CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Christine Baker Sage 

Chairman Candidate 

Hello-Maykw, 

Tribal Elders and All Tribal Members, 

Let me introduce myself, my name is Christine Baker Sage. My parents are the late Chris A. Baker and Esther Coyote Baker. My father was a long-term Vice Chairman with former Chairman Leonard C. Burch. He was also Chairman of the Southern Ute Tribe for one term. My mother was a Boarding School survivor, a Ute Mountain Ute elder, and a strong matriarch as a loving and caring mother and grandmother, who kept a welcoming home to us all. Both my parents taught me to value where I came from and to be proud of who I am. 

I come from a strong background of farmers, ranchers, and was taught to respect the outdoors as a hunter. There were times in my childhood where I would head sheep by myself, help irrigate, and help with the haying season. Bucking bales and driving the tractors to get the hay cut, baled, and stacked was an all-day chore all summer long. 

I know the meaning of hard work, being humble, and showing respect to my elders. As I became a Tribal elder, I learned there’s much to represent and to carry ourselves with dignity.  

My platform I feel will always include Communication. I will need to communicate with all the Tribal membership, letting our membership know of the good and bad issues within the tribal organization.  

Water-Land-Farmers-Ranchers-Wildlife 

Without water where would our land, our farmers, our livestock, and our hunting privileges be? These are all important resources to me. We still have tribal farmers and ranchers who value and depend on their hard work, and who live off these farms and livestock along with their gardens. We use our wildlife for the meat supply to harvest for our families in the winter months and throughout the year. Seeing our great hunting spots for enjoyment and sharing time with our families is memorable. 

Our police system is in need of improvement. I would schedule monthly meetings with the Chief of Police along with the Executive Officer. This would be a meeting to discuss issues coming from the tribal membership and what issues were brought to each Tribal Council member. Having a productive conversation with the Police Department is vital. We need our whole Tribal community to feel safe and protected. 

With our departments at the Permanent Fund there are conflicts. I would look into these departments along with the Administration and update/revise Policies and Procedures and Bylaws to improve our departments. 

Lastly, looking into the future is a huge priority of mine. I’m just that type of person who gets a plan or system together before it is too late. You have heard of climate change and using electric/hybrid vehicles or equipment. I personally feel it’s too late.  I will review what we as Southern Ute can do to improve our air, our climate, and our environment for a better future for our children and grandchildren. 

In closing, I have been Chairman before dealing with many issues, met with many dignitaries, been through testimonials, and hearings. Advocating for our tribe, for our people is what I do and will continue to do.  I am asking for your vote as Chairman to represent you in an honorable and humble way, to provide our membership a better way of life. We do have the resources and it can be done. On November 3rd, 2023 Vote Christine Baker Sage!! 

Thank you-Tuvuchi Togwayak, 

Christine Baker Sage 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Byron Frost 

Chairman Candidate 

Mique Pino Nuchu 

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

My name is Byron Frost, and I am running for the Southern Ute Tribal Chairman for the upcoming election. I am the son of Jack and Annetta Frost. My wife is Etta Red Frost and we have two sons Brian and Aaron (deceased) and a daughter Deanna (deceased). I’m the guardian of our two grandsons, Richard and Ivan Joseph. I belong to the Moache /Capota/ Uncompaghre band of the Utes. I have lived here the majority of my life. After I graduated from high school, I worked for the BIA Roads Department for approximately two years then I left to further my education in Civil Engineering. 

EMPLOYMENT: 

• After completing my education in Civil Engineering, I worked for the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Branch of Roads for the following agencies: Olympic Peninsula Agency, Hoquiam Washington, and Fort Hall Agency, Fort Hall, Idaho. I was the head of the Engineering Department at both agencies and also wore a second hat as an Environmental Coordinator for the Fort Hall Agency overseeing NEPA compliance on all projects. 
• I returned home after 20 years. I have worked with the Southern Ute Tribe as a game warden, Manager for Red Bear Construction, Casino Development Program with the Casino, Lands Division Head. I have established the Land Consolidation Program in which I purchased land that cost over 2 million dollars, and reviewed Rights of ways and land assignments on tribal property. 

