Yuletide cheer on full display at Christmas program

Wednesday - December 24, 2025 by Conrad Thompson | The Southern Ute Drum

SUIMA students sang, danced, played ukuleles and entertained the crowd with the Ute Language prayer, Christmas songs, and memorable interactions with the room full of Ute tribal members and parents.

Southern Ute tribal elders, Austin Box and Vida Peabody were honored by the Tribe for being the wisest of our elders and gifted Star blankets made by Southern Ute artisan Mike Santistevan.

Southern Ute elders, Austin Box and Vida Peabody were given a chance to share words of wisdom and speak about their life experiences.

The Tribal Information Services staff went all out this year ... as presenters Tara Vigil and TIS Director, Amy Barry handed out iPads and PS5’s to the lucky winners of a special under 18 children’s raffle held during this year’s program.

SUIMA students shined brightly with excitement and enthusiasm as they performed the various songs of Christmas.

Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause made a trip from the North Pole to handout boardgames and various gifts to the good boys and girls of Ignacio and lumps of coal to the naughty kids!

Photo Credit: Conrad Thompson | The Southern Ute Drum

Smiles were in abundance as Ute relatives got together to celebrate the upcoming holidays and share a meal, Saturday, Dec. 13. at the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s annual Christmas Dinner and Program held at the Sky Ute Casino Resort. Christmas music provided by Sandman and Hummingbird Productions set the tone as gifts were shared in celebration. Families enjoyed a prime rib meal with various desserts to choose from ahead of the Christmas Program opened by Southern Ute Royalty, giving the Lord’s Prayer in sign language.

Keeping our winter traditions alive, elders Cassandra Atencio and Byron Frost presented Ute tribal stories to the membership in attendance. The Ignacio Elementary school choir and SUIMA students sang various holiday songs, soon after Mr. and Mrs. Clause dropped by with smiles. TIS staff members handed out gift bags filled with candy, fruit, peanuts, popcorn balls and good tidings.