GENERAL ELECTION
Adam Red
Tribal Chairman Candidate
Greetings Tribal Membership,
My name is Adam Red, and I am running for Chairman in the 2026 General Election. I believe effective leadership begins with listening, making informed decisions, and remaining accountable to the people we serve. The Chairman and Tribal Council are elected by, report to, and should be held accountable to the Membership.
I have worked for more than 30 years with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. My experience includes Permanent Fund (Wildlife and Tribal Rangers), Growth Fund (Department of Energy), Tribal Council Member, and Internal Audit. My career has given me a unique understanding of the operations and functions of the tribal organization. My current work with Internal Audit has given me an opportunity to work on improving the governance, policy, and operations within all entities of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. My 5 years with Internal Audit have provided me with a unique opportunity to advise and enhance the policies and efficiency throughout the entire tribal organization, for greater service and results for the membership.
The Constitution of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe provides the Chairman with the responsibility for appointing and directing executive department personnel, subject to constitutional and council-established requirements. This responsibility highlights the importance of strong leadership and accountability within the Executive Office. My goal is not only to build out the executive office, but to positively contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Growth Fund, Casino, and SUSS while maintaining accountability to Membership. My focus is on ensuring the structure, leadership, and processes are in place to support effective governance without tailoring the position to any specific individuals.
During my term as southern Ute Tribal Chairman, I will focus on:
- Strengthening governance and accountability
- Improving communication and transparency with Membership
- Maintaining organizational stability and continuity
- Promoting efficient and responsible management of tribal resources
- Preparing The Tribe for long-term success
- Continual progress in the growth of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe
My entire career has been dedicated to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and our people. I have always listened to Membership without judgement. If you come to me with a question and I don’t have an answer for you, I will help you find that answer. I am open and objective with my decision making.
I respectfully ask for your support as Chairman in the 2026 General Election. Together, we can continue building a strong, accountable, and effective tribal government that serves Membership today and for future generations
Respectfully,
Adam Red
GENERAL ELECTION
Hilda Burch
Tribal Council Candidate
Maykh Nuuchiu and Greetings, Southern Ute Tribal Members
Hilda M. Burch advocating for your vote on November 6, 2026. Let me be your voice for concerns, finding avenues of communications for those living off or on the reservation, and getting the youth involved for their future generations.
As a candidate for Tribal Council, I would be an asset and the driving force when it comes to helping you voice your concerns and ask those questions for clarification. Let’s be proud of who we are, where we come from and where we are going for the future of our membership. Again, let me be your voice-asking the questions for answers and how to better communicate to all tribal membership on or off the reservation.
We all have our own opinions of who we chose to vote for to represent the tribal membership as a Tribal Council representative. If chosen to be your representative I will advocate for the membership either on or off the reservation. I have worked for the tribe for over 30 years and have two degrees; Associate in Accounting and BA in Business Administration. I have lived off the reservation for 13+ years and worked in various positions during my time off the reservation. I moved home to take care of family and see what I can contribute to the Tribe. Change is good if its for the future growth for the tribe and membership.
Vote to preserve our cultural identity, language for our future leaders; our future generation of the Southern Ute Tribe. Vote for Hilda M. Burch – I have the passion to advocate for tribal members’ needs and to communicate effectively.
I would like to thank those who attended the Greet N’ Meet that was on Oct. 20. And thank those who attended the Meet the Candidates Night on Oct. 28 – either in person or Webex.
Toghoyaqh,
Hilda Burch
GENERAL ELECTION
Cedric J. Chavez
Tribal Council Candidate
Maykh Piinunuuchi!
It’s that time of year again when we come together to make our choices of who will represent us in our Tribal government and I am more than happy and greatly honored to be asked to put my efforts forth to be able to represent You and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as a working member of our tribal council again.
My name is Cedric J. Chavez, I am the son of the late Lydia T. Chavez, and the grandson of the late Thelma and Ramus Kuebler.
I have lived and worked for most of my life in our community, graduating from Ignacio High School, earning an associate’s degree in the automotive trades from New Mexico State University and currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in my spare time. I have experience in the construction industry, the service industry, and in the last 20 years, have performed public services as a professional mechanic in tribal and municipal transportation departments as well as representing you as a tribal council member.
My education and work experience coupled with my life experiences have provided a great pathway into becoming a voice for the people because I have spent a great deal of my employment within the tribe and have become familiar with tribal operations in the permanent fund, the growth fund, and the casino well before my time of service representing you on the tribal council where I was also able to expand on my operational knowledge through the various committee meetings I worked with including growth fund management, shared services, budget, education and youth services. Valuable experience that is ready to be put to work for you to address the current state of the tribe and usher in the responsible governance that we expect from our leadership when it comes to correcting budgetary faults, fair standards relating to the management and delivery of set policy and procedure and making improvements to the communication channels that have fallen to the side.
I have never considered myself to be a politician by far, mainly for the fact that I have worn the same shoes as many of you and I still do. I understand what it means to live in adversity and how it feels to celebrate the smallest of wins, and out of it all, that is my strongest suit. An everyday tribal member, no big titles, no hidden agendas, just someone who is interested in representing the people to the best of their ability with faith, experience, knowledge, and a great deal of courage to help provide an honest way to address the needs of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the People it serves.
In closing, I thank you for your time and consideration in my candidacy! Most importantly I thank you for the support you have shown me over the years, I am truly humbled by the trust you put in me to do the right thing at the right time and I look forward to being of service to you and putting your ideas first in this leadership journey. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and put my full knowledge and abilities to work for you in the coming years and provide positive changes that can be realized through our collective efforts to broaden our horizons and ensure our Southern Ute ways remain in perpetuity. Toghoyaqh!
Respectfully,
Cedric J. Chavez