The Southern Ute Indian Tribe hosted its annual Christmas Dinner and Program on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Sky Ute Casino Resort, bringing Ute relatives together to share a meal and celebrate the upcoming holidays. Families enjoyed a prime rib meal, music provided by Sandman and Hummingbird Productions, and a visit from Santa Claus. Following the meal, the Event Center filled with families anticipating the annual SUIMA Christmas Program, students at SUIMA dressed to the nines ready to perform classic holiday tunes in the Ute language, this year teachers and Upper Elementary students performed “12 days of Christmas on the Rez” featuring cultural items specific to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and other Ute tribes. To wrap up the event, Tribal elder Cassandra Atencio shared traditional Ute stories with the audience, a practice that is done each winter.
Miss Southern Ute Maleina Carel helps to serve plates to local and visiting elders during this year's Christmas Dinner, fellow title holders also assisted during the dinner ensuring everyone had a comfortable experience.
Southern Ute Tribal Council and Chairman Melvin J. Baker took to the stage to greet attendees at this year’s Christmas Dinner and Program, each member took time to reflect on this past year and share well wishes with everyone in attendance.
Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate, Olyvia Watts greets members of the three Ute tribes during the Southern Ute Christmas Dinner and Program, all members of the Southern Ute Royalty and visiting Ute Mountain Ute Royalty took time to give their introductions and later helped deliver plates to those in need at the dinner.
Maylon Newton takes her turn in the dinner line during the Christmas Dinner and Program on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Attendees wait in line for a prime rib serving during the meal, selecting their choice in cut, temperature, and size.
Young Sandra Baker is greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the Southern Ute Christmas Dinner and Program.
Tribal elder Dona Frost shares a smile and her wish list with Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the Southern Ute Christmas Dinner and Program.
SUIMA students perform for a crowd of family, friends, and visitors during the annual Southern Ute Christmas Dinner and Program.
SUIMA students show off their best dance moves during the performance of “Feliz Navidad” on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Sky Ute Casino Resort.
Southern Ute Tribal elder, Cassandra Atencio shares traditional Ute stories to close out the annual Christmas Dinner and Program. Atencio shared two stories talking about the traditional use of herbs. During the event she told the story of the honorable dandelion and the adventures of the mint brothers, Peppermint and Spearmint.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
