Southern Ute Employee Appreciation Day 2022

Friday - November 4, 2022 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum

Tribal Information Services’ Records Manager Shiri Howell, shoots her compound bow during the shoot and won first-place in the Women’s Compound category; Tribal Information Services’ Records Clerk Jack Frost III, looks to see where she landed her arrow. Ground Maintenance Division Head, Andrew Gallegos, hosted the Archery Shoot on the Bear Trail during Employee Appreciation Day, Friday, Oct. 28.

Chief of Police, Deirryk Begaye of the Southern Ute Police Department tries to “apprehend” a ringer, during the horseshoe tournament.

Department of Natural Resources’ Soil Conservation Technician, Preston Abeyta of the Southern Ute Permanent Fund tosses his horseshoe in hopes of a ringer, during the horseshoe tournament.

Southern Ute Legal Assistant, Feather Astor of the Southern Ute Permanent Fund tries her hand at acquiring a point, during the horseshoe tournament.

Tribal Council Member, Vanessa Torres makes her way up to the bowling lane to try and get a strike at the Sky Ute Casino Rolling Thunder Lanes. Bowling was one of many activities staff members could take part in as part of the Employee Appreciation Day.

Water Resource Technician, Garret Becker starts his turn at the Horseshoe Tournament in hopes of a first-place win.

Tribal Credit Loan Coordinator, Deeana Cruz shows her hand after getting a card from a SunUte Community Center staff member during the Poker Walk at the Employee Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 28.

Leandra Litz, Junior Miss Southern Ute, along with fellow royalty, bears the cold morning temperature to welcome all Southern Ute tribal employees during the 2022 Employee Appreciation Day celebration. She gave thanks to all employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the years.

Elco Garcia is an employee with SunUte Community Center and works as a Lifeguard, Garcia participated in the Karaoke Contest sponsored by the Southern Ute Growth Fund. He went on to take first place for his performance of “Like a Virgin” originally by Madonna and “Reproduction” from the musical Grease 2.

Melanie Seibel showcases her Fancy Shawl dance skills during the cultural performance presented by the Southern Ute Cultural Preservation Dept. Seibel is a long-time dancer and is well skilled in her respective category.

“The Golden Girls” take first place in their category for the Halloween Costume Contest sponsored by the Southern Ute Tribal Council.

Photo Credit: Krista Richards | SU Drum

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | SU Drum

Photo Credit: Fabian Martinez | SU Drum

Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum