Health Benefits, Ute Vocational Ignacio, CO 81137 JULY 22, 2016 more updates school reunion Bulk Permit No. 1 Vol. XLVIII, No. 15 Official newspaper of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe For subscription or advertising information, call 970-563-0118 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 FREE $29 one year • $49 two year INSIDE THIS ISSUE Culture 3 The Health 4 Education 5 Sports 8 Voices 9 Southern Ute Drum Classifieds 11 JNC 2016 Youth honor past, look to future 2nd annual Jimmy Newton Jr. Conference who all got to learn about what the late chairman did on behalf of the youth, tribe and community. “I learned a lot from him,” Treasurer James M. Olguin said of his nephew, Jimmy. “Life is really short ... be caring and compas- sionate.” Elaine Newton, mother of Jimmy took the time to hon- or people who were special to Jimmy and helped him throughout his life. Among those recognized was the family of the late Orian Box. Box took Jimmy under his wing when Jimmy was Damon Toledo/SU Drum young and taught him about Elaine Newton comments on how her son, Jimmy Newton Jr. enjoyed helping the youth. Ute culture and traditions, By Sacha Smith day, July 20 and consisted membered for his love for Elaine said. THE SOUTHERN UTE DRUM of breakout sessions and children, culture and com- Jimmy’s relationship motivational speakers that munity. And it is with this with Box proved to be Students from the three all focused on this year’s conference that his vision of an example of this year’s Ute tribes, and other local theme, “Honoring the Past educating and supporting all theme. Jimmy was young Native youth, convened at for our Future”. children is being kept alive. when he became close to Ignacio High School to par- The conference has been “Jim was a big advocate the elder who taught him ticipate in a conference that held in remembrance of the for the youth,” Councilman about traditions and val- was focused on the youth late Southern Ute Tribal Alex S. Cloud said. “We ues. With Box’s teachings, and their futures. Chairman Jimmy R. New- want to keep carrying on the Jimmy was able to grow up The 2016 Jimmy Newton ton Jr., who passed away visions and dreams of Jim.” being involved with his cul- Trennie Collins/SU Drum Jr. Youth Leadership Con- while in office in 2014. This year’s conference Youth guest speaker, Jerrika Rarick tells the youth about ference was held Wednes- Chairman Newton is re- had about 150 attendees JNC 2016 page 7 why Chairman Jimmy Newton Jr. was her hero. KSUT GROWTH FUND Tribe announces new Graham named Executive Growth Fund directors Director of KSUT Staff report remarkable station.” Staff report KSUT “I think Tami will be a SU GROWTH FUND wonderful addition to the Tami Graham has been KSUT family,” said Nanae- Southern Ute Indian named Executive Direc- to. “She brings years of ex- Tribal Council confirmed tor of KSUT Public Radio, pertise in public radio and the hiring of two new KSUT Board of Directors the nonprofit world. We wel- directors of the Tribe’s President Maria Baker an- come her with open arms.” Growth Fund, the invest- nounced Thursday, July 7. “We are so excited to ment and diversification Graham brings an abun- have Tami Graham on board arm of the Tribe. The new dance of public, commu- as KSUT’s new Execu- directors, Albert Brown nity and college radio ex- tive Director,” added Rob and Patrick Vaughn, will perience stemming back to Rawls, Station Manager for assume operations respon- 1987, a wealth of knowl- KSUT’s Four Corners sig- sibilities for energy and edge about nonprofit fund- courtesy Chris Marona nal. “Tami has deep roots in non-energy businesses Albert Brown Patrick Vaughn raising and management, Tami Graham the region and is a respected within the Growth Fund’s and decades of community leader in Montezuma Coun- portfolio of companies, Officer of Red Willow cer of GF Properties Group, connections across the Four teners across the region.” ty and southwest Colorado. amid the retirement of Production Company and LLC. Vaughn has been Corners region. Graham will began her Her talents and connections longtime Operating Direc- its affiliates, will now be- instrumental in the devel- “Tami will bring leader- duties as Executive Director will be invaluable to KSUT tor, Bob Zahradnik. They come the Operating Direc- opment of Three Springs, ship and enthusiasm to the on Monday, July 18. She re- as we prepare for another 40 will also join the Growth tor – Energy. The Energy a large, mixed-used project Executive Director position places Interim Executive Di- years of public broadcasting Fund Management Com- Director will supervise en- in Durango and in many along with her extensive rector Sheila Nanaeto, who service to the Four Corners.” mittee that