Annual event honors the important relationship between the state of Colorado and the Ute Tribes
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, hosted the annual Ute Day at the Capitol, a day to honor the two Tribes with tribal nations in Colorado, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
“The relationship between the State and the Ute Tribes of Colorado is critical to ensuring that every Coloradan, especially members of tribal communities, can thrive. For generations, Colorado has had an open, productive, and beneficial relationship with tribal governments, and today, we celebrate those important connections and further strengthen our collaboration. I thank the tribal leaders and community members who traveled to the Capitol today to share experiences, collaborate on solutions, and continue our long legacy of respect and open dialogue,” said Governor Polis.
"Ute Day at the Capitol is a powerful reminder of the enduring presence, culture, and contributions of the Ute Tribes,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “As Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, I am honored to join Tribal leaders in strengthening our government-to-government relationships. Together, we are building a future that honors our shared past while creating new opportunities for generations to come."
"This day provides a valuable opportunity to foster greater understanding and strengthen the bonds between our Tribe and the State of Colorado. We welcome the chance for all to learn more about our Tribe, sovereignty, rich culture, and our ongoing commitment to self-determination, as we cultivate a strong working relationship with the State for the benefit of all,” shared Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
“We are honored and humbled to be recognized as the original inhabitants of the Rocky Mountains as the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, including all of our Ute people on April 3, 2025, in the State of Colorado for Ute Day,” said Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
The Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs serves as the official liaison between the State of Colorado, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The relationship between the State of Colorado and sovereign Tribal governments is founded on a strong government-to-government relationship. The Commission, chaired by Lt. Governor Primavera, ensures direct contact and meaningful engagement with the Tribes and American Indian/Alaska Native communities statewide. The Commission is committed to facilitating communication between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the other 46 Historic Tribes of Colorado, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities statewide, state agencies, and affiliated groups to positively impact the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native communities statewide.
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is the Weenuche band of the Ute Nation of Indians. Based in Towaoc, the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation is a Sovereign Nation home to approximately 2,000 residents. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is composed of two bands, the Mouache and Caputa. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has approximately 1,400 tribal members and is based in Ignacio.
###