The Southern Ute Social Services held their annual Child Abuse Awareness Kick-Off Event at the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum, Friday, April 7. Upper Elementary students from the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy performance traditional Ute Songs. Guest Speaker, Executive Officer Mike Olguin, Tribal Council, Southern Ute Royalty, and the Southern Ute Singers help make this event memorable. Attendees were able to meet the new Southern Ute Social Services (DSS) staff and enjoy refreshments as the Tribe kicked off the month of April in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy students were given blue pinwheels in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Upper Elementary student Clementine Carrillo (center) and her peers, take great pleasure in the pinwheels they received.
Ignacio’s own Southern Ute Singers, Jake Ryder and brother, Tim Ryder fill the Large Classroom of Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum with traditional songs.
Southern Ute Tribal Council members greet the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy students ahead of the cultural presentation.
Miss Southern Ute, Grace Gonzales gives welcome remarks along with the rest of the Southern Ute Royalty. Gonzales spoke to the importance of Child Abuse Prevention Month and welcomed attendees to the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum for the kick-off event.
Guest Speaker — Executive Officer Mike Olguin gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on his own childhood and the importance of breaking the cycle of child abuse.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