• I had written the business plan for the Sun Ute Community Center and had the building approved to build. I have a business called “Left Hook Promotions,” in which I am the promoter and have had three boxing shows at the Sky Ute Casino. I am the Chairman of the Southern Ute Gaming Commission and review licenses for the activities for the casino. Many years ago, when my children were going to school, I was the Chairman of the Johnson O’Malley program. 
• I helped bring the Rodeo back today to be part of the Southern Ute Fair. 
• I am a rancher/farmer and take care of my allotment and Tribal land assignment. I own cattle and horses and enjoy what I do by harvesting hay and irrigating the fields. 
• I am a Sun Dancer and a Sun Dance Chief for 14 years. I value and believe in my traditional and cultural ways. I believe the Creator will always protect and guide us for a good future in many ways. 

I summarize my experience and knowledge to let you know that I am qualified to run for the chairman position. 

 “Let’s Make a Difference” 

1. There shouldn’t be any behind close door council meeting. 
2. All workshops with departments should come to an end. Too much time with departments and no time for the membership. Round table discussion should be limited and there should not be any voting during the round table discussions with departments. 
3. Employment of tribal members should be addressed as we have had tribal members with degrees or certificates that are not hired. We need to review the Personnel Department procedures. Why are grievances contracted out to an out of state company? 
4. Are Assignment landowners getting enough water to irrigate. Are water resources doing their job. 
5. Because we have become a capitalistic government, have we forgotten the tribal membership needs? We must remember money is not everything, knowing who we are and where we came from is very important. We must have a vision for our future generation, not only for our membership but also our natural resources. 
6. More communication and help for tribal members that live off the reservation. 

In conclusion, there are many issues that face our tribal membership today, for example drug and alcohol addiction, parental control over the children, tribal member students neglect in education, just to mention a few. I am sending this correspondence to you because you are not forgotten. 

Thank you, and I hope to see you at the Open Discussion I am hosting on Oct. 24 at 5p.m. At the Multi-Purpose Facility. May the Creator bless every one of you. 

Vote Byron Frost for Chairman 

(970) 946-4061 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Renee Cloud 

Chairman Candidate 

Hello Southern Ute Tribal Members, 

My name is Renee J. Cloud; I am seeking the Tribal Chairman position for the Southern Ute Tribe; my campaign statement was based upon “protecting our Southern Ute Tribal Constitution.” 

The Constitution and By Laws of the Southern Ute Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation, was approved November 4, 1936, it is our important document that governs how we do business for our tribe.  As your Elected Official I will follow the protocol as referenced in our Constitution. Protecting our Water Rights, Protecting Land, and Protecting our Human Resources. 

As your elected Tribal Chairman, I will work according to the Constitution in implementing procedures and directives for our Tribal Government operations. It’s time to improve our services that are not met.  We have problems in employment (tribal members don’t get hired in the Permanent Fund or the Growth Fund); we have land issues, Construction Services issues, Housing, Utilities, Growth Fund issues, Investment issues and the list goes on. We need to talk about these problems and make changes going forward. Plus, we need “transparency” within these departments also with the Growth Fund.  

In order to implement changes, I will appoint an Executive Officer who has my same vision who will help in administering and coordinating this change. For example, in employment I will appoint tribal members who are willing to work. Change the job qualification wording to say Tribal members “only” delete “preference.”  I /we will evaluate sluggish departments that do not meet the needs of the membership. “If” things cannot be resolved I will institute change. 

In addition our Tribal Distribution needs to be fair and equal with the exception of our minors 60/40. (No more discrimination with ages when it comes to payments).  There is no justification why the younger generation should receive more than older Tribal members). The Cost of Living applies to all of us young and old -so why discriminate?  On this same issue I’ll centralize an area in the Tribal Office so you can pick up your checks. No more waiting at the P.O.   

Another important issue:  I will not enforce any Government “experimental” vaccines on our Tribal members-this is your personal decision. I will enforce Tribal Sovereignty on this decision. As stated above I will protect our Human Resources. 

Lastly, under my leadership we will have scheduled quarterly meeting; our meeting will be open format to where Individuals can ask their questions:  send out newsletters to the membership for information. No more Tribal news on Facebook. This will be implemented due to the turbulent environment we are living in. We need to be vigilant in everything around us, for safety.  

In closing, I thank all tribal members who signed my candidate paper that made it possible for me to get on the Election Ballot  

Remember to VOTE on November 3, 2023 for RENEE.J. CLOUD as your next Southern Ute Tribal Chairman. Together we can change our services and benefits for all Southern Ute Members, so that we can continue to be successful in what we do. 

Thank you and God Bless… 

Sincerely Renee J Cloud 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

James M. Olguin 

Chairman Candidate 

Greetings fellow members, 

My name is James M. “Mike” Olguin and I am running for Chairman with experience consisting of 40 years in various departments both in the Permanent Fund as well as the Growth Fund. I have worked as a Wildlife Officer, Division Head of Wildlife, Natural Resources Department Director, Sand and Gravel Vice President of Regulatory Management, Tribal Councilman, Executive Officer for Permanent Fund, Treasurer, Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman. I understand how the tribal government operates, which has been my main focus.  

The lessons and experience I gained from my tenure taught me to formulate a vision of progression and growth while focusing on the quality of life for the tribal membership. Many are struggling to afford basic necessities like food, water, and power in order to lead a stress-free life. Stability is needed and that can only be accomplished through a knowledgeable and experienced leader. My vision includes all membership and is not biased so when people leave office the leadership that comes after can continue the journey. To create true stability and progress we need to work towards benefiting all. With the mindset of growth and adapting to change, minimized challenges toward creating unity in the community can occur.   

Visions, honor, and traditions that I have learned were from listening to former leadership, the membership, self-growth and adapting to the world around us. We happen to be living in times of uncertainty and because of these uncertainties proper planning and execution is needed. As a tribal leader, I do not want to get to a point where we are scrambling to find solutions and the visions I am presenting are driven by my need to preserve the membership and Tribe.  

Adapting to a mindset of do it yourself will create a system that when resources are needed, we have the manpower. Right now, skills are needed for the production of food, operation of machinery and willingness to show up. We allow our reliance on foods and water(s) we don’t know the origin of where it is coming from, but with proper planning and execution we can create our own system that provides all necessities as well as means to support off reservation members. I believe with this method and oversight from myself, Tribal Council, team members and tribal members we can work toward real goals that build progress here at home. 

Here is a list of goals that need to be reviewed and what can be reasonably upgraded or changed: 

• Plan and build a medical center that will provide enough medical needs, beds, hospice and assisted living.  

• Plan and build a Maker Space that will house kitchens/food court for locals to use, classrooms, workshops, co-op, charging for electric vehicles, propane, etc. 

• Structure an AG program to provide organic foods as a co-op to distribute to the membership. Find funding to bottle water for distribution to membership. Tribal AG loan program, Tribal AG committee, Tribal AG training program and Tribal Rental program. 

• Continue to review, evaluate and update tribal codes with input from membership, update constitution for modern times and add/update the tribal seal to include who we are as people today.  

Having honor is intertwined with doing what is right by showing strength, knowledge, wisdom and courage. Through honor we can create a system that is transparent, has communication and most of all listens. Being a part of the tribal system, I have learned what it means to truly listen and what it means to come up with real solutions. Not all situations have solutions, but how you explain these conflicts makes all the difference when it comes to trust. With acknowledgement of these values, the tribal government can create solutions that positively affect tribal people. Through these solutions a mindset can be adapted allowing the understanding and questioning of the tribal government creating the checks and balances that will create true transparency. With honesty you can create trust and with trust you can create growth which is only accomplished through honor and integrity. Holding yourself to the highest standard is where honor starts and that starts with how you view yourself.  

Traditions for many members come in different forms and having been asked this question prior, I decided to talk about it from my perspective. I was raised by people who were survivors of boarding school atrocities and assimilation that changed my culture outlook. I don’t have the cultural background that many say I should because I was raised on a farm which is a 24-7 job and there was no time. The challenges I faced through my life and the understanding of why I made the choices I made, I learned from the school of hard knocks as many of us do.  

I think of myself as a protector of tribal government which has prepared me to lead when we need progress more than ever. My tenure, if elected will be that of knowledge without restriction for those that wish to learn, creating career paths here at home but requires hard work and determination by the membership. For those that want to excel should have the opportunity and there will be career paths identifying higher education needs within the Tribe. With this mindset we can align our progress as modern Natives with our cultural spirit retaining our traditions.  

