Miss Southern Ute, Alternate

Izabella Cloud

Maykh,

My name is Izabella ‘Oawichichi Cloud. I’m 21 years old and recently graduated from Fort Lewis College with a bachelor’s degree. My maternal great-grandparents are the late Mollie Tobias Buck Cloud and Julius Cloud. My maternal grandmother is Renee Cloud. My mother is Marquetta Cloud. I have many brothers and sisters.

I’m the 2022-23 Miss Southern Ute Alternate. This will be my fourth non-consecutive year representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as an ambassador. It’s been an honor and privilege to represent the Southern Ute membership. I would like to give the membership an update on all my participation in events and travels that I have attended. I want to thank the Royalty Committee and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for giving me this opportunity.

August 

I was first crowned on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Multi-Purpose Facility. I wanted to thank everyone in attendance, especially the other royalties who traveled to support all contestants. The first event that I attended was the same day after the crowning. I introduced myself and danced with the heritage dancers for a motorcycle event at the Sky Ute Casino Event Center.

September

The next event I attended was the weekend of Sept. 9 for the 100th annual Southern Ute Fair. All my fellow royalty joined me as we started the powwow weekend by participating in the parade. After the parade, we all participated in the powwow. We introduced ourselves and then danced for the Grand Entries and inter-tribals over the weekend. Thank you to the Powwow Committee, Culture Department, and all those who helped to make these events successful.

October 

In October, I attended the Disability Employment Awareness Event on Wednesday the 12th at the Southern Ute Museum and Culture Center. I introduced myself and gave thanks to Bobbie Rosa and all attending.

November

I then attended the annual Southern Ute Thanksgiving Dinner at the Sky Ute Casino Resort Saturday, Nov. 12. After giving a brief introduction, I helped serve meals to elders with my fellow royalty members. I am so thankful to everyone who was able to attend this dinner. It has been a long time since I have seen all of us together for a meal. Once again, thank you to all of those who coordinated this dinner.

I also attended Fort Lewis College’s Nike N7 game. The Nike N7 game was to honor Native American communities in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

My next event was at the Ignacio Middle School for Native American Heritage month. I introduced myself once again to the audience of students and briefly described the responsibilities of being an ambassador for the Southern Ute Tribe. I am grateful to Dayna Talamante-Montoya and Marvin Pinnecoose for this opportunity to represent the Tribe. I also wanted to thank the heritage dancers who danced with us, especially those who traveled from Towaoc, Colo.

Alongside my fellow royalties, I participated in our sister tribe’s Northern Ute Thanksgiving Powwow starting on Friday, Nov. 25, and ending Saturday, Nov. 26. I introduced myself and thanked everyone who participated, including the dancers, singers, and those who watched. I want to thank Aislinn Ryder for traveling with me and keeping me company.

This wraps up my royalty report for August through December. I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays, staying safe and strong, and respecting each other. I am looking forward to updating the membership with my next quarterly report. I am hopeful for 2023 and all the cultural events to come. I hope to see you all soon. Take care!

Toghoyaqh,

Izabella ‘Oawichichi Cloud

Miss Southern Ute, Alt. 

2022-2023

Little Miss Southern Ute

Cyana Whiteskunk

Mayw(a) Nuchu,

Hello, my name is Cyana Whiteskunk. I’m at the Little Miss Southern Ute for 22-23. My Ute name is Muutuch(i) Hummingbird. I’m nine years young, I attend the third grade at the Ignacio Elementary School. My parents are Henry Whiteskunk and Daisy House Eagle.

On Aug. 27, 2022, the Southern Ute Royalty Pageant was held at the Multi-Purpose Facility. Cyana was selected for Little Miss Southern Ute.

Ms. Cyana first quarter reports.

September

• Sept. 5, Little Miss Southern Ute attended the White Mesa Bear Dance. 
• Sept. 9, Cyana attended the Southern Ute luncheon kick-off to the 100th annual Tribal Fair and Powwow. Along with fellow royalty members introduced themselves to those who attended at the Sky Ute event center.
• Sept. 10, Cyana attended the elder luncheon which was held at the multi-purpose facility. She introduced herself and shook hands with tribal elders and visitors.
• Sept. 17, Little Miss Southern Ute attended The Garden of The Gods Rock Ledge Ranch 12th Annual Powwow in Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Sept. 23, Cyana attended the 10th Anniversary of the Designation of Chimney Rock Monument. Along with fellow royalty an introduction and speeches were given. A dance performance was done by fancy dancers, men and women.
• Sept. 24, Little Miss Southern Ute attended the 2nd Annual “988” skatepark jam. As a part of the suicide and crisis lifeline.

