CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Edward Box III 

Tribal Council Candidate 

Let me first introduce myself. I am Edward Burch Box III. I am the son of Edward and Betty Box, grandson of Edward and Dorothy Box, Sr. – egap, great-grandson of Jacob and Bertha Box – egap and Sam and Clara Burch – egap, and great-great-grandson of Edwin Cloud – egap and Ruth Nash Cloud – egap. 

I am committed to academic excellence. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where I gained foundational knowledge and skills essential for professional growth. My Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree equipped me with expertise in customer service, business operations, and organizational management within the hospitality industry.  

I intend to pursue my Master of Hospitality Administration Degree with a concentration in Gaming Management. This advanced degree will enhance my knowledge and experience in the hospitality and gaming industry. 

A tribal leader gains a deep understanding through the Tribe’s history and identity, an insight into cultural practices, and guidance in resolving conflicts with equity and integrity. As tribal leaders, we need to focus on how we strengthen employment growth and opportunities for the membership we represent. Tribal members must be encouraged and supported throughout their career journeys, with opportunities available in the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and Sky Ute Casino Resort. Many tribal members have earned their degrees. We need to open opportunities for them to work, grow, and serve their community from within.  

We need to advocate for extended job training and placement programs that empower tribal members to secure meaningful employment opportunities both within and beyond tribal enterprises. I firmly believe that with support and encouragement, the community will benefit significantly from tribal members who work within the Tribe, fostering economic self-sufficiency, and strengthening cultural ties through active participation. This practice not only promotes economic self-sufficiency but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, strengthens cultural relations, and preserves traditions through active participation, while empowering individuals by providing meaningful employment opportunities. Ultimately, this approach cultivates robust Tribal Council leadership that is deeply connected to its members and committed to advancing the Tribe’s vision.   

I will protect and support not only our future, but also our legacy – the young people who will carry this legacy forward and the elders who safeguard it in their hearts and minds.  

A leader does not speak solely for themselves or their immediate family; they represent the collective will and welfare of the entire community. 

My commitment is grounded in this principle. I understand that leadership is a passionate advocacy that reflects the needs and aspirations of all tribal members. 

My vision aims to uplift and empower our people. I honor our traditions while embracing progress and innovation to secure a prosperous future. 

Vote for preserving our heritage. Vote to strengthen our future. Vote for me. 

Please support my candidacy on November 7, 2025.  

Vote Box – “Honor Heritage – Embrace Progress” 

My favorite quote is from music artist Pitbull – “If you don’t know where you from, you don’t know where you are going.” 

 

 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT  

Marvin Pinnecoose 

Southern Ute Tribal Council 

Maykh, Nuuchiu. 

My name is Marvin Pinnecoose. I am the son of Leona Red-Pinnecoose (egap) and Guy Pinnecoose Jr. (egap). I was born and raised on the Southern Ute Reservation and am a proud graduate of the Ignacio School District. Following high school, I moved to Las Vegas, Nev. to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship. I was halfway through pursuing my Master of Business Administration with a focus on Finance when the passing of my two brothers and my mother encouraged me to return home to take care of our family farm. 

I was elected to Tribal Council at the end of 2022 and was immediately voted into the role of Treasurer. In 2023, I led the wage comp restructuring with the goal to stop the bleeding of qualified personnel going to other jobs, families working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and putting people in uncomfortable positions just to get by. My idea came from the practice that we put into place at Amazon in 2018. This was the $15 hourly minimum wage rate. For the Tribes’ purposes, I proposed to Council we establish a $5 per hour wage increase to all personnel who made less than $60,000 per year. People making over that would receive a 10% increase. The reason for this is because a $5 increase at $10 per hour takes a person to $15 per hour. If that same person only received a 10% increase, they would have just moved up to $11 per hour. The goal was to make it meaningful to our staff and demonstrate our commitment to strengthening our overall capacity. The impact targeted many of our manual labor and task-oriented jobs, which is where we do see quite a lot of our tribal membership. It was designed to allow people to stay where they liked working and still be able to make ends meet. My thoughts were to help Grounds Maintenance, Building Maintenance, Wood Yard, Custom Farm, Construction Services, SunUte employees, etc. These are the employees who go home dirty every day. These are the people who show up to plow snow at 4 a.m. in the morning while the rest of us sleep. 

In 2023 and into 2024, I also brought about the concept of the 2% interest rate for the home loan program. Many people know me for being frugal with the endowment (our financial future that I believe needs protection), but I also believe in appropriate spending. At 2% interest, tribal dollars will probably lose a little bit of value over a 25-to-30-year mortgage, but more importantly is that it gives an opportunity for an enrolled Southern Ute tribal member to buy a permanent home to pass down to their non-enrolled tribal children and their grandchildren. It’s the beginning of the bend to help envelop the descendants and beyond. It has seen over 100 applicants to the home loan program, and plans are being made for future benefits and greater reach of this program. We need to start exploring this same mindset in education. 

Though I have many more accomplishments to mention, this statement gives a couple brief examples, tells you where I stand, and where I want to go. In terms of where I stand, my three main focuses on Tribal Council are Financial Service & Products, Agricultural Revitalization, and Economic Development. Off-reservation home loan lending is being explored to allow people to live anywhere in the country. The vehicle loan program is being redeveloped and should be coming back online soon. I was instrumental in securing over $4 million dollars in government assistance for the range program through an alternative funding arrangement through the USDA. We are also working on projects that will help drive revenue onto the reservation and allow people to spend money here instead of running off to Durango and Farmington. The Buckskin Charlie apartment units are part of this economic driver. The goal is to have multiple revenue streams that enhance the tribal membership’s quality of life, not just money. My vision is to be the reservation that other Native Americans visit and then go home and say, “why can’t we have that”? 

In 2025, as Vice-Chairman, I testified before the state of Colorado Senate and/or House of Representatives on four separate bills: HB25-1163 Free Access to State Parks, HB25-1266 American Indian Recognition Day, SB25-061 Construction of Laws Regarding Tribes, and SB25-009 Recognition of Tribal Court Orders. I prevailed on all of them. I have experience engaging with city, county, state, and national representatives. I understand the importance of working as a team with Tribal Council, listening to other points of view, and respecting their votes on what they believe. I work with our departments and staff on initiatives and appreciate their hard work, rather than just waiting for them to bring in things to vote on. I listen to the thoughts and opinions of tribal members and always try to stay open-minded and optimistic about their issues. I always lean on my background of education, outside experiences, and confidence to help make rational decisions for our tribe. I would appreciate your support to keep going forward and to continue representing our people. 

Thank You 

Marvin Pinnecoose 

 

 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Byron Frost 

Tribal Council Candidate   

Mique Pino Nuchu, 

My name is Byron Frost, and I am running for the Southern Ute Tribal Council for the upcoming election. I am the son of Jack and Annetta Frost, my wife is Etta Red Frost, and my sons are Brian and Aaron (deceased), and my daughter is Deanna (deceased). I am the guardian of our two grandsons Richard and Ivan Joseph. I am of the Moache/Capota and Uncompaghre Ute Bands. 

In today’s world we are constantly fighting for our Tribal Sovereignty, which is the inherent right and authority for tribes to govern themselves. This includes practicing our traditional and cultural way of life. It is important that elected council members have knowledge of treaties and agreements that were made with United States Congress, we must maintain the concept that treaties were “the supreme Law of the Land.” Jurisdictional issues will be an issue as time goes on. We as leaders must fight to protect our natural resources from encroachment from non-tribal entities. 

We are now in a government shutdown, which means our tribal funds will be used to keep federal programs running as time goes on, although we are okay for now, we as leaders must always prepare for the worst. Our concern should be checking on the off reservation tribal members. The federal programs they use could be on shut down mode. The cost of living has risen, groceries, gas, housing rental etc. Tribal members need assistance in health care, education, and transportation. These issues I mention also apply to the members living on the reservation. I would advocate the tribal administration to review and present a plan to increase the Emergency grant funds to $1,000.00-$1,500.00. 

