The Animas River, before and after the 2015 Gold King Mine spill, an environmental disaster that caught the attention of media across the nation.
1. ANIMAS RIVER DISASTER: With information being released that the countries largest concentration of methane emissions is coming from the Four Corners to the disastrous Gold King Mine Spill that turned the Animas River yellow in early-August – the environment has made several front page headlines in 2015.
1. ANIMAS RIVER DISASTER: With information being released that the countries largest concentration of methane emissions is coming from the Four Corners to the disastrous Gold King Mine Spill that turned the Animas River yellow in early-August – the environment has made several front page headlines in 2015.
2. YOUTH LEADERSHIP: In 2015 we saw tribal youth working towards developing positive leadership qualities with the help of the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council, the Education Department and others.
2. YOUTH LEADERSHIP: In 2015 we saw tribal youth working towards developing positive leadership qualities with the help of the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council, the Education Department and others.
3. PRESERVING THE LANGUAGE: Tribal members did their part to help preserve the Ute way of life last year. Preserving the Ute language was the topic of many conferences hosted by Southern Ute tribal members. Ignacio High School also saw its first Ute Language Class 2014-2015.
4. TRIBAL ELDERS: In 2015 tribal elders stayed busy making the headlines with their multiple achievements and activism efforts.
4. TRIBAL ELDERS: In 2015 tribal elders stayed busy making the headlines with their multiple achievements and activism efforts.
5. GOV'T TO GOV'T: Whether at the city, state or federal level the tribe made sure its input and concerns were heard.
6. HEALTH INITIATIVE: Many tribal departments focused their efforts on health. Whether it was a cooking class, a walk or fitness challenge, they all shared the same goal, healthy living.
6. HEALTHY INITIATIVE: Many tribal departments focused their efforts on health. Whether it was a cooking class, a walk or fitness challenge, they all shared the same goal, healthy living.
7. TRIBAL ARTISTS: Art can be expressed in many ways, and several tribal members took the opportunity to showcase their works last year.
8. VETERANS KEEP MARCHING: Tribal veterans stay giving back. This year they provided educational talks to the Boys and Girls Club and local schools. The tribe also celebrated the retirement of Raymond A. Baker – who served 30 years in the Navy.
9. GROWTH FUND EXPANSION: The Southern Ute Growth Fund expanded in 2015 with the opening of the Growth Fund II Administration Building. The Growth Fund also announced the building of a new solar plant on the reservation that will power 10 tribal buildings.
10 GROWTH IN IGNACIO: Ignacio saw positive growth this year, a Subway made it into town along with the newly renovated high school and the brand new Farmers Fresh Market.
10. GROWTH IN IGNACIO: Ignacio saw positive growth this year, a Subway made it into town along with the newly renovated high school and the brand new Farmers Fresh Market.
11. SUIMA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS: The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy celebrated its 15-year anniversary on September 5, 2015.
11. SUIMA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS: The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy celebrated its 15-year anniversary on September 5, 2015.
12. SKY UTE CASINO RESORT: The casino hosted a number of notable events this year, including the American Indian Alaskan Native Tourism Conference and the popular 49 Laughs comedy show. It was also recognized by Hotels.com for outstanding service, and by Relay For Life of La Plata County for being a presenting sponsor at the annual cancer awareness event.
13. INTERTRIBAL VISITORS: The Southern Ute Indian Reservation welcomed many guests from across Indian Country in 2015. The tribe hosted guests from the Potawatomi Nation, San Felipe Pueblo, and numerous other tribes thanks to the tribe being the 2015 host of the American Indian Alaskan Native Association Conference.
13. INTERTRIBAL VISITORS: Lightfoot visited the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and met with Southern Ute Tribal Chairman, Clement Frost.
14. ENTERTAINMENT: In 2015 the tribe was treated to some laughs and good music thanks to some fellow Indian Country entertainers. The all-native 49 Laughs comedy group also visited filling the Sky Ute Events Center.
14. ENTERTAINMENT: Actor turned blues musician, “Gary Farmer & The Troublemakers” visited KSUT and the casino to perform.
15. COMMUNITY WALKS: There were an influx of community walks held this year, whether it was for raising awareness, promoting health, or for remembering loved ones, the community showed up in numbers to show support.
