SILDI graduates first cohort

Southern Ute tribal member and SILDI graduate, Crystal Ivey receives a blanket along with her certificate from Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud and Chairman Melvin J. Baker. Ivey was among the 10 Southern Ute tribal members to finish the SILDI program.

Southern Ute Chairman, Melvin J. Baker congratulates the SILDI graduates on their accomplishments and talks about the importance of preserving the Ute language at the Fort Lewis Concert Hall on the evening of Friday, May 5. Baker was one of many tribal officials from the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Tribe to give their praise to the graduates for their hard work.

Southern Ute tribal member and SILDI graduate, Daisy Blue Star receives her certificate from Fort Lewis College Provost, Dr. Cheryl Nixon, and faces the crowd in celebration. The certificate allows for its holders to be certified in teaching the Ute language and Southern Ute dialect.

SILDI graduates hold up their certificates after a round of applause for their accomplishments. In total, 27 graduates finished the program including tribal members from all three Ute sister tribes.

Tribal elders, Judy Lansing and Pearl Casias and Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) Ute Language Guide, Shawna Steffler were honored for their help in the SILDI Mentor Circle. Students were able to use the circle to ask questions and get help learning the Ute language.

Tribal elder, Denise Thompson shows her certificate after the commencement ceremony. Thompson was one of many elders to take the SILDI program.

Fabian Martinez | SU Drum

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Thu May 18th, 2023 , by Fabian Martinez | The Southern Ute Drum

Twenty-seven students from the Southwest Indigenous Language Development Institute (SILDI) Program were honored at a commencement for their accomplishment in obtaining their certificate at the Fort Lewis College Concert Hall on the evening of Friday, May 5. Family members, friends, tribal officials, and Fort Lewis College administration gathered in celebration to congratulate the first cohort to finish the program. Students received a certificate from the college that will allow them to be certified teachers of the Ute language. An invocation was given by Southern Ute tribal elder, Pearl Casias and a welcome and Land Acknowledgement was given by Fort Lewis College President, Tom Stritikus. Members of Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Tribal Council gave well wishes and thanks for helping preserve the Ute language. A reception followed in the Fort Lewis College Ballroom for graduates and their friends and family.