Leaders must always have a vision so that our tribal members are moving forward in a positive way. It has always been said that one day our gas and minerals will run out and funds for tribal member dividends will decrease. This is true; we have a business venture right here, which is the casino. I would advocate increasing funding for the casino, especially in the marketing department. It’s important to review the business plan of the casino and make changes so that it becomes profitable. 

There are real time issues today that need to be addressed: Education for our tribal members and tribal member descendant students in the public school system both here and off reservation must be a priority. The Tribal Truancy Code is now in effect for tribal and Native American students that miss too many days from school. To better understand this code, I will advocate having a meeting with all parents and students. 

My background: I have my education in Civil Engineering, and this has led to my career of 20 years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Roads Department as the head of the Engineering Department for the agencies in Western Washington and Fort Hall, Idaho. I have been employed with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in various departments, my last was with the Natural Resource Department, Lands Division Head. During my tenure as Lands Division Head, I purchased property for the Land Consolidation Program, reviewed NEPA compliance issues, and archaeological clearances. I serve as a chairman for the following programs: Gaming Commission, Committee of Elders, Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC) for the Ignacio School District, I also sit on the on the rodeo working group. 

I have gained considerable knowledge overseeing the policies and regulatory matters that pertain to federal and tribal lands and the gaming industry and policy of the Ignacio School District. I am confident that my expertise, skills and leadership abilities would greatly enhance my decision-making on issues that come before me. 

There are many issues that need to be addressed. Please bring your issues and questions to Meet the Candidate Night, 6p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Sky Ute Casino Resort Event Center. 

I possess a deep appreciation for the culture and tradition, and values of the Southern Ute Tribe and recognize the importance of preserving the tribal sovereignty, promoting economic development, and ensuring long term success and vision of the tribal government and tribal members. I assure you that I will make decisions that will benefit all tribal members and tribal resources.  

If you are looking for progress and vision for the tribal members, I ask for your vote on November 7, 2025. 

 

 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Marjorie Barry 

Tribal Council Candidate 

Mique Nuchu, Nunay nia Marjorie Barry, Capote-Mouache nu mamuch. I am seeking your vote for re-election to the Tribal Council. I have lived and worked on the SUIT reservation all my life, along with my family. I do not promise you, but I will do all I can to represent your voice to the best of my ability, working diligently for you and making sound decisions. I will be accountable, continue to remain humble, treat others with respect and compassion, and listen with an open mind.  

My professional work experience includes working with government agencies, BIA Southern Ute Agency in Forestry and Irrigation, and the Office of the Superintendent, as well as the IHS Southern Ute Health Center prior to its P93-638 contract status.  

My tribal government experience includes Tribal Council, Executive Office, Education, Natural Resources, Division of Gaming, Culture Department and the Tribal Health Department. I have served on the Education Committee, and as Gaming Commissioner for the Tribal Gaming Commission. I have served as a liaison to the Powwow and Royalty Committees, and am now a liaison to the SUIMA School Board, Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council, Committee of Elders, and JOM Committee.  

As one of the two voting members on Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. I attend all quarterly meetings and consultations with various state agencies regarding education, health and wellness, Natural Resources, Environmental Issues, MMIR, etc. Work with CCIA allows the tribe to participate in consultations concerning issues with Health and Wellness including Medicaid/Medicare, Natural Resources, Mitigation plans regarding Wolf Reintroduction, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, Environmental issues and other areas. 

I am a member of the Albuquerque Indian Health Board which consists of six tribes in the Albuquerque area. The health board provides health services and programs through a grant process and sub-awards to qualifying tribes. Services our tribe receive include the opioid response grant, health and wellness such as the Cooking Matters nutrition program, audiology exams and hearing aids, the 988-emergency response program and train the trainer services for our health staff and CHR program just to name a few. Various programs also attend our community health events, setting up informational booths for the membership and community. 

Accomplishments include housing initiatives to provide affordable housing for the tribal membership. Soon to be completed is a 60-unit apartment complex for our people. The complex will include two- and three-bedroom units along with ADA handicap units as well. Another rental unit is near completion at the Quichas site.  

