continued government services being provided and hours of operations detailed below, please continue to call the main government line at 970.563.0100, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for clarification of services or to be transferred to your respective tribal department as the government continues to operate within approved protocols, phases and metrics.
Tribal Court
Hours of Operation: All Tribal Court services shall be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.). The Court will keep updated information on the telephone answering service.
You may reach the Tribal Court at:
Main line answering service: (970)563-0240
Email: tribalcourt@southernute-nsn.gov
Website: www.southernute-nsn.gov/tribal-court/
Fax: (970)563-9570
Address: P.O. Box 737 #18
Ignacio, CO 81137
Attorneys and the public are encouraged to communicate with the Court via email, remote technology, and telephone to limit in-person business at the Southern Ute Tribal Court.
Motions or pleadings can be submitted at the Clerk’s window during operating hours or by email, fax, or mail. Filing fees are to be mailed.
For all civil trial matters, the standard practice is in-person or remote technology (Zoom and video appearance is required).
For all criminal cases, the standard practice is in-person. Remote appearance may be allowed with permission granted by the judge. If appearing remotely, Zoom and video appearance is required.
Emergency hearings or hearings required to be heard by law shall be held in-person or remotely with permission granted by the judge. If appearing remotely, Zoom and video appearance is required.
In all matters, the Tribe’s health and safety rules must be adhered to.
Child Support – All child support checks will be mailed to the recipients by the Finance Department. No child support will be available for pick-up at the Tribal Court.
Probation Office – available by telephone Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. In-person and remote services are provided, depending upon safety concerns and urgency of the situation. All office visits will require an appointment.
Family Court Support Office – available by telephone Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. In-person and remote services are provided, depending upon safety concerns and urgency of the situation. All office visits will require an appointment.
Please remit any criminal or traffic payments using the Tribal Court’s online payment system found at www.citepayusa.com, if possible.
A face covering/mask must be worn in the Southern Ute Tribal Court pursuant to the Tribe’s health and safety requirements and the judges’ orders.
Until further notice, the Tribal Court will require either proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination or a face covering / mask must be worn in the Southern Ute Tribal Court.
Finance
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tribal Distribution and Minor’s Account Withdrawals – The processing of monthly tribal distribution payments will continue as normal, including communications with membership for changes to method of payment (check/direct deposit), any other changes, and answering questions. All checks/advices will be mailed. Checks will not be available for pick up at the tribal offices. Please contact Barbara Prestel at 970.563.2260 with questions. Minors trust account services will continue. If you have questions or wish to request a withdrawal from your minor’s account, please contact Anne Flanigan at 970.563.2454. All checks/advices will be mailed. Cutoff dates for requests have been posted on the Tribal Member Experience site for tribal members who wish to inquire.
Tribal Credit – You are encouraged to conduct business with Tribal Credit remotely. However, if you wish to meet with Tribal Credit staff or pickup/submit applications in-person, please contact 970.563.2460 to schedule an appointment. You may also place signed loan documents in the Finance Mail Drop-Box located at 356 Ouray Drive on the west side of the Leonard C. Burch Building. Following is additional guidance pertaining to Tribal Credit.
- Applications may be taken over the phone, and a signature from the applicant will not be required.
- Final loan documents will require applicant signature but will not require a notary.
- All checks/direct deposits will be available only on Fridays of each week.
- Applications must be received by Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., and loan documents must be finalized and signed by the following day, Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. to be processed by Friday of that week. If the application is not received or documentation completed by the deadlines, loans will be processed the following week.
For questions, please contact the Tribal Credit Division Head at 970.563.2458 or via email at dlarsen@southernute-nsn.gov.
Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable (AP/AR) – The cashier window will be open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Please call 970.563.0110 to schedule an appointment for business with the Cashier. Both Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable will process as normal. Signed repayment agreements may be received in-person, but encouraged through email, fax, Finance Mail Drop-Box, or regular mail to avoid in-person contact. If you need a repayment agreement, please call Connie Vaughn at 970.563.2451 to discuss or schedule an appointment.
