10 Years Ago: Pearl E. Casias made history April 13, 2011, when she was sworn in as the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s chairwoman, becoming the first woman ever to take the reins and lead the Tribe. She quickly named Councilman Mike Olguin her vice chairman and Andrew Frost her executive officer. Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Gary Hayes was present to honor Casias with a blanket and be the first tribal leader to shake her hand as chairwoman. This photo was first published in the April 22, 2011, issue of The Southern Ute Drum.

20 Years Ago: Aspen Baker musters enough courage to venture away from her father, Mel Baker, so she can grab her share of the sweet treasures offered at the annual Easter Egg Hunt staged on the front lawn of the Southern Ute Justice Complex on the morning of April 14, 2001. The Easter Egg Hunt was sponsored by the Southern Ute Police Department, Sky Ute Casino and Red Willow Production. This photo was published in the April 20, 2001, issue of The Southern Ute Drum.

30 Years Ago: Indian Health Services Director of Nursing, Lorraine Duran was the recipient of the Directors Award for Excellence in June of 1991 at a reception in Rockville, Maryland. This is one of the most prestigious awards presented in the Indian Health Services. This photo was published in the April 19, 1991, issue of The Southern Ute Drum.

40 Years Ago: Work began on the Race Track at the Sky Ute Downs. The level of the previous race track was not up to standards for hosting professional events. The Southern Ute construction crew and BIA roads crew were hard at work trying to get it level. This photo was published in the April 24, 1981, issue of The Southern Ute Drum.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | SU Drum archive

Photo Credit: Dave Brown | SU Drum archive

Photo Credit: SU Drum archive