Southern Ute Tribal Council Affairs expressed, “Our sincere gratitude to the Tribal Membership, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Jicarilla Apache Nation, and local dignitaries who joined us yesterday for the End of Council Term Celebration honoring Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud and Council Member Vanessa Torres. Their tireless efforts to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) and to secure Tribal water rights in the Colorado River Basin have made a significant impact on our community, region, and state. We are grateful for their leadership, advocacy, and service.”

Outgoing Tribal Council member, Vanessa Torres is wrapped in a Pendelton blanket in recognition of serving in her first term on the Southern Ute Tribal Council. Among those who spoke were her mother, Georgia McKinley and her daughter, Raelynn Frauenhoff.

Chairman Melvin J. Baker gives words of gratitude to his outgoing Vice-Chairman, Lorelei Cloud, before those who gathered in the Tribal Council Chambers for the End of Term Celebration, Monday morning, Dec. 2.