More work needs to be done in our language revitalization efforts. A special project by Tribal Council began during my first term and included signage in our Ute language in all of our tribal government buildings and the casino. Although the project took longer than it should have, it is now complete. Work on language and ensuring that efforts continue to keep our language alive is vital. I will continue to support the efforts now in place using traditional methods and taking advantage of new technically enhanced teaching applications that will soon be available to our membership.  

In 2024 the Committee of Elders (COE) was appointed comprised of seven tribal elders. The COE meets once a month with open meetings the membership is welcome to attend. The COE is working on projects that will engage elders, tribal members, and target the youth to participate and learn about our people and our way of life. The COE will bridge the gap between our elders and youth, while instilling the importance of communication and mentorship by creating more opportunities to work together. I will continue to actively engage with the COE to achieve the goals they are working on.  

My work with the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council offers youth an opportunity to participate with the tribal government. Our youth are the stewards of the future; we need to encourage them through mentorship. The Youth Advisory Council consists of students from middle school through high school. Discussion has been held to increase the age limit to include our college/university students. Youth Advisory Council members are invited to participate in meetings with Tribal Council and other entities. The council is always looking for new members who are interested in learning about our tribe and the governmental processes. The youth are the future of our tribe, and we need to work together for youth success. 

As a liaison to the SUIMA School Board, I attend monthly board meetings. The Board recently completed their policies, which will be submitted for final approval. I also attend monthly Parent Advisory Group meetings which allow parents to discuss all classroom activities and programs and interact with the teachers. I also attend family nights with activities that feature tradition, culture and seasonal festivities.  

Work continues on revising outdated tribal codes. Updated tribal codes will allow our tribe to work with outside government agencies with codes to better address issues as they arise. Codes in review include the Range Code, Land Assignment Code, Tero Code, Protective Custody, Liquor, and Enrollment Code. Once final drafts are completed, public meetings will be held for input by the membership. We have had very successful tribal member meetings on the codes and your input is crucial. 

Our tribe is facing critical water shortages. We have been in a 20-25 year drought and Mother Earth is suffering. Although we are entitled to storage water in Vallecito Reservoir, the availability of irrigation water depends on how full the reservoir fills each year from snowfall and accumulated rainfall. The Tribe’s irrigation rights are satisfied with this storage; however, options need to be determined for use of water the Tribe does not utilize. We need to ensure irrigation water is available and provided to our farmers and ranchers to successfully run their agriculture enterprises. We must continue working on obtaining funds to maintain and upgrade The Pine River Indian Irrigation Project to run an efficient successful irrigation program.  

Recently the Tribe began development on the Mancos Shale energy project, and some of our tribal water was used for preliminary project work. Not only will the Mancos Shale project address energy development, it has allowed us to use water as per our water rights settlement. We need to continue our work regarding our water priorities and participate in negotiations concerning our water issues. What I envision as a benefit of the Mancos Shale project is the development of environmental programs to restore and improve our lands. To seek development projects on how to get water to our dry west side of the reservation, to seek means to get water from the Nighthorse reservoir to our reservation and our sister tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. I envision future revenue from the Mancos Shale project to allow our tribal programs to continue as well as fund tribal benefits. 

Tribal Sovereignty is more important than ever before. With more and more budget cuts coming from the federal level, we can no longer rely on a government who is throwing their trust responsibilities to the side. We must continue to work with state and federal agencies to guarantee our tribe is included when decisions are made legislatively that will affect the Tribe. We have been actively involved to protect our hunting rights in the Brunot Treaty area, that funding is provided for urgent repairs for the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project, continue to prevent land encroachment by outside entities, continue working on affordable housing, and work on supporting legislation that will address potential cuts to Medicare/Medicaid funding that could drastically affect comprehensive health care for our people. We need to continue working on generating economic development and increasing employment for our people. 

Our most important resource is you, the tribal membership. You are our most precious resource and asset. Your considerations cannot be put on the backburner; your voices are important, and it is our responsibility to listen to you. My work is not done; more opportunities need to be made for the tribal membership to voice concerns. I wish all of the candidates running good luck. I urge all of you to register and come out to vote in our tribal election. May the Creator bless you and your families.  

