Colorado: Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera Celebrate Annual Ute Day at the Capitol

DENVER ~ Denver, CO - On March 20, 2026, the Colorado Capitol was filled with the vibrant colors and sounds of the Ute people as they celebrated their annual Ute Day. The event, hosted by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, in collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, aimed to honor and celebrate the two Tribes with jurisdiction in Colorado. The day also recognized their sister Tribe, the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray.

The opening ceremony featured performances by the Yellow Jacket Singers and the Ute Mountain Ute Veterans' Association. Lt. Governor Primavera, Southern Ute Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose, and Ute Mountain Ute Councilwoman Marilynn House delivered remarks highlighting the culture, contributions, and leadership of the Ute people who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his pride in the strong government-to-government relationships between the State of Colorado and its native Ute tribes. He emphasized that these partnerships are built on mutual respect and collaboration to ensure that all Coloradans can live strong and healthy lives full of opportunities in their beautiful state.

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As Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, Lt. Governor Primavera also spoke about her honor to support these government-to-government relationships with the Ute Tribes. She reflected on how important these partnerships are now and committed to strengthening them in the future. She also acknowledged that this was her final Ute Day at the Capitol during her administration with Governor Polis.

Southern Ute Tribal Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose shared that for them, this day is about visibility, respect, and partnership. It allows them to share not just their history but also their living culture, values, and commitment to future generations while affirming that the Utes remain a vital part of the state today and for generations to come.

Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilwoman Marilynn House expressed her gratitude to the Polis-Primavera administration for always thinking of the Ute Tribes and building a long-lasting relationship with them. She also emphasized that the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is always honored to be recognized by the state of Colorado and that they are resilient people who will continue to be here for generations.

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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. This relationship is founded on strong government-to-government respect and collaboration. Chaired by Lt. Governor Primavera, the Commission 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, 46 other 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 one of three bands of the Weenuche band of the Ute Nation of Indians. Their reservation in Towaoc is home to approximately 2,000 residents. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is composed of two bands, Mouache and Caputa, with approximately 1,400 Tribal members based in Ignacio.

As this year's celebration comes to an end, it serves as a reminder of the enduring culture, leadership, and contributions of the Ute people. The day also reaffirms their strong presence in Colorado and their commitment to preserving their traditions for future generations.

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