Maykh,
My name is Autumn Sage and I am the 2025-2026 Miss Southern Ute Alternate. My Ute name is Pachukwi (River Otter). I am 21 years old and currently attending Pueblo Community College, working towards an associate’s degree in general education. My parents are Roger Sage Jr and Lynnette Sage, and my brother is Derek Sage. My grandparents on my father’s side are Roger Sage, Christine Sage, and the late Vera Mae Cuthair. On my mother’s side, my grandparents are the late Leonard C. Burch and the late Irene C. Burch.
I am honored to serve as the Miss Southern Ute Alternate. This year marks my sixth year representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as an ambassador. It has been a privilege to represent the Southern Ute membership, and I am proud to be part of the Royalty Court for the 2025-2026 year. I would like to provide the tribal membership with an update on my participation in events and travels from September to November. I sincerely thank the Royalty Committee and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for granting me this incredible opportunity.
September 2025
- I was crowned Miss Southern Ute Alternate at the 103rd Southern Ute Tribal Fair and Powwow. I participated in the fair parade, as well as all the grand entries and inter-tribals.
- Attended the Southern Ute Tribal Fair Rodeo.
- Public Speaking class held at Fort Lewis College.
October 2025
- Royalty participated in the Durango Cowboy Parade.
- I attended the Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner hosted by Shining Mountain Health and Wellness at the Sky Ute Casino.
- The Royalty Committee hosted a pageant for the Jr. Miss title, and we crowned Jr Miss Shayne White Thunder and Jr Miss Alternate Cyana WhiteSkunk.
- I attended the Sip Chat and Chew for October.
- I attended the 25th Growth Fund Anniversary at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds.
- The Royalty attended Leandra Litz’s SCSYAC Inauguration in November.
- I attended a dance performance at Needham Elementary in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
- I attend the Veterans Powwow at Ignacio High School.
- The royalty also helped serve the elders.
- I attended the Veterans Day celebration at the LCB Building.
- Rock Your Mocs event hosted by the Cultural Department at the Museum.
- I attended the annual Tribal Thanksgiving Dinner held at the Sky Ute Casino.
- The royalty attended the Native American Arts Market Round Dance at Durango High School.
- The royalty was requested to read to the community students, which was hosted by the Education Department.
- Rock Your Mocs at Ignacio High School, where royalty explained their tribal regalia.
- Leandra Litz asked if the royalty could attend a field dressing at Ignacio High School, which I participated in.
- The Royalty was asked to attend an event at Ignacio High School, where Stoney White Thunder sang, and the royalty and heritage dancers performed.
- The Royalty attended a dance demonstration at SUIMA.
- I attended a dance performance in celebration of Native American Heritage Month at Bayfield Elementary.
- The royalty was requested to attend the Po’Pay’s Pueblo Dancers Event at the Southern Ute Museum.
- Royalty participated in a dance performance during the Denver Nuggets Halftime Show for Native American Heritage Night at Ball Arena.
- I participated in a dance demonstration at Mercy Hospital.
I’ve had some wonderful experiences so far in my reign. I promise to do my best as Miss Southern Ute Alternate and uphold my crown and title with dignity and respect. I want to thank my family, friends, tribal membership, and the Royalty Committee for their support. I look forward to the upcoming events and powwows.
Tog’oiak’
Autumn Sage
Miss Southern Ute Alternate
2025-2026