We were proud to honor Ute Day 2025 at the Colorado Capitol on Thursday, April 3rd. This significant day provided an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the enduring government-to-government relationship between the State of Colorado and the sovereign Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Governor Polis recognized, in a proclamation and address, the state’s partnership and mutual respect with the Ute Nations.
The Kempe Foundation participated in this important occasion by standing in solidarity with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. We were pleased to support House Bill 25-1204, which provides additional protections for Indian children and children known to be Indian children under state law. This will also help strengthen the Colorado Indian Child Welfare Act (CO-ICWA), a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of American Indian tribes, families, and children within Colorado. By reinforcing the CO-ICWA, we are working to uphold the rights and best interests of tribal communities in child welfare matters.
The accompanying photo beautifully captures the spirit of the day, featuring esteemed members and leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe alongside dedicated state officials. This visual representation highlights the collaborative efforts and shared commitment to fostering a strong and respectful relationship and marks a positive step in this journey.
