The Southern Ute Permanent Fund celebrated its employees on Friday, July 17 at Vallecito Lake in Bayfield Colo., during the Employee Appreciation Day event. Employees gathered to enjoy a Poker Walk, Ute Scavenger Hunt, Heritage Dancers Performance, Fishing Contest and more. Members of the Southern Ute Tribal Council and Southern Ute Royalty took time to thank the Permanent Fund staff for their hard work and dedication to serving the Southern Ute Tribal Membership and the community. The event served as a day of fun and relaxation for all employees who were able to attend.
Summer Begay, Feather Astor, Councilwoman Marjorie Barry, and Marvina Olguin, take cards at the second to last stop during the Poker Walk hosted by SunUte Community Center and Sky Ute Casino Resort. Walking along the Vallecito Dam, participants pick a card hoping to get the best hand – or the worst.
LuRhea Ramone and other Permanent Fund employees, get in line for lunch catered by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.
Heritage Dancers perform for employees of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on Friday afternoon. Starlitt Greany dances Jr.Girls Traditional style during the Employee Appreciation Day event.
Drum group, Catching Eagle from Towaoc, Colo., performed during the event – providing songs for the Heritage Dancers and also providing social songs for the attendees to enjoy.
Permanent Fund employees are encouraged to join the Heritage Dancers in a round dance on Friday afternoon during the Employee Appreciation Day. Dancers and attendees hold hands as they two step along to the round dance song.
Southern Ute Chairman, Marvin Pinnecoose (right) greets Permanent Fund employees and their guests ahead of the opening invocation and introductions on Friday morning. Pinnecoose took time to welcome each employee to the event, thanking them for their continued hard work and service.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
