Growth Fund celebrates 25th anniversary
Monday - April 20, 2026 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Southern Ute Growth Fund Executive Director, Shane Seibel gave opening remarks and served as the emcee for the anniversary program, held at the Sky Ute Casino Resort.
Former Council Member and Vice Chairman, Vida Peabody spoke on the history of the Growth Fund and its early inception; Peabody is the eldest living Southern Ute and an early proponent of the Growth Fund enterprise.
The Yellow Jacket Singers – Tim Ryder, Ian Thompson and Tyson Thompson, open the program with a prayer song. (Not pictured are – Sam Burch, Johnathan Chavarillo and Conrad Thompson).
Former Tribal Chairman, Howard D. Richards Sr. was among the guest speakers at the anniversary luncheon, touching on the important role that the Ute’s have as stewards of the land – past, present and future.
Celebrating the Growth Fund’s 25th Anniversary, tribal members, guest speakers and special guests are pictured following the program and luncheon highlighting the Growth Fund’s accomplishments.
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
The Southern Ute Growth Fund held a special luncheon, Thursday, April 9, celebrating the Growth Fund’s 25th Anniversary, inviting tribal members, guest speakers and special guests for a formal program highlighting the Growth Fund’s accomplishments. In 2025, the Southern Ute Growth Fund marked its 25th anniversary—a milestone and testament to the Tribe’s long-term prosperity.