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Golden High School students in front of the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy’s tipi, proudly display a signed print from Russell Box Sr. to the Golden students during their tour with SUIMA Principal, Mari Jo Owens.

Southern Ute Wildlife’s Bison Manager, Ian Doughty points eastward as he discusses improvements to the sprinkler system and management of the bison pasture. Doughty, a Southern Ute tribal member, hired in 2024, replaced long-time bison manager, Jesse Lasater.

A photo made by Golden student, Piper Freeman, of a student looking at the bison, from behind a fence, at the Southern Ute Bison Pasture.

Golden students and teachers, stand with Bison Manager, Ian Doughty at the Southern Ute Bison Pasture.

SUIMA Principal, Mari Jo Owens reads to the Golden students inside the SUIMA tipi, as they color a depiction of their school mascot, provided by Owens.

SUIMA Ute Language Teacher, Maria Rivera has students introduce themselves in Ute, using sign language as well, to the Golden students.

The Southern Ute Drum's Editor Jeremy Wade Shockley speaks of his role as Editor, and his prior employment as a reporter/photographer with the Drum. Drum staff members, Reporter/Photographer, Divine Windy Boy and Media Archivist, Rosaleigh Cloud also spoke of their respective duties as journalists for the Drum.

Owen Gathers inspects a tagging collar utilized by the Southern Ute Wildlife Dept. track and monitor big game movement on the reservation.

Robert L. Ortiz and staff guides for the Golden High School Senior Seminar (GHS Senior Seminar) met with Tribal Council on Tuesday, April 8, introducing all the “Senior Sem” students and discussing their travels. This year’s visit marks the 11th year of the GHS Senior Seminar. Each year Ortiz serves as the organizer for the trip to Ignacio – encouraging various Tribal departments and divisions to participate, continuing to share Southern Ute culture with students and staff. Pictured left to right: Kimberly Aksamit, Mike Mendoza, Sam Aschwanden, Robert L. Ortiz, and Chris Oster.

GHS Senior Seminar student Sean Ridley gives his introduction in Ute to members of the Southern Ute Tribal Council and shares his post-graduation plans on Tuesday, April 8.

Surya Russo skakes hands with Southern Ute Tribal Councilmember, Linda Baker and other Council members during their visit in council chambers.

Golden students and Southern Ute Tribal Council members in Council Chambers after they each met with council. The students all introduced them in Ute, taught to them at SUIMA during their tour of Tribal Campus.

Education/Outreach Coordinator, Raelynn Frauenhoff, gave an introduction and a brief history of the construction of the Cultural Center building.

Surya Russo, tries her hand at using a loom inside the four-walled structure in the Cultural Center and Museum.

Skylar “Sky” Jones, and fellow Golden students tour the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Musuem, led by Education/Outreach Coordinator, Raelynn Frauenhoff. They also heard a boarding school presentation by Interim Museum Director, Fabian Martinez.

Students heard an in-depth boarding school presentation by Interim Museum Director, Fabian Martinez.

Students gather in front of the bear totem pole, with Education/Outreach Coordinator, Raelynn Frauenhoff and Interim Museum Director, Fabian Martinez, in the center of the Cultural Center and Museum.

Growth Fund Executive Director, Shane Seibel shares the history of the Southern Ute Growth Fund and gives insight to the business side of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on Wednesday, April 9.

Anna Hassett chats with Growth Fund Executive Director, Shane Sebel after he gave a Growth Fund presentation.

Students enjoy lunch, provided by Velma Armijo and family, outside of the Eddie Box Jr. Media Center – home to KSUT Tribal Radio – ahead of their live interviews.

Thomas Horsman and Carson Zoll show off their freshly made Indian Tacos provided by Velma Armijo and family.

Lenox “Lenni” Lafata and Logan Wynes are excited to try Jemez Pueblo style Indian Tacos and desserts on Wednesday, April 9 ahead of their visit to KSUT Tribal Radio.

Students (right to left) Torrey Reeburgh, Maike Drennan, Skylar “Sky” Jones, and Surya Russo join host Robert L. Ortiz for Wednesdays REZ-olution Radio Hour takeover, sharing their experiences during the GHS Senior Seminar and giving shoutouts to folks back home.

Torrey Reeburgh talks about the impact of GHS Senior Seminar and shares heartfelt memories made during their adventures thus far.

GHS Senior Seminar staff members takeover the air with host Robert L. Ortiz during the REZ-olution Radio Hour Takeover on Wednesday, April 9. Teacher, Sam Aschwanden gives her shoutouts to the listeners back home, seated to her left is Mike “Dozer” Mendoza, Chris Oster and to her right is Kimberly Aksamit.

Students and staff join KSUT Tribal Radio Station Manager, Sheila Nanaeto and REZ-olution Radio Hour DJ, Robert Ortiz, for a photo outside the Eddie Box Jr. Media Center on Wednesday.

NAGPRA Technician, Izabella Cloud shares insights into her role within the Cultural Preservation Department with the visiting GHS Senior Seminar on Wednesday, April 9.

Jr. Miss Southern Ute, Leandra Litz welcomes the Golden students. Also pictured are Miss Southern Ute Malenia Carel, Southern Ute Brave, Theoden Greany, Little Miss Southern Ute Alt., Olyvia Watts and Little Miss Southern Ute Malia White Thunder.

Carson Zoll was picked out from his peers to try singing and drumming alongside Tim Ryder, Tyson Thompson and Orion Watts on Wednesday, April 9.

GHS Senior Seminar students and Miss Southern Ute, Maleina Carel joined hands for a round dance during the Cultural Preservation Department presentation on Wednesday, students quickly learned the steps and danced in rhythm.

Students enjoyed their time learning about the friendship dance, laughing and smiling as they move to the beat.

Sean Ridley jumps in and tries singing and drumming on Wednesday, he took no time in catching the rhythm of the drum as he also participates in a metal core band back home.

After a few round dances, the Golden students and teachers assemble with Southern Ute Royalty, and members of the Southern Ute drum group in front of the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum.