‘Color Us With Love’ returns to Ignacio

Friday - May 16, 2025 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum

Community youth show off their colorful attire, these young kids made it through a series of color stations before the grand finale of color rained down in SunUte Park. Pictured left to right – Gabriela Perez, Ana Naranjo, Gia Perez, Nena Perez, and Fabian Perez, Jr.

A dramatic and colorful – birds eye view of the participants during the “Color Us with Love” Color Run highlights the power of community, where local youth and their families came together to help raise awareness about child abuse.

Recreation Coordinator Elijah Weaver (left) and Recreation Manager Kelsey Frost (right) pose while preparing burgers for the Color Run participants after the run/walk.

Southern Ute Indian Montessori Acadamy PE Teacher, Gabriela Garcia mixes it up with the students during the annual “Color us with Love” Color Run event hosted by the Division of Social Services.

An explosion of color took place at SunUte Park at the end of the community Color Run, when participants released their packets of colorful dye in unison, creating a visually powerful statement.

Indigenous musical artist Mato Wayuhi was this year's special guest at the Color Run event. Wayuhi is the musical composer for the hit television series “Reservation Dogs.”

Kirsten Lopez puts her arms in the air as she runs through the Tribal Court’s Color Run booth.

Indigenous musical artist Mato Wayuhi gave a wonderful performance to attendees at the Color Run event. Wayuhi is the musical composer for the hit television series “Reservation Dogs.”

Participants of the Color Run gathered in the field at SunUte Park at the end of the run to throw large quantities of colored powder to celebrate finishing the run/walk.

Tribal Councilman Andrew Gallegos creates a purple fog for participants of the Color Run to run through.

SUPD Sargent, Joel Flaugh and Officer Wauneka grill burgers during the annual Color Run event.

Southern Ute Police Chief, Michael Barrow and Melinda Ortiz stand for a quick photo while grabbing grilled hamburgers, both participants got splashed with a wide assortment of bright colors during the Color Run.

Indigenous musical artist Mato Wayuhi was this year's special guest at the Color Run event. Wayuhi is the musical composer for the hit television series “Reservation Dogs.”