Purchasing – Purchasing will process as normal. Purchasing staff can be reached at (970) 563-2435.
Contracts and Grants – All aspects of contracts and grants management will continue as normal. Contract and Grants Staff can be reached at (970) 563-2441.
Finance Mail Drop-Box – A mail drop-box has been installed to accommodate tribal membership needs for delivery of Finance-related documents or payments to the Finance Department. The drop-box is located at 356 Ouray Drive on the west side of the Leonard C. Burch Tribal Administration Building. Documents that can be deposited into the drop-box include:
- Tribal Distribution documents
- Tribal Credit loan documents
- Accounts Receivable check payments
- Other Finance-related documents
- NO CASH PAYMENTS can be put in the drop-box
The drop-box will be checked twice daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. All documents received in the drop-box will be stamped with the date they are received. For payments on customer accounts, the payment will be posted to the customer account on the date it is received (if received by 5:00 pm), and a receipt will be mailed by US postal service to the customer. All documents deposited in the mail drop-box will be forwarded to the appropriate tribal staff for timely processing.
Cultural Preservation Department
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Cultural Preservation Department staff are working onsite. All staff are available to answer any questions, concerns and accept ideas from the Membership. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-2983.
Education Department
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. By appointment only for Higher and Public Education. Please call (970) 563-2780.
SUIMA – The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy began the 2021-2022 Academic Year for students on Monday, August 30, 2021, with the hours of academic lessons taking place from 8:10- 3:30. Students were back in the classrooms with in-person learning. Currently, there are 93 students enrolled, with 52 of them being Tribal members. SUIMA serves Tribal members and 1st descendants. There is one infant room, three toddler rooms, four early childhood rooms, and three elementary classrooms. Ute language classes are held with every classroom four times per week, as well as the continuation of staff lessons twice per month. With a full-service kitchen, students are provided breakfast, lunch, and snacks. During the school year, SUIMA has followed all COVID protocol by requiring students and students to check temperatures daily, wear face coverings/masks, minimize the number of students per classroom, watch for signs and symptoms which may require being sent home, follow good hand washing, sanitizing classrooms daily, and adhere to social distancing whenever possible. Depending upon the level and phase the tribe is in, SUIMA may be in person or remote. As of 1/10/22 SUIMA is remote until further notice. Families will be communicated with upon approved change. Questions can be answered by SUIMA Principal, Ms. Mari Jo Owens at (970) 563-2711.
Higher Education – Higher Education will advise students through email, regular mail, and phone calls. GED and Adult Education lessons will be provided through emails and phone calls or Zoom.
Public Education – Public Education will provide tutoring and student support through appointments emails, text, Zoom and phone calls. There is partial funding available if students need assistance with technology and other educational needs.
Education Counseling-Will be available by appointment and remotely. Counselors will provide support services through emails, text, phone calls and Zoom.
Enrolled Southern Ute tribal members can access the Computer Purchase Cost Share program. For more information on the program, please contact Mrs. Ellen Baker at 970.563.0235 or via email at esbaker@southernute-nsn.gov.
Housing and Construction Services
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Staff will remain on-call for emergencies.
Tribal Housing staff can be reached at (970) 563-2723 for inquiries related to Cedar Point Housing and/or Townhome business.
In addition to staff continuing to work remotely and on an on-call and emergent basis, all major electrical, plumbing, sewer, gas, and HVAC systems will continue to be addressed by staff. In addition to emergencies, CSD will be responding to requests for swamp cooler issues, minor water drips on plumbing fixtures, non-emergent electrical requests and basic small repair. Construction Services staff can be reached at (970) 563-0260. Please only call the Southern Ute Police Department Dispatch at 970.563.4401 for household emergencies.
Staff may ask the tribal membership to leave the home or isolate in a spare room while work is taking place. Staff will respond to emergency requests at the Cedar Point Townhomes. Rent payments and processing will continue and must be post marked by the 5th of the month and mailed to the attention of the Cashier in Finance. Office phones will be forwarded to staff who can walk the membership through some basic repair tasks.