has overseen ergy-related Growth Fund other Growth Fund proj- knowledge of the commu- has served in that capacity Graham spent seven the development of the activities and investments. ects throughout the country. nity and surrounding ar- since February 10. Nanaeto years from 1990 to 1997 as Growth Fund since its in- Brown, who has been in- The Non-Energy Director eas,” said Baker. “Tami is will continue to serve as Sta- station manager at KDUR, ception in 2000. volved with the Growth will have primary respon- the perfect fit for KSUT.” tion Manager for KSUT’s Fort Lewis College’s com- The Growth Fund’s Fund since 2004, previ- sibility and oversight of the “It’s an exciting time Southern Ute Tribal Radio munity radio station. She successful expansion into ously served as Assistant non-energy investments and at KSUT,” Graham said. signal. She has served in that was also the longtime co- offshore energy invest- to the Operating Director operational activities of the “We’re celebrating our 40th capacity since 2009. host of “Good Dirt Radio,” ments and diverse real es- and as President of Red Growth Fund. anniversary of bringing “I would also like to which aired for 10 years tate holdings led the Trib- Cedar Gathering Com- Tribal Chairman Clem- quality public radio to the thank Sheila for stepping on a variety of stations al Council to replace the pany, a gas gathering and ent J. Frost stated, “We Four Corners and are excited into the Interim Executive across the region, including position being vacated by treating company operat- are pleased to announce at what the future holds for Director position to ensure KSUT. Since 2013, she has Bob Zahradnik with two ing within the Southern these management chang- us. KSUT’s programming a smooth transition,” said served as KSUT’s Capital new positions, “Growth Ute Indian Reservation. es, which are part of the reflects the unique diversity Baker. “It is the dedication Fund Operating Director The new Operating Di- Growth Fund’s ongoing and eclectic tastes of our lis- of staff that makes KSUT a KSUT page 8 – Energy” and “Growth rector – Non-Energy will succession planning pro- Fund Operating Director be Patrick S. Vaughn, who cess.” He added, “The – Non-Energy.” has been with the Growth talent and experience of TRIBAL NOTICE Albert Brown, who Fund since 2003 and cur- Albert and Patrick will currently serves as Presi- rently serves as President enable us to move suc- dent and Chief Operating and Chief Operating Offi- cessfully into the future.” LCB: New security protocol Staff report to receive a visitor’s badge. This will al- SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN TRIBE low employees to properly and securely General Meeting: conduct business for visitors and cus- Effective Tuesday, June 28, 2016, the tomers of the Tribe. Growth Fund & Leonard C. Burch (LCB) Building im- If you experience an issue with this plemented a new security protocol; this protocol, we ask that you report it to the Permanent Fund Financial Update is to ensure safety for all visitors and department you are conducting busi- employees. ness with. Visitors entering the building are We request your patience and under- July 28, 2016 • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Sky Ute Casino Event Center asked to utilize the North Entrance of standing while this process is being im- Lunch will be provided. the LCB and sign in on the Visitor’s Log plemented. Update July 22, 2016 waini (2) GAMING Many Moons Ago Drake retires after 23 years with tribe By Sacha Smith THE SOUTHERN UTE DRUM After nearly a quarter century serving the South- ern Ute Indian Tribe, Phil Drake, director of the tribe’s Division of Gaming is hang- ing his hat up for good. Drake will be leaving the reigns of the Division of Gaming to his apprentice, tribal member Matthew Box. Drake has mentored Box, over the last few years to ensure Box was ready to take over the role before he retired. Drake spent his time with the tribe working surveil- lance for the old casino and new Sky Ute Casino Resort. C. Pinnecoose/SU Drum archive He then accepted a position at the Division of Gaming 10 years ago and has been there ever since. Team Colorado members (not in order) Dominique Johnson, Genevieve Baker, “I always brag about the Arlene TallBull and Ashley Baker take a break in the action to pose for the camera. tribe ... the tribe deserves a lot of these accolades be- This photo first appeared in the July 21, 2006, edition of The Southern Ute Drum. cause they do gaming the Chris J. Cloud/SU Drum right way,” Drake said. Phil Drake holds up a personalized stirrup gifted to him by Staff came together on General Manager of Sky Ute Casino Resort, Charley Flagg Thursday, July 14 to say at a retirement party Thursday, July 14.