Spreading the Christmas spirit in Ignacio
Thursday - December 24, 2015 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum
Candin Johnson explains to Santa exactly what he wants for Christmas, during the annual Christmas luncheon. The potluck luncheon is held annually for the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy’s Primary through Upper Elementary students and their families.
Southern Ute tribal elder, Dona Frost (left) lends a helping hand as she and Natelle Thompson stuff the Christmas bags with delicious goodies.
Over 700 Christmas bags were prepared by Ignacio High School, Native American Studies Class, and the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council and were handed out at the Tribal Christmas Dinner and Program Saturday, Dec. 19.
The Peaceful Spirit’s Healing Spirits program held a cookie exchange on Sunday, Dec. 20 at the Peaceful Spirit center. Community members baked and exchanged cookies in the spirit of Christmas.
The Healing Spirits program will be holding two more upcoming events: A New Year Sobriety Walk on Jan. 1, 2016 beginning at 8 a.m. from the Southern Ute Veterans Memorial Park and a Sobriety Powwow to be held on Jan. 2. Grand entry will be at 1 and 7 p.m. at the SunUte Community Center.
Ignacio Elementary students shared Christmas lunch with their families on Thursday, Dec. 17 in Cafe Lupe at the Elementary School.
Chef Twinkle makes a red mark on three-month old Ezra Watts’ nose while he lies in his great-aunt Marietta Watts’ arms during the Polar Express train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Monday, Dec. 21.
After picking up Santa from the North Pole, he was gracious enough to visit every child on the way back to the station.
The trip sponsored in large part by SunUte Recreation and gave tribal member families a chance to experience the Polar Express train ride for only five dollars a person.
Ol’ Saint Nick visited the Southern Ute Indian Tribal offices Friday, Dec.18, making his rounds in the offices and stopping in to see Chief Financial Officer Brian Zink to make a crucial popcorn ball handoff.
Southern Ute Montessori Head Start students and their families were treated to Christmas Ham, scalloped potatoes, rolls and jell-o at the Head Start’s Christmas lunch.
Theresa Harlan and grandson Treon Joseph share a smile during the Head Start Christmas party Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Southern Ute Montessori Head Start Students sing Christmas songs to their families during the Head Start Christmas Lunch on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
A few of Santa’s helpers and elves helped serve the Christmas lunch at the Ignacio Elementary School.
SUIMA students just couldn't wait to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.
Two-month old, Jace Rock celebrates his first Christmas in Santa’s arms, at the academy luncheon, his proud parents are Kaylee Cuthair and Jordan Rock.
Academy girls open and compare their dolls they received as part of the gift exchange during the annual Christmas potluck luncheon.
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
