Dear Tribal Member,
This letter is to inform you of our plans to address the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and its effects on the Tribal government and business operations. First, Tribal Council wishes to stress the importance of remaining calm and being patient as we navigate through this unique situation. Recently, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe declared a state of emergency in response to the Coronavirus. Resulting from that declaration, an Incident Management Team (IMT) was created and tasked with executing the Tribe’s Emergency Response Plan. The IMT’s three priorities are to: (1) maintain the health and welfare of the tribal membership and tribal employees, (2) maintain the continuity of government, and (3) mitigate the financial harm to tribal business interests.
We understand that this situation is unsettling and is rapidly changing day to day. However, you should know that we—Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Tribal Council, and employees—are working with leaders at the local, state, and federal level to ensure that the interests of the Tribe and Tribal Membership are being addressed. Tribal Council is also meeting daily with each entity’s leadership and with the newly created COVID-19 Incident Command Team.
Tribal Council believes that it is important to keep the Tribal Membership well informed of this progressing situation. In furtherance of this, we have attached a list of frequently asked questions regarding Tribal Operations and COVID-19. Please also continue to look for updates on the Tribal Council social media, in the Southern Ute Drum, and on KSUT Tribal Radio, in your mail, and on the tribal websites. If you are concerned about your symptoms, please contact your primary health care provider or call the Southern Ute Health Center at 970.563.4581 to speak to a health care professional.
If you have questions that are not addressed on in the attached handout, please contact Mr. Donald Brockus, Southern Ute Risk Manager. Mr. Brockus is available at 970.563.2449 or via email at dbrockus@southernute-nsn.gov.
Sincerely,
Christine Sage, Chairman
Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council