Southern Ute Tribal Council attended a historical meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 3 with the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC). The meeting is the first in the history of the UCRC, and the Upper Colorado River Basin. This historical occasion brought together the three Ute Tribes. the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Navajo Nation. Also in attendance were UCRC members and state representatives from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

The current mega drought conditions, unseasonably low winter precipitation, and city growth throughout the Colorado River Basin has placed significant strain on water resources. Both the upper and lower basin tribes have, until recently, been excluded from the table as water related matters are discussed. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, as well as other tribal nations, holds historical water rights and are an essential part of the conversation. Tribal Water Attorney Lisa Yellow Eagle meets with commission members.

The attendees enjoyed an evening dinner and discussion followed by a half day meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Commission and tribal nations in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Lorelei Cloud and Shaun Chapoose at the conference.