Doug Hill shares a story of how he met Russell Box Sr. during the Russell Box Sr. Bench Dedication event held at the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum on Tuesday, May 14. This event also served as a surprise birthday party for Box. Students at Ignacio School District were invited as they crafted the benches to be dedicated to Box. Also in attendance were members of the community, Tribal Council, and tribal employees.

Russell Box Sr. looks at each handmade bench during his surprise birthday party and bench dedication event held on Tuesday, May 14 at the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum.

The “Butterfly Bench,” is just one of the benches crafted in honor of Russell Box Sr. This bench features small metal butterflies set into the wood and an honorary plaque. This bench was handcrafted by the Ignacio High School Woods Manufacturing Program.

Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum