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Lt. Governor Primavera Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs

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DURANGO, CO — Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs (CCIA), joined Tribal leaders, state agency partners, former Commissioners, and community members at Fort Lewis College to celebrate the Commission's 50th anniversary. Since 1976, CCIA has worked to strengthen government-to-government relationships between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (SUIT) and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (UMUT), advance Tribal sovereignty, and foster collaboration between Tribal governments, the State, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. To commemorate the occasion, CCIA released its 50th Anniversary Report which chronicles five decades of partnership and progress between Tribal Nations and the State of Colorado.

"Today marks a monumental milestone for state-Tribal Relations in Colorado. It has been my honor to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. The Commission has served as a bridge, helping to strengthen government-to-government relationships, elevate Tribal voices, and ensure that American Indian/Alaska Native perspectives are reflected in state policies and programs. There has been significant growth over the last 50 years and I'm confident the progress we have achieved will carry State and Tribal relations forward, expand engagement with AI/AN communities, and ensure that future generations inherit stronger relationships than those we celebrate today," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

"As CCIA celebrates fifty years of service, we recognize the importance of this milestone and the foundation it represents. At the same time, there is more work to be done to fully meet the responsibility owed to the Ute Tribes. We are not comfortable with being 'one of many' tribes when discussions arise about the State Colorado. We (Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute) are the two federally recognized Tribes with established Reservations within the state. Our platform and our issues are on a government-to-government level, not mere residents. Our issues and our voice speak to our constituency who are proud citizens of this state as a Tribe. We do not have the luxury of having Tribal Reservations in other states. It is here where we call home. It is here where our voice and our actions demand action to remain the priority," said Southern Ute Tribal Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose.

"50 years ago the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe had the privilege to sit on the newly formed Commission of Indian Affairs. The Colorado House Bill #1213 recognizes the special government relationship and the unique political status between the elected officials of the state and the two residents of the Ute Indian Tribe of this great state of Colorado that we all call home. Many accomplishments have happened in the past 50 years, but there is still so much more to be done. It is gratifying to see the appointees working hard to achieve the goals of the two tribes. It is only by working together that these goals have and will be accomplished. I look forward to seeing the CCIA process and the goals that are achieved in 2026 and onward. Thank you for the last fifty years, now onward to the next fifty years," said Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Secretary Marilynn House.

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"Through the many years serving as At-Large Commissioner on the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, I'm honored to have helped bridge relationships between Colorado's two federally recognized Tribes and Native people throughout our state. I've had the privilege of working in national Tribal affairs for most of my career, and have been proud to support Native communities beyond Tribal lands, often as a volunteer. While we celebrate how far Tribal-State relations have come, there is still important work ahead to ensure Native communities across Colorado are heard, supported, and represented," said CCIA At-Large Commissioner Lucille Echohawk.

In recognition of the milestone, Governor Jared Polis issued a proclamation declaring 2026 as the "50th Anniversary of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs" in Colorado. The proclamation recognizes the Commission's role in strengthening government-to-government relationships, supporting Tribal sovereignty, and advancing collaboration between Tribal Nations and the State.

Established in 1976 by the Colorado General Assembly, CCIA serves as the official liaison between the State of Colorado, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and AI/AN communities statewide. Guided by a government-to-government approach that respects Tribal sovereignty, the Commission works to strengthen communication, consultation, and collaboration between Tribal Nations, state agencies, and community partners. Over the past 50 years, CCIA has worked to:
  • Strengthen government-to-government relationships between the State of Colorado and Tribal Nations through the evolution of formal Tribal consultation practices, interagency coordination, and expanded Tribal engagement across state government.
  • Elevate the visibility and recognition of Tribal Nations at the Colorado State Capitol, including permanently installing the flags of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation.
  • Advance policies that promote respect, representation, and cultural understanding, including the successful implementation of legislation prohibiting the use of American Indian mascots in Colorado public schools.
  • Support truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation around difficult chapters of Colorado's history, including Governor Polis' rescission of the unlawful 1864 proclamations issued by Territorial Governor John Evans, work to commemorate and educate the public about the Sand Creek Massacre.
  • Support ongoing efforts to investigate and make recommendations to address the lasting impacts of the federal Indian boarding school system.
  • Expand Tribal representation and participation in state decision-making by supporting Tribal appointments, advisory councils, commissions, annual Tribal addresses to the General Assembly, and other forums that ensure Tribal voices help shape Colorado's future.

As CCIA looks toward the future, the Commission remains committed to strengthening government-to-government relationships, honoring Tribal sovereignty, and ensuring Tribal and AI/AN voices continue to help shape Colorado's future.

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About the Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Maykh, the Ute people (Nuuchiu) are the longest continuous inhabitants of the region now known as Colorado, with ancestral homelands spanning the mountains and vast landscapes of present-day Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, eastern Nevada, and portions of northern New Mexico and Arizona. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign nation with a deep and enduring cultural heritage. Today, the Tribe is headquartered in southwestern Colorado, with the Reservation and administrative center located near Ignacio. Encompassing approximately 700,000 acres, the Southern Ute Indian Reservation features a diverse landscape that includes mountainous terrain, agricultural areas, and semi-arid lands. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe operates a sophisticated governmental and economic structure, overseeing entities such as the Growth Fund, Permanent Fund, Southern Ute Shared Services, and Sky Ute Casino Resort. Through strategic diversification and strong leadership, the Tribe has built a robust economy, becoming the largest employer in Southwest Colorado while maintaining an exceptional Triple-AAA credit rating. Learn more here.

About the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign nation headquartered in Towaoc, Colorado. The Tribe is comprised of the Weenuche Band of the Ute people, whose ancestral homelands span portions of present-day Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Governed by an elected Tribal Council, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is committed to preserving its lands, sovereignty, language, history, and culture while advancing economic opportunity, self-determination, and the well-being of Tribal members and future generations. Learn more here.

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