The Southern Ute Election Board presented the certified results from the 2019 General Election on Monday, December 16, in the Southern Ute Tribal Council Chambers. Ramona Y. Eagle received 161 votes and newcomer Marjorie D. Barry received 157 votes, both securing their seats on the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council. Unsuccessful candidates were James M. Olguin (151) and Adam Red (135).
Council Member Elect Ramona Y. Eagle successfully earned the most votes to enter her fifth term on Tribal Council. Eagle previously served 11 years on Tribal Council and held positions as Treasurer and Vice Chairman. Eagle has worked in various departments throughout the tribal organization and prior to retiring, she served as the Executive Officer under Chairman Clement J. Frost for three years.
Throughout her four terms on Tribal Council, she has advocated for tribal member employment, tribal sovereignty, and education.
Eagle holds her bachelor’s degree in human resources from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She is very strong in her traditional upbringing and actively participates in traditional ceremonies. She enjoys dancing and beading.
“I am very honored to be elected by my people and will do my best to advocate for the needs and overall well-being of the entire tribal membership. Education has always been a passion of mine and I want to ensure the tribal membership receive the best education whether it be at the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy or through programs at the Education Department,” shared Eagle.
Eagle has three daughters including the late Sadie Frost, six grandsons, and two granddaughters. She is the sister of Linda Eagle and daughter of the late Clifford & Annabelle Eagle.
Incoming Tribal Council Member Marjorie D. Barry tallied 157 votes. After working for both the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for over three decades, Barry brings a plethora of experience to her seat. She has also held positions on numerous Tribal committees such as the Gaming Commission and the Higher Education Scholarship Program Committee.
Barry attended Fort Lewis College, majoring in American Indian Studies. Her education assisted in her position as the acting Culture Department Director. She recently dedicated six years as an employee within the Tribal Health Department.
“I would like to thank the Southern Ute people for allowing me the opportunity to take part in our government, to become a tribal representative,” stated Barry.
She has one son, Preston, and daughter, Amy, as well as seven grandsons, two granddaughters and three great-granddaughters. Barry enjoys beading and attending Native American functions.
“I would like to congratulate the newly elected Tribal Council Members, and I look forward to working with them both,” Southern Ute Chairman Christine Sage said.