Posts by Robert L. Ortiz

Sinuuv Larry, carrying his grandfather’s staff, walks with his sister O’Hozhoni Larry in memory of their grandpa “Buckskin,” the late Saa-sawnia Hiswaqs.

Fri Jan 13th, 2023

Walking into a New Year

The third-grade students close out their winter program with their rendition of “Feliz Navidad,” by José Feliciano. Ignacio Elementary second and third-grade held their annual Winter program on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Ignacio Elementary School. The elementary students held their respective programs throughout the month of December to the delight of family friends and loved ones.

Thu Dec 29th, 2022

IES Winter Programs

Fri Dec 16th, 2022

Obituary: Clarence George Pinnecoose

Southern Ute elder, veteran and spiritual leader, Dr. Jim Jefferson was honored with a bonnet from Southern Ute tribal member, Nathan Strong Elk, Wednesday, Dec. 7 in the main lobby of the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum. Strong Elk sings an honor song for Dr. Jefferson as a way of honoring the bonnet he was gifted from Strong Elk. To support Jefferson in a humble way, as life is short, with healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. “We have to honor our elders while they are still here,” said Strong Elk.

Thu Dec 15th, 2022

Jefferson honored with Bonnet

Junior Miss Southern Ute, Leandra Litz introduces herself in her Ute language at the Southern Ute Thanksgiving Dinner, at the Sky Ute Casino Resort, Sat., Nov. 12. The Southern Ute Cultural Preservation Dept., organized the annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Fri Nov 18th, 2022

Southern Ute Tribe gives thanks

Ceriss Blackwater served as the evening’s emcee introducing the Native Love team. Native Love board members are (left to right) Nieda Chakee (Southern Ute elder), Cythia Buckskin (Southern Ute elder), Oolcu Buckskin (Southern Ute) Daisy Bluestar (Southern Ute) Executive Director and Ceriss Blackwood (Indigenous Chicana).

Fri Nov 18th, 2022

Native Love is now open for business

Hand Game extraordinaire, Mike Santistevan demonstrates to his niece, Ruby Tallbird which “bone” is being chosen by the opposing team during stickgame action. The Southern Ute Cultural Preservation Dept. hosted the 3-man Stick Game Tournament in the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum's large classroom, Sat., Nov. 12, after the Southern Ute Thanksgiving dinner.

Thu Nov 17th, 2022

Stick gamers test their skills

The young singers led by Johnny Ray Hemmers (center), who also is a council member of the Mojave Indian Tribe, sang a few songs in the KSUT Eddie Box Jr. Media Center’s performance studio. Pictured left to right: Ezekiel Hemmers, Meleke Hemmers, Johnny Hemmers, Michael Burns II and Luke Mills.

Thu Nov 17th, 2022

Mt. Mojave Bird Singers perform live in-studio at KSUT

Southern Ute Tribal Chairman, Melvin J. Baker attended the 2022 Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries & Museums Honoring Reception, Tuesday, Oct. 25 in Temecula, Calif. where he was pleased to receive a custom-made Teaching Stick by master beadwork artist, George Martin, on behalf of the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum. SUCCM being one of ten tribal museums selected by a national review panel to serve as models for tribes wishing to establish museums and cultural centers.

Fri Nov 4th, 2022

SUCCM, leading by example

Ute Mountain Ute veteran Gordon Hammond (USMC) shakes the hand of Ute Mountain Ute Little Brave, Kiowan Cantsee prior to Saturday evening’s Grand Entry. The Color Guard comprised of Ute Mountain and Southern Ute veterans led the dancers into the powwow arbor included, left to right, Grace Jacket (Army), Raymond Curley (USMC), Hammond, and Southern Ute Veteran’s Association members, Bruce LeClaire (Army) and Howard Richards Sr. (Army).

Wed Aug 24th, 2022

Ute Mountain Casino Powwow graces Towaoc

Southern Ute Tribal Council attended a historical meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 3 with the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC). The meeting is the first in the history of the UCRC, and the Upper Colorado River Basin. This historical occasion brought together the three Ute Tribes. the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Navajo Nation. Also in attendance were UCRC members and state representatives from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Fri Aug 12th, 2022

Tribe hosts Upper Colorado River Commission

Southern Ute tribal elder, Eddie Box Jr. rides his motorcycle down Goddard Avenue in celebration of San Ignacio Fiesta, Saturday, July 30. Eddie and wife, Betty Box always participate in the San Ignacio Parade, handing out dollar coins to children along the parade route.

Fri Aug 12th, 2022

Ignacio Celebrates San Ignacio Fiesta

Dream Warrior, Jessa Calderon works with Derek Sage (Recording and Production) as they record lyrics provided by Dani Ashike-Borum. Sage came to KSUT through the Southern Ute Education Department's Youth Employment Program (YEP) who employ youth with various tribal entities, working a real job with hands-on training and developing real world employment skills. Ambrose Valdez was also at KSUT through the YEP program.

Fri Aug 12th, 2022

Rhyme schemes, radio things

Southern Ute high school students, Houston Cunningham, Krystyn Weaver, Sarafina Chackee and Sie Chackee received their certificates in video production, Friday, July 8. The four students completed their first week of film making and will be completing their second week of the workshop, as they will edit their video footage. Bruce Borowsky and Joey Lopez were the video instructors for the first week of the workshop. The workshop was hosted by the Southern Ute Education Department.

Fri Jul 15th, 2022

Earning film making certificates

Twenty-two Ignacio High School students received their diplomas on the Ignacio High School Sports Field before friends, family and loved ones. The grandstands were packed – a stark contrast to previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mon Jun 6th, 2022

Bobcat’s Commencement Ceremonial