I believe because of my life’s work, I have the ability to accomplish these goals having a thorough understanding of the departments needed, working relationships with staff and most of all ethical actions motivated by progressive standards. With an honest, transparent, intelligent government we can get to the destiny we all want, which is bringing more choice, opportunities and growth to all.  

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Ramona Y. Eagle 

Chairman Candidate 

My name is Ramona Y. Eagle.   I am vying for the Chairman seat for the Southern Ute Tribe.   I have a Human Resource Management Degree from the University of Colorado.   My background in employment, compensatory issues and financial management makes me equipped to represent the membership while preserving our language, culture and traditions. 

I was first elected to Tribal Council in 2004 and served other terms.   During these terms, I was elected by Tribal Council to serve as the Treasurer and was appointed as Vice-Chairman under three (3) different Chairmen: Box, Frost and Baker. 

You may ask what I accomplished while serving on Tribal Council.   No one Tribal Council member can really take credit for any accomplishment we made during our terms.  But what really matters is when we collaborate and support each other, things can be accomplished.   Tribal Council members come from various life and work experience which brings accumulated knowledge that adds inclusive decision making. 

VISION 

My vision for the Tribe includes the completion of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).  KPIs will evaluate the Tribe’s performance, to evaluate the need to make necessary adjustments in departments and programs and eliminate excessive waste. 

Sovereignty.   The power is vested with the people.   We experience this through the election of a Chairman and Tribal Council according to our constitution.   Tribal Council must ensure the next generation will continue to grow, prosper and carry on the work ethics and traditions that have been set by our predecessors.  We must continue to fight for our sovereignty.  We cannot allow the State or Federal Government to chip away at our sovereignty, especially with our land, water and gaming issues. 

Today, there isn’t adequate water to share with the western states for the future.   We must continue to protect our water.   We need to treat water as the precious element that the Creator has provided to us.   Although we are at odds with other entities who want the water, we must hold a strong position and have a seat at the negotiation table and determine if it’s time to cooperate to work together.    Decide whether to put a limit on our water rights and work with the other agencies for their needs. 

A wealth of our tribe is Human Capital.    We need to continually invest in our children and grandchildren as they are our future.    Parents must invest in their education.  It is important to be patient, understand and provide support to the youth.   With our efforts, it will help them to become successful.   Tribal Council should be aware of factors that hinder their education and work with the school districts. 

Our Elders are the key to help teach our youth with our language, our culture and our traditions.   Programs can be implemented to teach our history, the culture, the language and the traditions with the help of our Elders.  

Based upon my governance and administrative experience, I feel I have the leadership skills and the understanding and capability to serve as your Chairman.   As a Chairman candidate, I ask for your vote on November 3. 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Melvin J. Baker

Chairman Candidate 

Mique, 

Good day tribal members on and off the reservation.  

My name is Mel Baker and I am running for re-election to the Office of the Chairman during this year’s 2023 election. I plan on keeping this statement as brief as possible. Many of the things that the Tribal Council has worked on over the past 2 years and 10 months have been shared during the General Meetings, my weekly updates on the radio and in the Southern Ute Drum. I have just over 9 years of experience as an elected Tribal Council member with my first term of service beginning in 2002. 

During the year 2020, I decided to run for the Chairman seat and was elected by the voting members of the Tribe after a close run-off with Lorelei Cloud. 

I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with many of our past Chairmen and Tribal Council members and I have learned to honor them by taking their teachings and applying them to the way I conduct business as the current Chairman. Obtaining firsthand knowledge of their thought processes, decision making, and sacrifices on behalf of the tribal membership is invaluable and I carry it with me each day. 

As the Chairman, I have learned there are so many more duties and responsibilities than being a council member. It is not easy, and I will admit that I have not accomplished everything I set out to do, but being elected for another term would ensure I can continue to keep things moving forward. When I took office as Chairman in 2020 it was during the COVID pandemic and it was a tumultuous time, not just for the Tribe, but for the United States and across the world. Changes were happening quickly, safety was at the forefront, and there were unknowns that changed the way we ran our organization. Many tribal staff had to work remotely, but I made it a point to come to the office every workday alongside my Vice Chairman at that time, Mr. Bruce Valdez, and the Executive officer Mr. Mike Olguin. This position is vital, and it takes someone who is going to show up regularly, be present and stay engaged with the staff and the membership. I am dedicated to the People, and I have respect for this office and all of those who came before me. 

I have represented the tribal membership and the organization at the local, state and national level. Sometimes this happens with little notice and there is a very short timeframe to prepare, but each time I have appeared and spoken, I know my duty is to speak for each and every one of you and it has truly been a benefit to us as a whole. I continue to build working relationships with representatives in Washington, D.C. and in the Colorado State Offices. We advocate on a constant basis to ensure our voice is heard at all levels and our sovereignty does not go overlooked. Meaningful consultation is not a phone call or email, but being able to sit at the table with other governments and make certain they know the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a key player and that the people of this great Tribe matter. 

I would like to thank staff from the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, Sky Ute Casino Resort, and Shared Services for all their hard work which helps the existing Tribal Council, me, and the entire Tribe be a leader in Indian Country. We are called to share stories or make presentations to other governments, and we must continue to be a powerhouse, while making sure to care for the membership on and off reservation. 

I wish all the candidates running for a Tribal Council or the Chairman’s seat the best of luck. May the Creator continue to bless our Southern Ute Indian Tribe and our members as we progress into the future. 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Tara L. Vigil 

Council Candidate 

Mique Tribal Membership, 

I, Tara L. Vigil, am an enrolled Southern Ute tribal member. I am a Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Daughter who carries traditional values and our culture with a good heart. I respect the different values taught in our tribal community and have mentored, supported, and helped when needed. I understand the importance of hard work, compassion for the people, fairness, and accountability. I am asking for your support and vote to be a voice for you on the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council.  

I have been an employee with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for 29 years. I’ve had the opportunity to work in the Exploration and Production Department, which is housed in what today we call the Southern Ute Growth Fund. I’ve had the opportunity to help create TMEAC (Tribal Member Employment Advisory Committee) and the PDP (Professional Development Program) to help employ and advance tribal member employment within the Growth Fund. In 2010 I wanted to learn more about my culture, so I ventured to the Permanent Fund and was employed with the Culture Preservation Department as the Events Heritage Coordinator. I am very humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to work with the tribal membership, tribal chiefs, sister tribes, and tribal organizations from all three entities. The last job I held was the Recreation Specialist for the SunUte Community Center, while there I coordinated with the sister tribes to hold the Tri-Ute Games, which was very successful! I coordinated NAIG (North American Indigenous Games), and although I left the department before that obligation was fulfilled, I created great working relationships with the different contingencies within and outside the United States.  

I currently serve on the Southern Ute Powwow Committee, Southern Ute Gaming Commission, and the JOM (Johnson-O’Malley) Committee. To be a leader is to be involved, trustworthy, open minded, and committed. I humbly thank the tribal membership of all ages, my family and most importantly the Creator who helped mold me into who I am today. I am ready to get to work as a tribal leader to bring better solutions when it comes to the Policies and Procedures, Investments, Education, Housing, Water, Land, Language, Mental Health etc.…, 

One issue which has been questioned is our sovereignty. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe operates under the Constitution of 1975, which gives us the right to govern how we operate, however any amendments to the Constitution will need the approval of the Secretary of Interior. Which leads us all to the question, are we completely sovereign to do as we please or not, and why? If I am elected, I will request to the leadership and Tribal Chairman to have a General Meeting to educate the tribal membership and our future generation on what sovereignty means to the Tribe, the benefits of sovereignty and the importance of registering to vote. The tribal membership will also be educated in the powers of the Tribal Council vs the Tribal Chairman / Vice Chairman, according to the Constitution.   

To make a change in the right direction we must start at the top. It is time to revamp our services to better meet the needs of our tribal membership. I will push for higher wages, job advancement and accountability with employment to ensure fairness, and that job security is met. I will request that a tribal attorney be available to help tribal members, free of cost, to give legal advice and or represent them if they are fighting to keep their jobs, while complying with TERO laws. I will hold my position with the highest priority to the people first while adhering to the Code of Ethics and the Constitution. It’s time to regain trust, honesty, fairness, and our culture / traditional values back to the people, as the Constitution reads “To protect and preserve.”  Therefore, I humbly ask for your vote on November 3rd.  

Tuvuuch Togoiak for your time and to the Southern Ute Drum.  

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Andrew Gallegos 

Council Candidate 

Hello, my fellow Tribal members,  

My name is Andrew Gallegos, my parents are my father the late Robert C. Taylor and my mother Elizabeth L. Gallegos.  

I graduated in 2011 from Ignacio High School. Following graduation, I went to work for the Southern Ute Growth Fund under the Utilities department from 2011-2016. I then transitioned into an apprenticeship program and earned many certifications and my Class A CDL License. I next moved to the Permanent Fund working for Construction Services then moved to my current position with Grounds Maintenance as the Grounds Maintenance Division Head. I have a total of 16 years employment with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.  

I’ve learned policies, budget management, personnel management and currently sit on the Southern Ute Wildlife Advisory Board and the Permanent Fund Apprenticeship Committee. During the pandemic I served as the Incident Command Team’s Logistics Officer.  

Now with your support I’m looking to serve a seat as your newly elected tribal councilman.  

My vision is to get more opportunities in: 

Youth growth 

• Youth employment recruitment.  
• Graduation from high school and College. 
• Ambition, Self-determination/self-sufficient. 
• Find a career path. 

• Explain the factors of the importance of what you do when your younger has consequences later in life. 
• Hunting mentor. 

Tribal member retention in employment 

• Give tribal members the reason to stay employed with the Tribe. 

• Better rates of pay. 
• Improvement to reach higher level jobs in-house.  

Bring Tribal programs to economic times 

• New buildings. We have outgrown the current Health Center. 

• New equipment. 
• Find ways to fund programs and projects to not use tribal money. 
• Pay rates, incentives and benefits competitive to outside world. 

Support 

• Membership with problems / concerns.  
• Support executive directors with needs and movement forward. 
• Past leadership direction to move forward. 
• Better working relationship with all entities. 

It’s time for our generation to step up and be leaders.  

The future is now! 

Thank you,  

Andrew Gallegos 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Conrad Thompson 

Council Candidate 

My fellow Tribal Members, 

If you work for the Tribe, you work for the people. If it wasn’t for the people that Tribal job would not exist. 

We have to start asking difficult questions. 

What do we really own and why are we investing so much into this organization? 

The tribal members have helped to build this organization into the wealthy powerhouse it is today. The organization stands on a Triple A credit rating. The rating was built on all of our investments. However, the membership is not allowed to use the same Triple A credit rating that we help to build as “Individual Investors.” We are also paying for services. 

Is this organization more important than its membership? 

We have been divided into several groups by our organization. Those of us who have more than enough and are comfortable with the way things are now, and those of us who struggle from month to month. The organization has divided us by giving some of the membership Tribal jobs and preventing others from working by using policies to prevent employment. 

Even though some of us have had more opportunities, we are all part of the same tribe. 

How many tribal members work for our organization? How many even apply? 

The organization has stated the membership does not want to work. Meanwhile the organization has kept the same outdated policies and procedures that might prevent the membership from working.  

How many tribal members hold directors’ positions? 

The organization has stated in the past, its stance is to train the tribal members to become Directors and Department heads. The majority of the jobs held by tribal members are labor positions and lower tier positions. 

How many tribal members do we have? 

The Town of Dolores has about 1,017 people and they spent around $2.2 million on their 2023 budget. (source The Journal Newspaper) 

The Town of Ignacio has roughly 1,500 people and they budgeted around $8.1 million, but they spent around $2.7 million on their budget. (source Town of Ignacio.gov) 

We are spending A LOT more than that for services the majority of us are not receiving. What is being provided by our organization that costs so much? 

If the organization has so much to give, shouldn’t the organization invest some on the majority of the tribal members as well? 

We have the power to fundamentally change our organization, if we just started voting more. Instead of competing with each other, we could just put aside our differences and work together. We could stop looking down on each other and help out with advice instead of ridicule. 

Now more than ever is a moment for change. 

Mique Pino Nuchu. My name is Conrad Thompson and I am running for Tribal Council. 

I cannot help but be thankful for everything we have. 

I am not a politician. I am a Ute man who practices our Mouche Capota traditions. 

