House Republicans Response to the State of the Tribes
(Denver, CO - January 16, 2025) -- Today, the Colorado House Republican caucus would like to thank Chairman Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Chairman Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for their joint address to the Colorado General Assembly.
“Our caucus deeply respects the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as Colorado’s oldest inhabitants,” said Minority Leader Rose Pugliese. “We share many of the same priorities—ensuring healthy families, creating opportunities for our children, effective public safety systems, and building thriving communities free from the heavy burden of rising fees and taxes. We value and welcome the voices of our native tribes in this chamber and remain committed to working together on solutions that benefit both the tribes and all Colorado citizens.”
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe represent Colorado’s two remaining Indian nations. Broadly, the Ute people also inhabit Utah, Wyoming, Eastern Nevada, Northern New Mexico, and Arizona. Since 2023, both nations have annually addressed the joint general assembly.
“As Coloradans, we value sovereignty and mutual respect for our local governments. These values are synonymous within my district and both Ute nations. Without it, we are never truly free,” said Assistant Minority Leader Winter. “The Colorado House Republicans encourage our legislature to consult the effects of our work on the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe. What we do in this chamber directly influences rural and native lands. If our legislation is ambiguous, let us consult each other promptly. That is what responsible neighbors do.”
Minority Leader Pugliese and Assistant Minority Leader Winter both concluded that “our state’s historic disregard for the concerns of these nations, from wolves to economic development to natural resources, is disappointing. Just as we fight for a seat at the table for our members, we also encourage the voices of our native tribes to be heard.”
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