GENERAL ELECTION
Christine Sage
Tribal Chairman Candidate
Maykw,
Hello, Southern Ute Indian Tribal membership,
My name is Christine Sage, I am running for the Chairman seat in the General Election on November 6, 2026. My main vision for our tribal membership is COMMUNICATION. Without communication there is no productivity. Being in office for the duration of 3 months has been my task of accomplishing many concerns that the Tribal membership are facing. The biggest concern is the communication that we face, I have established the communication to be present within our Tribal Council and our Tribal community. I have a forum for after Tuesday’s Council meetings the tribal membership can speak of their issues, their concerns, and these issues, concerns are being addressed through the Executive Office. Follow-up is an achievement that is present throughout these issues and concerns being heard.
I have many more important discussions that are being conducted with our committees, boards, and commissions. Along with our departments, having the Executive Office involved with our teams to ensure the best possible outcomes are met. Having an open-door policy, visits in person, answering messages both on the phones, and emails are a big part of my vision, COMMUNICATION.
Southern Ute Indian tribe needs to have the Tribal processes that has been gone for so long needs to be established into the Chairman’s office, following the Tribal Constitution and being held accountable. I value our Ute language, our culture, our traditions, and our youth the future of the Southern Ute Indian tribe and our people.
With your vote, I see our future of our tribe to be better served for all Southern Ute Indian tribal membership. There are many changes that need to be discussed and addressed. With your vote in the General Election, November 6, 2026. I have the experience, the resiliency, the honesty, the accountability that has been missing, and the communication to the Southern Ute Indian people.
YOUR VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD!!
VOTE FOR CHRISTINE SAGE I CAN GET YOUR ISSUES AND CONCERNS ADDRESSED!!
Togwayak,
Thank you!!
Christine Sage
GENERAL ELECTION
Marvin Pinnecoose
Tribal Chairman Candidate
Maykh, Nuuchiu.
My name is Marvin Pinnecoose. I am the son of Leona Red-Pinnecoose (egap) and Guy Pinnecoose Jr. (egap). I was born and raised on the Southern Ute Reservation and am a proud graduate of the Ignacio School District.
In 2023 and into 2024, I also brought about the concept of the 2% interest rate for the home loan program. Many people know me for being frugal with the endowment (Our financial future that I believe needs protection), but I also believe in appropriate spending. At 2% interest, tribal dollars will probably lose a little bit of value over a 25-to-30-year mortgage, but more importantly is that it gives an opportunity for an enrolled tribal member to buy a permanent home to pass down to their non-enrolled tribal children and their grandchildren. It’s the beginning of the bend to help envelop the descendants and beyond. It has seen over 100 applicants to the home loan program and plans are being made for future benefits and reach of this program. We need to start exploring this same mindset in education.
Though I have many more accomplishments to mention, this statement is to give a couple brief examples, tell you where I stand, and where I want to go. In terms of where I stand, my three main focuses on Tribal Council have been Financial Service & Products, Agricultural Revitalization, and Economic Development. Off reservation home loan lending is being explored to allow people to live anywhere in the country. The vehicle loan program is being redeveloped and should be coming back online soon. I was instrumental in securing over $4 million dollars in government assistance for the range program through an alternative funding arrangement through the U.S.D.A. We are also working on projects that will help drive revenue onto the reservation and allow people to spend money here instead of running off to Durango and Farmington. The Buckskin Charlie apartment units are part of my economic driver. The goal is to have multiple revenue streams that enhance tribal membership living, not just money. My vision is to be the reservation that other Native American visit and want to copy.
In 2025, as Vice-Chairman, I testified before the state of Colorado Senate and/or House of Representatives on four separate bills: HB25-1163 Free Access to State Parks, HB25-1266 American Indian Recognition Day, SB25-061 Construction of Laws Regarding Tribes, and SB25-009 Recognition of Tribal Court Orders. I prevailed on all of them. I served many months as Acting Chairman and know how to interact with city, county, state, and national representatives. I know how to work with the rest of Tribal Council to hear their point of view and respect their votes on what they believe. I always lean on my background of education, outside experiences, and confidence to help make rational decisions for our Tribe. I would appreciate your support to keep going forward and to continue representing our people as your Tribal Chairman.
Marvin Pinnecoose
GENERAL ELECTION
Hilda Burch
Tribal Council Candidate
Maykh Nuuchiu and Greetings, Southern Ute Tribal Members
Here I am again, Hilda M. Burch advocating for your vote on November 6, 2026. Let me be your voice for concerns, finding avenues of communications for those living off or on the reservation, and getting the youth involved for their future generations.
