Yellow Jacket Drum Group gave the outgoing council members an honor song in the Hall of Warriors.

Southern Ute Chairman, Christian Sage gave a heartfelt farewell to outgoing council members, Adam Red and Mel Baker during a farewell reception in the Hall of Warriors, Friday, Nov. 22. — thanking both of them for their hard work and dedication while serving on the Southern Ute Tribal Council.

Adam Red made his name with the Southern Ute Growth Fund’s Department of Energy, following ten years as a Southern Ute Wildlife Technician. This was Red’s first term on Tribal Council.

Mel Baker and Adam Red sit together during the Term Celebration reception held in the hall of Warriors, Friday, Nov. 22.

The Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council gave opening remarks.

Dignitaries from the Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe traveled to Ignacio to congratulate the outgoing council members. Speaking at the podium is newly elected UMU Chairman Manuel Hart.

Adam Red gave a special thanks to the Southern Ute Council Affairs staff for their support during his term on council.

Mel Baker has served a total of four terms on Tribal Council, working together over the years with Leonard C. Burch, Pearl Casias, Howard Richards Sr. and Clement Frost, just to name a few of the past chairmen. Baker had a long career with as a wildland firefighter and previously served as the Tribe’s Executive Officer.