Posts by Sacha Smith

Students from the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy’s upper elementary program; Grades 4, 5, and 6 spent the spring months working on a moccasin making project. Under the guidance of Southern Ute elder Willlette Thompson, the students hand stitched the leather shoes and added ornamental beadwork to each set of moccasins. Students finished their crafts project just in time for spring Bear Dance.

Thu May 25th, 2017

SUIMA handcrafts Bear Dance mocs

Students from Ignacio High School visited the Southern Ute Growth Fund building during an open house hosted by Red Willow Production Company on Wednesday, May 17. The visit included a set of technical presentations, tour of the facility, followed by an informal Q&A. The goal of the open house was to encourage future internship and employment opportunities for students looking to enter the energy sector. Joaquin King, Randy Herrera, Lucas Roderick and Jaylene Riepel of IHS network with Red Willow representatives following the presentations.

Thu May 25th, 2017

Red Willow reaches out to students

Local blues band Plead the Fifth, held a return concert Sunday, May 18 at Sidekick Lounge in Ignacio, Colo. Band members Jake Ryder (Vocals), Jon Chavarillo (Rhythm Guitar), Tyson Thompson (Drums), Calvin Richards (Lead Guitar) and Mark White (Bass) welcomed fans and friends to their Return of the Fifth performance, which consisted of older classic songs, along with new music.

Wed May 24th, 2017

Return of the Fifth

The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy’s upper elementary class joins in on Mental Health Awareness Month.

Wed May 24th, 2017

Walking for mental health awareness

Southern Ute elder, Dewitte Baker was recognized for his 20-year contribution to the Walking Together For Healthier Nations. As a veteran, Baker carries the Southern Ute tribal flag during the walk. Southern Ute Councilwoman Amy J. Barry (left) and former Shining Mountain Health and Wellness Director, Deanna Frost honor Baker with a Pendleton blanket.

Tue May 23rd, 2017

Baker honored for service to health

Elementary Vice Principal, Will Machallister, offers words of encouragement to this year’s graduating class.

Tue May 23rd, 2017

Hats off to first grade

10 years ago: Happy May Day! Those words were heard throughout the Leonard C. Burch Administration Building on May 1, 2007. Classroom 4 from the Southern Ute Head Start traveled across the street to wish employees a Happy May Day and gave out hand crafted picture frames to celebrate the first day of May.

Fri May 12th, 2017

Many Moons Ago

Students and teachers line dance to “The Cupid Shuffle” during the Spring Fling dance hosted by SUIMA.

Fri May 12th, 2017

“Get down on it”

Kindergarten students tested their strength against fellow classmates during the Tug-of-War challenge

Fri May 12th, 2017

Kinders compete on the field

Fri May 12th, 2017

School Board, Tribal Council meet

Southern Ute Veterans, Roderick Grove and Tim Watts listen to Southern Ute Veterans Association Commander Howard Richards Sr. express his personal thoughts on the proposed National Native American Veterans Memorial to be built in Washington, D.C.

Fri May 12th, 2017

Vets, NMAI discuss national memorial

In honor of Earth Day, Ignacio High School with the help of the Environmental Programs Division, Southern Ute Grounds Maintenance, SUPD and Tribal Rangers picked up trash from HWY 172 to County Road 318 mile marker 4 on Friday, April 21. The group picked up a total of 2.5 tons (75 cubic yards) of trash on their outing.

Fri Apr 28th, 2017

Earth Day in Ignacio

Ronald Yelllowbird signs a copy of one of his stories that is included in the Cedar Moon Literary Journal. Yellowbird is a part of The Ignacio Writer’s Group who along with the Ignacio Community Library hosted a launch party on Friday, April 21 for the first issue of the journal. The journal features poetry, essays, short stories, art and photography collected from local contributors.

Fri Apr 28th, 2017

Locals launch literary journal

The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy Upper Elementary students held their 6th Year Legacy Bake Sale Fundraiser on Friday, April 21. The $647.86 raised from the bake sale will go towards sponsoring a bear from the Keenesburg, Colo. Wildlife Sanctuary. From January through April the SUIMA Upper Elementary students raised a total of $987.86. To help raise money, the students hosted “Coffee Shop” events selling coffee and treats to staff and visitors as well as hosting their big money maker, the bake sale. Through their hard work, the students raised enough money adopt a bear in The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colo. and to pay for their entrance fee into the sanctuary.

Thu Apr 27th, 2017

SUIMA to adopt a bear

Thu Apr 27th, 2017

Tribe preps for May election