October

• Oct. 7, 8, and 9 Little Miss Southern Ute attended the 34th Annual He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate Blackhills Powwow in Rapid City, S. D.
• Oct. 28, Cyana attended the Southern Ute tribal Employee Appreciation Day held outside the Sky Ute Casino Resort overflow parking lot. She gave her appreciation and thanks to the tribal employees for their hard work for the Tribe.
• The same day she attended the new exhibit of the chiefs held at the museum.
• Oct. 29, 30, and 31 Cyana volunteered at the multi-purpose for the Halloween Haunted house. She also participated in the Sky Ute Casino Halloween Trunk-or-Treat.

November

• Nov. 4, Cyana attended the Autumn Abundance Seasonal Jamboree gathering held at the museum. She and others danced their respective styles.
• Nov. 5, Little Miss Southern Ute attended the Masquerade Powwow at the Multi-Purpose Facility.
• Nov. 12, Cyana attended the Southern Ute Tribal Thanksgiving dinner at the Sky Ute event center. She gave a welcoming speech following with shaking hands. She helped get plates of food to elders.
• Nov. 17, Cyana attended the dance performance done by the Hopi and Pueblo Dancers at the Southern Ute Culture Center.
• Nov. 18, Cyana attended the Fort Lewis college basketball games honoring Native American Heritage Month.
• Nov. 19, Cyana attended the Gourd Dance held at the SunUte Community Center. Where she helped in her father’s give away.
• Nov. 22, Cyana performed her dance style along with a welcoming speech at the Ignacio Middle School and the High School.
• Nov. 24, 25, and 26 Cyana attended the Northern Ute Thanksgiving Powwow in Fort Duchesne, Utah.

December

• Dec. 2, Cyana participated in the parade for the Taste of Christmas event. She along with other royalty rode on the Sky Ute float.
• Dec. 6, Cyana attended the End of Term Recognition for Ramona Y. Eagle and Marjorie Berry. Swearing-In of Marjorie Berry and Marvin Pinnecoose for 22-25 term.
• Dec. 10 Cyana participated in the LCB 9th annual memorial walk held at the SunUte. Along with other royalty, she expressed gratitude to the staff and the Burch Family.
• Dec. 17, Cyana attended the Southern Ute Christmas Dinner held at the Sky Ute event center. Cyana welcomed all for coming and gave thanks to departments and staff for putting the event together. During the day she helped get elders food, drinks, and dessert.

During this time Cyana has been Little Miss Southern Ute she very thankful for this opportunity. Cyana has enjoyed this experience and looks forward to the future. 

She wishes you all good health and love for the new year. Little Miss Southern Ute wishes you all a blessed 2023. 

Togwaychak, 

Respectfully,

Cyana Whiteskunk

Little Miss Southern Ute

2022-2023

Little Miss Southern Ute, Alt.

Shayne White Thunder

Mique Nuchu,

My name is Shayne Morning Star White Thunder. My Ute name is Winter Rose, my grandmother Mikki gave me that name because I was born in winter and the rose signifies our people. I am the current 2022-2023 Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate. 

I am nine years old, and I attend school at Florida Mesa Elementary in Durango, Colo. 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’m a descendent of Buckskin Charlie. I am also Cheyenne and Arapaho from my mother’s side. I like to read, play video games, draw, paint, ride my scooter, and I am learning how to bead and sew. I enjoy representing the Southern Ute Tribe and I continue to learn every day.

The following are events that I have attended and participated in during my reign:

September

• Attended the Southern Ute Tribal Fair. I also rode in the Tribal Fair parade 9/9, 9/10, 9/11. 
• Attended and participated in the Chimney Rock dedication and did a dance performance 9/23 and 9/24.
• Attended and participated in the Skate Jam event 9/23.
• Attended the Durango School District Title VI back to school event and provided a prayer in Ute 9/28.

October

• My sister and I did a performance for our classes at school for Indigenous Peoples’ Day and I provided my Royalty introduction 10/10.
• Attended and participated in the Indigenous Peoples’ Day event at Fort Lewis College 10/10.
• I did a performance for the Red Willow staff at SkyUte Casino 10/13.
• Attended the Breast Cancer Prevention Dinner 10/26.
• Attended and did a performance for the Employee Appreciation Day 10/28.
• I got an award at school for my resiliency for doing my performance in front of my classmates 10/28.
• My sister and I were asked by Tanaya Winder to participate in a short film with Kyle Bell 10/29.
• Participated with other Royalties at the community Trunk or Treat event 10/31.

November

• I attended and participated in the Masquerade Powwow held at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility11/5.
• I participated in Girls on the Run with Boys and Girls Club 11/5.
• I greeted and introduced myself at the Southern Ute Annual Thanksgiving Dinner to tribal members and guests. I helped pass out dinner plates to elderly 11/12.
• I attended and danced at the Durango School District Title VI event at the Science Powerhouse 11/15.
• I attended and greeted the Pueblo and Hopi dancers and attendees at the Culture Night event 11/17.
• I attended the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks basketball game to represent for the honoring of Native American Heritage Month 11/18.
• I attended and participated in the Gourd Dance held at SunUte 11/19. My grandma took me to help feed the homeless in Durango, Colo. 11/20.
• I danced and introduced myself to the students at Ignacio School District for Native American Heritage Month 11/22.
• I traveled to Ft. Duchesne and danced and participated in the Northern Ute Thanksgiving Powwow 11/24, 11/25, & 11/26.

