Southern Ute Tribal Chairman, Melvin J. Baker concluded a productive week in Denver by delivering his third annual address to a joint session of the Colorado General Assembly, alongside Council Member Marilyn House of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The annual State of the Tribes addresses were established under Senate Bill 22 105 to strengthen government to government relations with Colorado’s two resident tribes. 

In his remarks, Chairman Baker reflected on the history and enduring presence of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and outlined key priorities, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), support for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Enterprise Spill remediation efforts, addressing unlawful use and trespass on tribal lands by Lumen, and sports betting related resolutions. 

Referencing the upcoming anniversaries of Colorado 150 and America 250, Chairman Baker said, “Long before statehood and long before the founding of this nation, the Ute people have been here since time immemorial. Our history did not begin with these anniversaries, but our shared future continues well beyond them.” He closed by thanking state leaders for their continued partnership and inviting lawmakers to visit the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. 

While in Denver, Chairman Baker met with state and local leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Senators, Jessie Danielson and Dylan Roberts and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Additionally, at the invitation of Senate Majority Leader James R. Coleman. Chairman Baker offered remarks and delivered a land acknowledgement during the opening ceremonies of the Second Regular Session of the 75th Colorado General Assembly, Wednesday, Jan. 14.