Southern Ute tribal member, Ocean Hunter has recently returned to the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) as a new employee through the TEAM program. After graduating from Ignacio High School in 2020 and attending cooking courses via the Manna Soup Kitchen in Durango, Colo., he has returned to the institute to work as an Assistant Cook in the SUIMA Dining Hall. Hunter will continue in his position throughout the remainder of the school year and hopes to return to SUIMA in the fall to continue expanding on his cooking skills.
Hunter, originally from Washington state, moved to Ignacio at an early age, attending SUIMA from 2009-2013 until his continuation into public school at Ignacio Middle School. He graduated from Ignacio High School in 2020, after a brief break, he attended cooking courses at the Manna Soup Kitchen, earning a cooking certification from the organization. Hunter was recommended for the job and was then hired through TEAMs, a program that provides tribal members with short-term employment to gain work experience and assist in obtaining full-time regular employment in the future.
Staff members at SUIMA are excited to welcome Hunter back as he continues to expand his cooking skills. Health Safety and Nutrition Coordinator, Scott Halsband, looks forward to working with Hunter for the remainder of the school year. “I was really excited to hear that Ocean was interested when he was approached, so far, it’s been nice having somebody back that’s been through the school,” Halsband said. “He seems to be enjoying his time here, and we are really glad to have him aboard.”
Ocean Hunter will continue to work at SUIMA until the end of the school year, following that he hopes to return to SUIMA in the fall season for regular employment. He also would like to attend school for culinary training in the future. Hunter shared a small piece of advice for any other tribal members looking to work at SUIMA or to go through the TEAMs program. “Be open to anything really, be patient,” Hunter said. “Everyone is really easygoing here and you get to know them easily.”
Halsband expressed his hopes for Hunter as he continues his work at SUIMA. “I hope that he can gain as much knowledge as he can from Mary and Geneva, and that he enjoys the time spent here–I hope he returns next fall.”
SUIMA Principal, Mari Jo Owens is grateful to have Hunter working at the school. “I think it’s great that he’s here, he brings a different energy,” Owens said. “We are here to support him as he pursues a career in culinary [arts].
“Follow your path and your dream,” Owens emphasizes. “I know myself and one other teacher would say ‘come back to the school when you grow up, come back to help the school.’”