Justice and Regulatory
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Southern Ute Police Department – The Southern Ute Police Department will continue to provide law enforcement services, radio communications (911), criminal investigations, and victim services during this time. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0246.
Division of Gaming – Division of Gaming investigators has resumed its regulatory duties of the Shy Ute Casino Resort. The regulator currently works. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0180.
Southern Ute Detention Center – The detention center will continue to provide services for inmates. Effective immediately, all visitation is suspended. This includes all contact and non-contact visits. educational and religious PBT breath samples for courts and probation have been reinstated. Food and supply deliveries will be dropped at the Sally Port behind the kitchen. The driver will not enter the facility as trustees and staff will bring supplies into the kitchen. Office supplies will be dropped at the main administrative entrance. No one will be allowed access to the facility other than SUDC staff that is scheduled to work that day. SUPD, SUSS, Los Piños Fire Protection District, and maintenance are allowed to enter the facility on an as needed basis. SUDC will continue to house and accept contract inmates. New contract inmates will be accepted after proof of a negative test within 48hrs of admittance. Bail bondsman will be permitted into the Sally Port but will not enter the facility. Anyone who enters the facility including bondsman in the Sally Port will be screened and asked if they have exhibited any symptoms of COVID-19. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0379.
Tribal Rangers – Tribal Rangers will continue to patrol the reservation and serve as first responders. Animal Control Officers will continue to provide services for the community. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-2861.
Environmental Programs Division – Environmental Services will work remotely with the exception of monitoring stations for air quality and water quality within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-135.
Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) –TERO is staying open M-F 8-5pm, ADMIN Assistant is working everyday as is the compliance officer because they have no remote working capability. Career developer and Division Head are alternating days in the office and remote work on days out of the office. Office main line is forwarded to the Division Head. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0117.
Property & Facilities
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Custodial Services – Custodial Services is one of the most vital departments operating at this time and will continue to provide services anywhere buildings are in use. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0125.
Motor Pool – Motor Pool is scheduling services 8-5 Monday through Friday. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0280.
Building Maintenance – Building maintenance Is scheduling work orders Monday through Friday 8-5 with after hour emergency coverage. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0265.
Grounds Maintenance – Grounds maintenance is on site for maintenance needs Monday through Friday 8-5pm. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0272.
Tribal Health Department
Hours of Operation: Office hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tribal Health Services is the most critical department providing services to the tribal membership during this time. Please continue to call the Southern Ute Health Center prior to your arrival; this practice is for the health and protection of both the patients and health care providers. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0154.
Southern Ute Health Center – The Health Center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Respiratory ailment screenings will be conducted in the treatment room with a separate entrance utilized. All specialty medical clinics are by appointment only; lab hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except during the lunch hour from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.). Pharmacy hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except during the lunch hour from 12:00pm-1:00pm.), however patients are not allowed access to the pharmacy through the clinic, they must use the outside service window. Physical Therapy appointments will be made from 9:00am-4:00pm as requested. Please call (970) 563-4581.
Dental Clinic – The dental clinic will see patients Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by appointment only. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-4719.
Optometry – Full optometry services are being provided on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 am – 5pm, by appointment. The direct line is (970) 563-4719.
Tribal Information Services
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Administration – TIS staff will be available to continue to share relevant news and information with the Southern Ute tribal membership, tribal departments, and community in the best and most efficient way possible. TIS will also continue processing mail for the tribal government, answering and transferring incoming calls to tribal departments daily. Staff also serve as Notary Publics with additional Permanent Fund staff on-site. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-4702.
Vital Statistics – Vital Statistics will continue to provide all services, which include, but are not limited to; enrollment applications, certificate of Indian blood (CIB), tax exemption forms, verification letters, Tribal IDs, and notary public services. Services are available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Central Receiving building through curbside appointment only. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-2248.
Mail service remains available to departments Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a Monday and Friday mail run at 8:30 a.m., followed by daily mail runs at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The only exceptions will be if the first and last days of the month fall on a Tuesday or Thursday, in which case we will provide postage and deliver those days.
