Newly elected Southern Ute Tribal Chairman Howard Richards Sr. recites the Oath of Office as administered by Tribal Court Chief Judge Elaine Newton in Rolling Thunder Hall on the morning of Dec. 17, 2002. This photo first appeared in the December 27, 2002, edition of the Southern Ute Drum.

Students from the Native American Youth Organization gave a performance for the audience at the Tribal Christmas Program. This photo first appeared in the December 31, 1982, edition of the Southern Ute Drum.

Gina Cox, Daphnee Washington (13), and Trisha Nix vie for position under the boards while Alberta Bison (55) looks on during an Ignacio High girls’ basketball game. This photo first appeared in the December 23, 1992, edition of the Southern Ute Drum.

For many young tribal members, Christmas means a visit from Santa Claus himself. On Saturday, Dec. 22, that wish came true for many of Ignacio’s youth as Old Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus welcomed them during the holiday program at the Sky Ute Casino Resort. The Southern Ute Royalty took a moment to stand together for a portrait with Santa during the tribal Christmas dinner, followed by many young boys and girls who took the opportunity to add their last-minute wishes to Santa’s list. This photo first appeared in the December 28, 2012, edition of the Southern Ute Drum.