Thank you and please feel free to contact me at any time, my office telephone number is 970-563-2304, and my email is mbarry@southernute-nsn.gov 

 

 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Christine Sage 

Tribal Council Candidate 

I am running for Southern Ute Tribal Council. Maykw- Hello my name is Christine Sage. I have seen and heard many concerning issues happening within our Tribal organizations. Do I sit back and do nothing or do I run for office, I run for office. 

My platform is still the communication and lack of accountability with our tribal leaders. Without the communication to our tribal membership, we as tribal elders and members are always wondering what is our leadership working on and when are we going to be informed of their decisions. 

I do hold myself accountable, I have and will inform and be transparent to the tribal membership. The decision to vote for our leaders is totally up to you, the tribal members. The vote accounts for your voice in all decision making to ask questions and get the answers directly to the members. I have again sat back and watched and listened to some of the tribal leaders and I do not believe what they are doing or even saying. There comes a time when someone needs to stand up to all of this. I know I can and I will stand up for my tribal membership in all situations. I have done this before many times. Being a tribal elder, I feel I have been placed on the back burner with no chances to get the support of my tribe.  

Our younger tribal members are needing more support with their finances. The economy that we are challenged with today is overwhelming for all. I have testified in Washington, D.C. and with our state representatives, I am willing to speak out to be the voice of the tribal people. This involves our Sovereignty that we are entitled to. When I was Chairman of our tribe, I dealt with COVID (not at all what I wanted) but it happened. My biggest challenge was to keep all my tribal membership and staff safe from this pandemic. I fought and called my constituents to assist us with finances and needed supplies. We got what we needed and I then pushed for more. Always on the phone, talking to Governor Polis, former Secretary of Interior, David Bernhardt, and former Regional Office Director Patricia Mattingly. The funds that I got for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe were helpful but when I wasn’t reelected what happened to those funds? The Cares Act funds were not all used when I left, so what happened to those? I was going to give these remaining funds out to all tribal membership. I asked about these funds and got no answers. I know this was awhile back, but my question still applies. 

My platform also consists of our finances for all, our elders, our Veterans, and our land. The resources we use and need our water. 

I had many tribal members on and off the reservation ask me to run for Tribal Council. I see what our former Chairmen, my dad, Chris Baker Sr. and Leonard C. Burch and past Council members prepared for us, and it looks like we are losing it little by little. Our resources, Ute language, concerns, the value of the Growth Fund, the Permanent Fund, and the Casino. We as Southern Ute people should continue and prosper in the future with much gratitude. With your vote, I can assure you this will be a reality. Our future needs to be better for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. 

I would appreciate your vote on Friday, November 7, 2025, to become the new Tribal Council member. Let’s get our tribe back to accountability. 

Togwayak – Thank you, 

Christine Sage 

 

 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Cassandra Atencio 

Tribal Council Candidate 

Maykh Nuuchiu, tuguvun, and peyan! (Hello, Ute people, my friends and relatives), 

My name is Cassandra Atencio, most of you know me by Cassie/KC Naranjo. I am a sister, mother, aunty, grandmother, storyteller, traditional knowledge keeper, Northern Traditional Dancer and tribal elder. 

I am the daughter of the late Alden Naranjo, Jr.-egap and the late Dorothy (Frost) Naranjo-egap. On my mother’s side, my kaguchin (grandmother) was the late Annetta B. Frost-egap, her mother was the late Ada Burch-egap. My grandfather was the late Jack Frost-egap. His mother was the late Marie Frost-egap and his father was the late Moav’-egap. Marie’s mother was the late Theodosha Frost-egap and her father was the late White Frost-egap. 

On my father’s side, my whichichin (grandmother) was the late Bertha M. (Burch) Grove-egap. Her mother was the late Clara Cloud-egap and her father was the late Sam Burch-egap. Clara’s dad was the late Edwin Cloud-egap. My grandfather was the late Alden Weaver Naranjo, Sr.-egap and the late Vincent Grove-egap. My grandfather Alden’s mom was the late Bessie Weaver-egap. 