Southern Ute DRUM – The Southern Ute DRUM will continue to maintain production and provide special coverage on the COVID-19 outbreak and other current issues.
The Drum newspaper will continue to be provided in hardcopy form as long as printer allows and will also continue to provide the e-Edition at www.sudrum.com/eEditions/. The Southern Ute Drum will adhere to the publication schedules and print deadlines for 2022 in order to share relevant news and information with the Southern Ute tribal membership, tribal departments and community in the best and most efficient way possible. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0118.
Tribal Services
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency Family Services (EFS) – EFS is encouraging clients to utilize the online application and submission process to limit the in-office exposure. EFS is working with Farmers Fresh and The Grocery Store to accept applications from EFS online through email so tribal members can receive food vouchers at the store. All clients must call ahead to request funds available to them. Clients will need to contact EFS through the phone at 563-2329. EFS will be working in collaboration with Elders Services to provide applications to/from Tribal Elders and/or disabled clients for assistance. EFS is also temporarily modifying services for off-reservation tribal members by providing the option of receiving $200 or $100 for grocery, as long as funds are available. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-4718.
Elders Services – Elders Services will continue normal operation hours of Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., however limited service for medical, grocery and household necessity delivery, and emergency services will be provided. Medical transport will be provided only for doctor appointments scheduled as of Friday, March 18, 2020, as well as medical emergencies. Staff will continue to deliver medication, groceries, bill pay, and post office runs within the approved safety zones. Elders Services has the right to refuse medical transport based on approved screening questions and a Doctor’s recommendation. Staff will implement safe contact practices with Tribal Elders by phone. In-person visits will be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and must adhere to the tribal policy and practice of social distancing based on recommendations from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Incident Management Team. Elders Services staff will work with other programs within the Tribal Services Department to coordinate services for Tribal Elders/Members with disabilities. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0154.
Food Distribution – Food Distribution is encouraging people to apply online. Staff are currently developing an online, pdf-fillable application and, upon completion, will be placed on the tribal website. Home delivery orders will be taken over the phone. Priority will be given to the elderly and disabled tribal membership. Participants will call in food orders and receive a time to pick-up their order. Entry will be through the back gate, guests will review the order in the loading area, sign in receipt of food, and exit through the front gate. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0285.
Vocational Rehabilitation – Vocational Rehabilitation will provide consumer meetings via phone or email and collaborative meetings with local vendors and resources via conference call, Zoom, and other technology services. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-4730.
Social Services – Social Services will provide immediate response to client calls, emergencies, and continued collaboration with the Southern Ute Police Department. The tribal hotline for child abuse and neglect will continue to be available. Therapy sessions will be provided over the phone, through Facetime or Skype, and home visits as needed. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-2339.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Department of Natural Resources will provide ongoing duties that are essential for the continuity of operations and maintaining the Tribe’s business interests. The department will consider emergency meetings only.
Administration – The Department of Natural Resources will continue to provide ongoing duties that are essential for continuity of operations and maintaining the Tribe’s business interests. The department is open for business by appointment only. Phone number: 970.563.0125 (main office) 970.563.2263 (Director)
GIS – is on campus in the Annex Monday -Friday 7-5 to provide services to the tribal membership as well as the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Incident Management Team as requested. Phone number – 970.563.2226 (GIS Manager)
Lands Division – The Lands Division provides land assignment administration, processing Rights-of-Way, conducts and attends all on-sites, and issues commercial crossing permits and issues state hunting crossing permits during the appropriate hunting seasons. All Lands staff is available in-office, Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. Masks, sign-in and temperature checks are required upon entrance into the Annex Building and masks are worn by staff while in direct contact with any individuals, including other staff members. Staff are currently working behind closed doors, in private, individual office spaces. Phone number: 970.563.0126 (main office)
Agriculture Division – The Agriculture Division Office is open to the public 8am to 5pm daily. All staff are on-site for a 40 hour per week schedule. Phone number 970.563.0220
Water Resources Division – Water Resources is open 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, and continues to provide all related services to the Membership. Phone number: 970.563.2930
Range Division – The Range Division is providing all services historically provided to the membership prior to the Covid outbreak. Office hours are 8am-5pm, Monday thru Friday. Phone number – 970.563.2912
Forestry Division –– Forestry will provide firewood services (October – April), ceremonial firewood services, ceremonial events preparation (Bear Dance and Sun Dance), project work preparation (fieldwork), in-house thinning, wildland fire management, forestry contract administration, firewood/forest product permitting, IMT planning, and staff is onsite Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm.
