Troop 0960 from Bayfield presented the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Staff at the Mesa Building with a “Hometown Hero” package on Thursday, May 20. Troops choose a group or organization to receive donated cookies each year. Recipients can be “heroes” in the community such as non-profit organizations, shelters, firefighters, local military groups, blood banks, or food banks. The Troop thanked the staff for all their dedication and the work that they have done in the community.

Crystal Kelly rests on a bench at Scott’s Pond with her sons, Archer and Cedar Konkol.

Kevin Rock receives a Pendleton blanket from the Southern Ute Court and staff. The blanket is for completing the tuuCai Wellness Court on Thursday, May 27. Wellness Court is a special court that gets involved when someone is repeatedly being arrested and charged with criminal offenses, is not following court conditions, and/or continues to abuse alcohol or drugs. The court is specifically designed to help individuals overcome their personal struggles and move forward in a positive way. The ceremony was held in the Southern Ute Tribal Courtroom and followed all COVID-19 restrictions.

Southern Ute Tribal Court Judge, Scott Moore swears in newly hired SUPD Officer Adrian Wauneka and his K-9 detecting dog, Raven, on Wednesday, May 12.

La Plata County Sheriff’s Office will help the Southern Ute Police Department and their first ever K-9, Raven, with the fight on illegal drugs.

On Wednesday, May 12 Southern Ute Tribal Councilwoman Linda Baker shared kind words of welcome to the newly sworn in SUPD officers Adrian Wauneka and K-9 Raven in on the steps of the Tribal Court.

Native American Durango 9-R Graduate, Ethan Casias stands for a photo with his grandparents Veronica and Ernest “Muz” Pinnecoose.

Durango 9-R Graduate, Ouray Watts stands with his family after receiving a Pendleton blanket and blessing from the coordinators of the Native American Graduation.

Southern Ute Boys and Girls Club Chief Executive Officer, Bruce LeClaire offers the closing prayer at the Native American Graduation in Durango on Wednesday, May 19.

Erny Zah speaks on behalf of the Cozad Drum Group to all the Native American graduates in the Durango 9-R School District on Wednesday, May 19 at Durango High School Stadium.

Behavioral Health Manager, Mary Young, Behavioral Health Administrative Assistant, Kayla Wing and Social Services Administrative Assistant, Beth Santisteven hand out water and goodies for “Walk for Mental Health” participants.

All participants in the “Walk for Mental Health” event stand together for a photo at Scott’s Pond.

Zaliyah Bluestar cools her feet off in Scott’s Pond alongside Community Center Director, Robin Duffy-Wirth.

SunUte Community Center Director, Robin Duffy-Wirth and Malia White Thunder take a short break at Scott’s Pond while walking during the “Walk for Mental Health” event on Thursday, May 27.

Charles Alston beams with excitement as he waits in the parade line for kindergarten graduates to drive through and celebrate with their teachers.

Robbie Archuleta smiles broadly as he leaves the elementary school, he returns in the fall as a first grader.

Ammonie Johnson rides on the front of his mom, Candi Johnson’s car through the Ignacio Elementary Parking Lot during the Kinder graduation.

Kindergarten graduate, Shyla Watts waves goodbye to her teachers one last time before her summer begins.

Ember Vigil blows a kiss to the families, teachers and students who watch on as the kindergarten graduates drive through the Ignacio Elementary School parking lot.

Southern Ute tribal member, Edward Box III fills out paperwork to receive a package of food during the CARES Act Food Distribution on Wednesday, May 26 at the Southern Ute Food Distribution Building. The food boxes were available to the public on a first come, first serve basis.

Food Distribution Stock Clerk, Brandon Silva packages a bag of food during the CARES Act Food Distribution on Wednesday, May 26 at the Southern Ute Food Distribution Building.

Photo Credit: McKayla Lee | The Southern Ute Drum