Bessie’s mom was the late “the Original” Francis Buck-egap. Francis’ mom was Sarah-egap and her father was the late Charles Buck-egap aka Chief Buckskin Charley-egap. My grandfather’s dad was the late Joseph Naranjo-egap 

I am running for a seat on Tribal Council, based on what I think I can bring to the table. I was brought up here on the reservation in a very traditional Ute household that practiced our Ute Lifeways-Bear Dance, Sun Dance, Native American Church, Sweatlodge, Powwow Dancing, etc. Utilizing the land for ranching, hunting (deer, elk, turkey) and gathering (plants, berries, nuts, minerals). These are practices I still do today. 

These lifeways come from both sides of my family; I have lived here for most of my life. I bring the experience and knowledge about the struggle of single parenthood, domestic violence, addiction, health issues and utilizing our ceremonies, family, traditions and Creator-to come back to them to heal and go forward in life positively. 

I was involved in sports most of my young life, playing sports like softball with the family team, volleyball and basketball for Ignacio Middle School and Bayfield High School where I graduated in 1983. I have attended the University of Kansas, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, PCC, and Institute of American Indian Arts. I lived briefly in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. 

I worked under the Southern Ute Tribal Apprenticeship Program as the Native American Graves Protections and Repatriations Act Coordinator (NAGPRA) beginning in November 2013. I completed the program in 2017 and assumed the position of NAGPRA Coordinator in April 2017. I shadowed my mentor in meetings, conferences and presentations and went to training on Cultural Resources laws and regulations (NAGPRA, NHPA, NEPA, DOI-Cultural Resources, etc.). I became the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer in 2021. Shadowing and training helped to instill in me confidence to speak up in regional meetings, listening sessions and on the national level, such as National NAGPRA Review Committee when it came to voicing concerns and discussing the reburial and repatriation of our Ancestors. I have assisted to change and include tribal perspectives when it comes to impact and effects on Cultural Resources whether they be on tribal lands, federal lands, state lands and some town/city municipalities. I held the THPO position until recently-April 2025. Tribal Sovereignty, … We have always had it; it wasn’t given to us by the government. It is the way we govern ourselves when we had Headsmen before being moved to the reservation, and later, through our Constitution and accompanying Tribal Codes. It is not the right to do whatever we want. It is the responsibility to Protect the Gifts we have been given. 

 Tribal Sovereignty includes: 

• Empowering Our People. Bringing Your Voice to the table before decisions and Resolutions are made. Becoming more proactive and not reactive. Inclusion of all our people from the oldest to the youngest, to those not yet born, in the schools, for employment, housing needs, etc. 

• Protecting Our Home. Looking through a holistic lens. Our Reservation is the only place we have left where we should have the most say. The Reservation is not our only Homelands, our People covered five states-Colorado, Northern New Mexico, Southern Wyoming, Western Kansas, Eastern Utah, also the Oklahoma/Texas panhandle. 

• Strength Through Tradition. Our Ute Identity is important and the core of who we are. Our Younger Generations did not grow up the way we did, they are asking. Our Oral History predates our Written History. Preservation of our culture, language and history is vital to our existence without it we have assimilated into the “Melting Pot.” Cultural Resources IS Natural Resources. 

• Vision for Tomorrow. How prudent are we being with development? What are we doing to the landscape we live on? What are other sources of financial opportunities in Indian Country that we can also incorporate? 

– Micanoos 

“Strong Roots, Building the Future Our Ancestors Dreamed Of!” 

 

 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Cheryl Frost 

Tribal Council Candidate 

Dear tribal members; 

It’s that time of year when we all get the opportunity to vote for the Tribal Council candidates who will best represent our Tribe. Hopefully, council members will work together making decisions in the best interest of the Tribe, refusing personal enrichment and refusing judgment of others. 

Being on Council is challenging. Having been a former Vice-Chairman, I know; but, it’s a job that is worthwhile. Tribal Council members are no more or more less important than any other tribal employees.  