Phone number- 970.563.4780 (main office)
Wildlife Resources continues with drop-in, in-person service at the Annex/Wildlife Office for (1) issuance of hunting and fishing permits to membership and public, and (2) distribution of bison meat. Also, Wildlife staff are available to respond to all wildlife conflict calls (eg, injured, orphaned, or threatening animals). Service is subject to change to front-door pickup/appointment-only depending on pandemic conditions. For more information, call the Wildlife office at (970) 563-0130.
Human Resources
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Human Resources Department staff will work on site and remotely. HR staff are available by email and phone for assistance with employee benefits and employee questions/support. Some meetings with HR staff are occurring and can be scheduled in advance. Risk Management continues to be involved in the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Incident Management Team and the COVID-19 response efforts. Some Risk Management and safety staff are working on site and remote. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-4750.
Internal Audit
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Internal Audit Department will work remotely and on the tribal campus to perform internal audit activities for the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, SUSS, and Casino. The department will meet periodically with Tribal Council regarding those engagements. Staff can be reached (970) 563-2310.
Boys & Girls Club
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
While Club is Closed: Club 2 Go Programming “activity kits” will be available. When open for In-person Programming: After School and Summer Programming areas include: Arts & Culture, Leadership and Service, Education, Health and Wellness, Sports and Recreation. BGC will provide transportation to Club from Ignacio Public Schools during the school year. BGC staff can be reached at (970) 563-4753 or via the BGC website www.bgcsu.org.
Tribal Planning
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tribal Planning staff are working remote and on-site to promote social distancing in the office. They are available by phone and email. Inquiries will be returned with one business day. The Annex is open to the public, but encourage clients to call prior arriving on-site. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-2270.
SunUte Community Center
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday; 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Temporarily closed on the weekend. SunUte Community Center is offering modified opportunities as follows: The Fitness Area is open. Masks must worn at all times. The gym is open and divided into 4 sections. Members of the same household are able to use a section to shoot hoops or get some cardio in. Masks must be worn at all times. 24/7 access on the fitness floor is available, please sign up at front desk. All Ute Tribal Members receive a free SunUte membership. Please note that this plan is contingent upon meeting all safety requirements and keeping everyone safe SunUte Staff can be reached at (970) 563-0214.
The Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility has canceled in-person group gatherings that are beyond the Phase II, Level 3 restrictions. Virtual programming will also be provided as well with notifications on social media, SU DRUM, KSUT radio, etc. Multi-Purpose Facility staff can be reached at (970) 563-2640.
legal department
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Legal an administrative Staff will be in the office and working remotely to promote social distancing in the office. Please call (970) 563-2141.
Tribal Prosecutor – The Prosecutor will be working primarily in the office and will attend court hearings as scheduled by the Tribal Court. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-2145.
DSS Attorney – The Attorney for the Department of Social Services will be working at the Department’s offices periodically and can also be reached by phone. She will also be attending court hearings as scheduled by the Tribal Court. Please call (970) 563-2141 for assistance.
Southern Ute Museum
Hours of Operation: Thursday and Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Southern Ute Museum is currently open on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Staff continue the caretaking of exhibits, collections, and archives. Museum staff encourage visitors to make an appointment prior to arrival. For questions, please call (970) 563-9583.
Permanent Fund Investments
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Permanent Fund Investments staff are working on-site and remotely to continue to manage the Tribe’s investment capital. PFI staff are always available by email and phone and will attend in-person meetings as requested and permitted under current guidelines. Staff can be reached at (970) 563-2600.