The Tribe has so much potential to be of service to the Tribal Membership but seems more focused on non-tribal wants. One area of interest is employment opportunities; the revision of the TERO Code includes 1st descendants of the Southern Ute Tribe for employment and Native American Owned Business. Another is adjudication for tribal members to assist them in gaining employment, helping them with the process of understanding the Expungement Code. And Economic Development and Small Business; have more training opportunities for those tribal members for career development, and entrepreneurship. Enhancing these areas then the tribe don’t need to contract outside companies; we should be training our own tribal membership.
Getting the quarterly General Meetings back on track per the Tribal Constitution, and to rotate the tribal entities to give their updates at those General Meetings. This gives the membership a better insight into what they are and not accomplishing pertaining to the service and structure of that entity and membership can ask questions for better clarification.
It’s true, our language is diminishing, our fluent knowledge keepers of our language are becoming fewer. But our language should continue to thrive within our homes, even if it’s counting, identifying objects, introducing ourselves and making small simple sentences. Let’s build those building blocks for our youth and our future. Let’s be proud of our language. Let’s be knowledge keepers and teachers of our cultural identity of our Ute language. We have the tools, we have the teachers, we have each other.
As a candidate for Tribal Council, I would be an asset and the driving force when it comes to helping you voice your concerns and ask those questions for clarification. Let’s be proud of who we are, where we come from and where we are going for the future of our membership. Again, let me be your voice-asking the questions for answers and how to better communicate to all tribal membership on or off the reservation.
Vote to preserve our cultural identity, language for our future leaders; our future generation of the Southern Ute Tribe.
Vote for Hilda M. Burch – I have the passion to advocate for tribal members’ needs and to communicate effectively.
GENERAL ELECTION
Melvin J. Baker
Tribal Council Candidate
To the Southern Ute Tribal Membership
Mique,
Good day, Tribal Members on and off the reservation. This is Melvin J. Baker.
I have decided to put my name in for a seat as a Tribal Council member. In May of 2026 after five and a half years as the elected Chairman I decided to step down for unforeseen circumstances due to the nature of my health. This was not an easy decision for me, but I knew the tribal membership was in good hands with the current Tribal Council and Vice Chairman Pinnecoose.
I have Fourteen and a half years of experience as a tribal leader. I have held the title of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Tribal Council Member and assisted the late Chairman “egap” Jimmy Newton Jr. in the Executive Office for a short time.
We must protect all of our investments, our Oil and Gas developments both on and off the reservation.
The Southern Ute Tribe is known as a leader in Indian country, and we must continue to maintain that status
I worked at the wood yard and at Sky Ute Downs as a labor and feeding the tribes buffalo herd.
I moved to Northern California and became a Wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service for 10- years on the Klamath National Forest. I was also selected to the Joint Apprentice of California firefighting academy.
Since 1995 I have worked for various departments of the tribe. The Conservation Crew, Building Maintenance, Construction Services, Mouache Capote Construction Company, Construction Project Management and Tribal Housing Department Director.
We need to continue our relationships with outside governments and other entities that we worked alongside with, as “egap” Chairman Leonard C. Burch would say our friends.
A few things I feel we need to take a look at:
The Constitution: The Constitution was approved November 4th, 1936, to administer tribal affairs. Times have changed and we need to adjust to the future.
Tribal Member Services: Are the current needs of the membership being met? I would like to propose that an overall evaluation of efficiency be done on all permanent fund departments.
Employment: Provide more opportunities for our younger tribal members by working with our HR department. Create more opportunities whether they have a degree or not.
Language, Culture, and Traditions: Time is of essence, because we do not have many of our elders left who have the knowledge of the of our Southern Ute Tribe. We need to capture all we can for our younger tribal members before it’s too late.
I want to thank all of our Veterans as well as those who are currently serving our country in the armed forces.
I ask for your continued support in this year’s general election. If you have any questions, please reach out to me.
In closing I want to thank each and every one of you who has supported me as a tribal leader over the past fourteen and a half years.
Toghoyaqh,
Melvin J. Baker
GENERAL ELECTION
Andrew Gallegos
Tribal Council Candidate
Southern Ute Tribal Membership,
My name is Andrew Gallegos, son of the late Robert C. Taylor and Elizabeth L. Gallegos. Raised in Ignacio, Colorado, I was greatly influenced by my grandparents, Mary Gallegos and Antonio J. “Tony” Gallegos. They instilled in me the importance of hard work, respect, responsibility, and the value of a dollar. These principles continue to guide my life and public service.
After graduating from Ignacio High School in 2011, I began my career with the Southern Ute Growth Fund. Over the years, I gained experience in Utilities, Natural Gas Operations, Construction Services, Heavy Equipment, and Grounds Maintenance.