I would appreciate a second opportunity to serve the people of the Southern Ute Tribe. I want to continue the work I started during my first term, and I would appreciate the opportunity to help decide tribal issues that affect us all. There are a lot of issues, but I will address three, out of respect to the requirements of print media. 

The first is health care. Many of our people need or require specialty health care. Medical costs, pharmaceutical costs, and medical equipment have increased yearly. New and safer vehicles transporting individuals to medical appointments and/or facilities is much needed. Also, a tribal member health care committee should be formed. 

Health insurance and the health care marketplace are of concern. It’s important that we bill for care since each dollar collected helps reduce the cost to the Tribe. Let’s be honest, Native people’s health care is not free. It never has been. We may not have ever been billed for services, but someone is paying. We also do not have tribal health care insurance but rather a health benefit with minimal co-pays. As patients, we may not pay for services or our patient responsibility is a small percentage of overall costs. We need to start engaging and speaking out about our health care system.  

Secondly, and this is a difficult and emotional issue but, the Tribe must address how people are enrolled. In other words, do we continue to use blood quantum to qualify children for enrollment, or do we adopt a new standard? There is patrilineal, matrilineal, or direct descent that could be used. Maybe a different alternative? Also, there are many families who have stated, their parent(s) or grandparent(s) were enrolled with a high blood quantum only to find their blood quantum was lowered. This needs to be addressed to give families peace of mind but how do we, as a tribe, move forward on this issue? How do we bring everyone together on this issue? I will be honest, I do not have the answers; but, as a Tribe with a close-knit community, we need to support each other when it comes to membership. The only thing I know is it will take time, require patience, and people will need understanding to listen to one another.  

Thirdly, is the casino. There is a lot to dissect. Issues related to management, serving alcohol in the casino and the restaurants, Human Resources, and overall leadership of the casino are areas of concern. Drugs in the casino and an unsafe work environment on the gaming floor. As customers, staff is well-trained and do not let the drugs affect customers but it’s a concern. Employees are willing to speak out but are afraid of retaliation. That’s all I will say out of respect for those employees who have spoken out.  

There are other issues to talk about. Solar power of which I am for and, grateful to former Councilwoman Amy Barry for bringing as an option to the Tribe. Water, oil & gas, the tribal fleet —the tribal budget is still a concern.  

I found that my first term on council was a learning experience. As a councilor, you learn the processes council members must work and abide by, or should abide, and the protocols of council. I’ve always read so it comes naturally to me and you have to read or should read as much as possible. Not just materials related to our Tribe but to other tribes and, really, the world. You meet people and while I consider myself shy and reserved, being the Miss Southern Ute helped me when it came to greeting the Governor of Colorado and other dignitaries. 

Oh, I understand some Ute words but don’t expect me to respond in Ute. I’ll be honest, not hearing it every day anymore makes me have to think hard about the words. Thank you for your time. Thank you for reading and have a good day.  

 Cheryl Ardena Frost

 

 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Heather Frost 

Tribal Council Candidate  

Nuchu, 

My name is Heather Frost, I am the daughter of Edna and Raymond Frost Sr. The granddaughter of the late Jeanette Eaton Joy and Preciliano Barry, and the late Mamie Frost and Julius Cloud. I am the mother of four children and a grandmother to one beautiful grandson of whom will inherit the decisions we make today.  

I am one of nine candidates vying for a seat on Tribal Council. I have over 15 years’ experience in tribal government serving the tribal membership in different capacities within the tribal organization and a lifetime of knowledge in my culture and traditions taught by my elders; teachings I will use in making present decisions to further our future generations. 

 I would like to bring further knowledge of tribal governance to our membership, so they have a voice in the direction of our tribe. The constitution has been a focal point for many years and bringing that knowledge to the people can help lead the way to making necessary changes. Along with changes to the codes, policies, procedures, and ordinances to be more beneficial to the tribal membership in all areas of tribal government. I will also bring forth not only honesty and integrity but will also serve the membership with fairness and equality as stated in the constitution.  

Vote Heather Frost November 7, 2025, for the people, by the people. For our past, present, and future. United not divided! 

 

*No statement provided by Carolyn Grey Eagle