December

• I participated in the Parade of Lights in Ignacio 11/2.
• I participated and greeted guests for the Leonard C. Burch Day walk at SunUte 11/9.
• I delivered gifts to a boy in need in Bayfield 11/24.
• My mom took me to pass out stockings and help feed the homeless in Durango 12/30

I have enjoyed attending different events and traveling to represent the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and meeting new people. I look forward to attending upcoming events. 

Tog’oiak’

Shayne Morning Star 

White Thunder

Little Miss Southern Alternate 

2022-2023

Southern Ute Brave

Henry ElkRiver Whiteskunk II

Maykw(a) Nuchu, 

Greetings to the tribal membership and everyone in Indian Country! 

My name is Henry ElkRiver Whiteskunk II. I’m 14 years young. Currently I’m a freshman at Ignacio high school. My favorite subject is welding. My Ute name is Supurnay (Whiteskunk). My paternal great grandparents are the late William Thompson (egap) and Doris Red (egap) and my maternal great grandparents are the late Clifford and Annabelle Eagle (egap).

On Aug. 27, 2022 I was selected to for the Southern Ute brave for 22-23. I have attended the following events:

September

• Sept. 9-12, the Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Powwow. 
• Sept. 9, I attended the Southern Ute tribal luncheon kickoff for the Tribal Fair and Powwow I gave my first welcoming speech at this event.
• Sept. 10, I attended the elder’s Sip, Chat, and Chew held at the Multi-Purpose Facility. I introduced myself to all who attended. I helped serve the food also.
• Sept. 17, I travel to Colorado Springs, Colo. to the 12th annual garden of the gods rock-ledge ranch powwow.
• Sept. 23, I Participated at the 10th annual anniversary of the designation of Chimney Rock Monument. I perform my dance style(fancy) with other fancy dancers. I also welcome all who attended the event.
• Sept. 24, I attended the 2nd annual “988” skateparks jam at the Piinuu nuuchi skatepark. I welcome everyone in attendance and all the tribal departments who put the event together.

October

• Oct. 7, 8, and 9, I traveled with my family to attend the 34th He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate Blackhills powwow in Rapid City, S. D. At this powwow I met the outgoing Miss He Sapa 2019-2022 Lauren McNabb. This is one of my favorite powwows on my list.
• Oct. 28, I attended the tribal Employee Appreciation Day held at the casino parking lot. During the event I gave my gratitude and thanks to all the tribal employees.
• Later the same day I attended the exhibit revealing of the chiefs at the Southern Ute Museum.
• Oct. 29, 30, and 31, I volunteer at the multi-purpose haunted house.
• Oct. 31, I participate in the Sky Ute Casino Halloween Trunk or Treat drive by. Where I, along with my fellow royalty members handed out candy and goodies.

November

• Nov. 4, I participated at the Autumn Abundance Seasonal Jamboree gathering. Which was put together by Ignacio Youth Services and Southern Ute Culture department.
• Nov. 5, I attended the Masquerade powwow at the Multi-Purpose Facility.
• Nov. 12, I attended the tribal Thanksgiving Dinner held at the Sky Ute Event Center.
• Nov. 17, I attended the NAIG Games meeting for the 2023 games.
• Nov. 17, I attended the Pueblo and Hopi dance performance at the museum. 
• Nov. 18, I attend the college basketball game at Fort Lewis College honoring Native Heritage month.
• Nov. 19, I attended the gourd dance that was held at the SunUte Community Center. I danced as well as helped with a giveaway for my father.
• Nov. 22, I performed my dance style at the Ignacio Middle School and the High school.
• Nov. 24, 25, and 26,  I attended the Northern Ute Thanksgiving Powwow in Fort Duchesne, Utah.

December

• Dec. 2, I attended the Ignacio Taste of Christmas by riding the Sky Ute Casino float along with fellow royalty.
• Dec. 6, I attended the End of Term Recognition for Ramona Y. Eagle and Marjorie Berry. Swearing in ceremony for Marjorie Berry and Marvin Pinnecoose for term 2022-2025.
• Dec. 10, Brave participated in the 9th annual LCB memorial walk. I welcomed at who attended and gave thanks for the SunUte and the Burch Family.
• Dec. 17, I attended the Tribal Christmas Dinner Where along with fellow royalty members gave welcoming speeches. During the event I gave plates of food to elders.
• Dec. 24, I attended the Ute Mountain Christmas Powwow.

It’s an honor for me to get this opportunity to represent my tribe; the Southern Ute Tribe!! I look forward to future events. The knowledge and experience I will gain during my time as the Brave. 

I hope everyone got what they asked for Christmas. Blessings for everyone and their families bringing in the new year!

Toghoyagh,

Henry Whiteskunk II

Southern Ute Brave

2022-2023