I have had the privilege of being raised in our culture. To give back. I sing and dance and participate in our annual Pino Nuche ceremonies like the Sundance and Bear Dance. I also travel to our sister tribes, the Fort Duchesne and the Ute mountain Reservations, to participate in the various Ute Ceremonies throughout the year. I sing at powwows, and I also sing for our loved ones who have passed. 

I am a Native Artist and I have made a living off of my artwork. I have a drone pilots license. I am a businessman, a motorcycle rider, a musician playing and singing in various bands, and my favorite job, a father. 

I do audio editing as well as video editing. I have a 3-D printer and have gotten into making and editing my own STL files. 

I live in the community up on Cedar Point East, so I do know and deal with the problems directly affecting our neighborhoods. 

We face a lot of problems as tribal members and a “One size fits all plan” does not work.  

As Americans, we have witnessed and felt the impact of the largest redistribution of wealth in the history of the world. 

With the rising cost of living, we have witnessed homelessness grow to unfathomable numbers, we deal with a credit rating system that is difficult to understand, divided politics, and life in general. 

To say it is overwhelming is an understatement. The last thing we need as tribal members is fighting amongst ourselves. We are all on the same team, let’s start acting like a family and community we can all be proud of. 

My name is Conrad Thompson. A Vote for me is a Vote for the Membership. 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Cedric J. Chavez 

Council Candidate 

Maykh, 

I hope everyone is doing well and that you have all been taking the time to enjoy time with family and friends. 

With the upcoming election on the horizon, I’ve seen and heard a lot of buzz about what people bring to the table when they are running for any particular seat, and I thought I’d share my thoughts on this. The fact of the matter is that there are different motivations to compel someone to put their name on the ballot but regardless of what they may be, mostly everyone is looking to bring about change. 

When I originally ran for a council seat I was of the same thinking, we’ve all heard the stories of mismanagement, been written off through policy, and just felt like we weren’t getting our just dues and I really wanted to help change that. 

Little did I know that council work and the business of the Tribe are seriously complex and time-consuming. Staying on top of tribal law, water rights, governmental actions, economics, day-to-day business, national politics, local politics amongst other things and tending to your oath bound duties set forth by the constitution can make your head spin. 

I get it when people make the remarks about council people going quiet and not abiding by the transparency, we all call for, council not working in the interest of the people because they failed to do what was said during the different campaigns, or that once they get in they lose their care for anything. 

Disconnected leadership can occur, but I can truly tell you that when you are taking on the workload of a council member you are trading a large portion of your time and effort to be prepared for the next meeting on the calendar. Taking care of the business that takes care of the Tribe and its people. Regarding what you can and cannot do while trying to work towards your ultimate goal of change is a dance of give and take. 

The Tribe’s vast amount of dealings and the life that it breaths can put your campaign on the back burner and before you know it, poof, your term is coming to a close. At the end of the day, you are people working for people and as a person you are not perfect. The Heavenly Father did not make us so. 

When I come to the table, I like to be informed. The decision-making process is best when all aspects of a particular subject are put in the light and able to be reviewed, allowing a way for knowledge, experience, dedication, and compassion to guide the way to the most uniform decision to be arrived upon. 

After all is said and done as one council person, you have one vote amongst six. Sometimes you win the day, sometimes you don’t. Your application of change is in small pieces, a little here, a little there. It comes from what you do to support this organization and those it cares for. 

Moving forward I definitely can’t make any outlandish promises, but I will make sure to be diligent in my work, truthful in my communications, and present when called upon. We have been blessed with great opportunities and I would like to maintain and grow them to honor the past, care for our present, and prepare for our future. 

Previous experience has taught me that we can be conservative enough to regard what is written for us but to remain open minded for future changes. Our issues are no different than any other and I would like to start making headway towards improving our housing, our employment, and our ever-present social issues. It’s clear that we need to come up with a more user-friendly policy to address the needs of the people and the community, the old cut and dry is not being effective. It’s true that none of this can be accomplished alone but putting the wheels in motion can get us closer to the bigger picture. 

It was an honor to be of service to you and the Tribe and it would be an honor to be of service again. I truly appreciate your support and encouragement and look forward to being your representative on the Tribal Council. 

Togwayak, 

Cedric J. Chavez  

CANDIDATE STATEMENT UNAVAILABLE

Marty M. Pinnecoose

Council Candidate