As Grounds Maintenance Division Head, I managed budgets, operations, and a 15-person crew. I also oversaw departments within Property and Facilities, served on tribal advisory committees, and supported our Tribe’s COVID-19 response as Logistics Officer for the Incident Command Team.
In 2023, I was honored to be elected by our membership, becoming the second-youngest Tribal Council member in our Tribe’s history.
Throughout my term, I have focused on supporting our youth, strengthening tribal services, improving employment opportunities, and promoting economic stability.
My efforts have included:
Youth and Community: Supporting the Boys & Girls Club renovation, Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council, Royalty Committee, and rodeo working group.
Tribal Member Services: Advocating for improvements to Construction Services, expanded Custom Farms assistance, Buckskin Charlie Apartments, and increased August distributions.
Employment: Supporting tribal employment policy updates and implementing a new TERA code prioritizing first descendants.
Economic Development: Working with Growth Fund leadership to explore investments, diversify revenue, and strengthen long-term financial stability.
Financial Planning: Supporting a more predictable per capita adjustment process reflecting changes in the cost of living.
Water and Natural Resources: Protecting tribal water rights, promoting responsible energy development, and advocating for environmental stewardship.
Tribal Sovereignty: Supporting efforts to establish a Tribal Energy Resource
Agreement (TERA), strengthening tribal authority over energy development.
Government Services: Supporting tribal code updates, policy improvements, and opportunities to expand internet connectivity through outside funding.
I have represented our Tribe at state and federal levels, including testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources regarding challenges our Tribe faces in developing and managing resources such as natural gas.
By November 2026, I will have dedicated approximately 16 consecutive years of service to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
While progress has been made, important work remains. I remain committed to supporting our youth and elders, improving tribal services, protecting our natural resources, strengthening our economy, and ensuring our membership has a voice in decisions affecting our future.
I believe effective leadership requires accountability, dedication, transparency, and a willingness to listen. Every decision should reflect the best interests of our membership and future generations.
I respectfully ask for your continued support and your vote come November.
Thank you,
Andrew Gallegos
GENERAL ELECTION
Rudley Weaver
Tribal Council Candidate
Mique Nuuchiu,
Most Tribal Members know me as Rudley Weaver, or by my nickname, “Wood Tick.” I am part of the Weaver family and have lived most of my life on the Southern Ute Reservation but have also lived and owned a home off the reservation. Those experiences have given me an appreciation for our community, traditions, and the opportunities and challenges we face as Tribal Members.
I have always tried to serve our people and remain connected to the values that make us Nuuchiu. I am a Sun Dancer, Bear Dance Chief, and Gourd Dancer, and I speak and understand the Ute language. Our ceremonies, language, families, and connection to the land have always been important to me because they are the foundation of who we are.
My experience includes serving in the United States Navy, working as a Tribal Wildlife Conservation Officer, an Investigator for the Division of Gaming, a heavy equipment operator, a farmer, and a member of the HUD Board. Today, I continue my service on the Credit Committee and with the Southern Ute Veterans Association.
I believe good leadership begins with listening to our Membership and bringing people together to make decisions that honor our ancestors, serve our Membership today, and strengthen our Tribe for future generations.
As I listen to our Membership, three priorities stand out:
Public Safety
Many Tribal Members have shared concerns about drugs and crime affecting our Reservation. I support increasing law enforcement visibility, strengthening coordination between public safety and social service programs, and investing in prevention and intervention programs to keep our community safe.
Elder Care
As our Elders have carried on our traditions, language, and values, we have a responsibility to care for them. I support developing a Tribal Elder independent living facility and strengthening services that help Elders remain independent and connected to their families.
Land and Agriculture
Growing up, I watched our people farm and raise livestock, which instilled self-reliance, responsibility, and respect for our resources. I support agricultural programs, equipment-sharing opportunities, mentorship for young farmers, and greater use of Tribal lands to strengthen self-sufficiency, food production, and economic opportunity.
As we move forward, we must never lose sight of who we are as Nuuchiu. The teachings of our Elders, the strength of our families, our language, our ceremonies, and our connection to the land guide us every day.
I will uphold the Constitution of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, honor my Oath of Office, and lead with integrity, respect, and common sense. I do not have all the answers, but I believe our strength comes from working together. I welcome the opportunity to hear about the challenges you see facing our Tribe and the solutions you believe will help us move forward.
While one Council Member is only one vote, I promise to listen, work hard, act with integrity, and do my best to represent all Southern Ute Tribal Members fairly and respectfully.
May Grandfather bless you and your families throughout the year.
Rudley Weaver
Photo not available.