Governor Polis recognizes Ute tribes at Capitol 

The Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes of Colorado convened at the State Capitol last week in recognition of Ute Nations Day, as proclaimed by Governor Jared Polis on Friday, April 14. Tribal dignitaries held one-on-one meetings with the Governor and his chief staff as well as breakout sessions to discuss important topics amongst the state’s two sovereign nations. 

The annual event is coordinated through the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs (CCIA), whose office serves as the official liaison between the State of Colorado and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The Commission ensures direct contact and meaningful engagement with the Tribes and with Colorado’s urban Indian communities. 

The relationship between the State of Colorado and sovereign Tribal governments is founded on a strong government-to-government relationship — Ute Nation’s Day and the opportunity for the Ute tribes to have a seat at the table with state leadership is essential to that process. Following the formal recognition ceremony on Friday morning, both Southern Ute and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councils had an opportunity to meet with Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera to discuss matters of importance to each of their respective sovereign nations.  

“Ute Day at the Capitol is one way we strive to honor the state’s earliest stewards who have lived off and cared for the land long before Colorado became a state,” Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera said. “We are grateful for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes’ continued legacy here in our state.”  

“We also acknowledge the Indigenous communities that once called this land home; but no longer reside in Colorado due to the violent and manipulative actions perpetrated by federal and state governments,” Primavera said. “We must remember our past in hopes that we can offer solidarity and partnership in the present and greater opportunities for Coloradans living on and off tribal lands in the future.” 

Concerns raised directly to Governor Polis and the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs by the Southern Ute Tribal Council included, revenue from online sports betting, illegal gambling within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation boundaries, future funding of the state’s Office of Liaison for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Relatives — while also stating the need for more active engagement in the prevention and resolution of MMIR cases in Southwest Colorado —  and the progress and support of a bill that would allow for Native students to wear their traditional regalia during formal commencement (graduation) ceremonies.  

Tribal Council was also invited to attend a set of breakout sessions held in the State Services Building adjacent to the Colorado Capitol that afternoon, topics of discussion included Veterans Affairs, the Indian Child Welfare Act and Workforce Development. Members from each of the Ute councils attended the split sessions and provided ideas and feedback for their respective tribes, while also having the opportunity to meet face to face with key department heads on issue resolution, and future opportunities. 

The formalities in the Colorado State Capitol building earlier that day began with a formal invocation in the Ute language by Ute Mountain Ute elder, Terry Knight Sr. and a Color Guard presentation by the Southern Ute Veterans Association. The Rocky Mountain Mustang Drum Group filled the halls of the Colorado Capitol with powerful singing — delivering an Honor Song and Flag Song in recognition of Ute Nations Day.   

Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera each took turns giving recognition to Colorado’s longest continuous residents – the Ute tribes. Southern Ute Chairman Melvin J. Baker and Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Manual Hart welcomes attendees and spoke to the importance of tribal sovereignty for future generations following the reading of the Ute Nations Day Proclamation by Governor Polis.  

“We also want to acknowledge the tribes who call Colorado home — thank you for the many tribal leaders here today and the wealth of knowledge, tradition, and pride they bring to our Capitol today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera said. “It’s an honor to partner with you. Thank you to the Rocky Mountain Mustang Drum Group for their powerful honor song and flag song to fill the halls of our state capitol. That was truly an impactful way to begin a meaningful day.”  

Miss Southern Ute, Grace Gonzales and Miss Ute Mountain, Iyonia Pavisook were recognized along with members of the Southern Ute Royalty and Ute Mountain Ute Royalty — of all ages. The tribal royalty and visiting dignitaries were then invited to a formal recognition in the House and Senate chambers. Colorado State Senator, Jessie Danielson (Democrat, Dist. 22) spoke on behalf of the State Senate, welcoming the Ute tribes and tribal royalty, while also recognizing the important legacy that the Utes hold for Colorado — both past and present.